India to Attempt First Space Docking with SpaDeX Mission

ISRO's upcoming launch aims to position India among the few nations mastering satellite docking technology, advancing future space exploration goals.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will launch the Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) on December 30, 2024, at 9:58 PM from Sriharikota using the PSLV-C60 rocket.
SpaDeX will demonstrate the docking and undocking of two small satellites, SDX01 and SDX02, in low-Earth orbit, making India the fourth country to achieve this feat after the US, Russia, and China.
The mission will test indigenous technologies, including a patented docking mechanism and advanced navigation systems, critical for future lunar and interplanetary missions.
Post-docking, the satellites will separate to conduct independent research tasks, including high-resolution imaging, natural resource monitoring, and radiation measurement.
This milestone lays the groundwork for India's long-term space ambitions, such as a proposed Indian space station, lunar sample return missions, and human spaceflight programs.