Context: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully accomplished the pivotal operation of undocking of SpaDex satellites in the very first attempt on March 13, 2025.
Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: About Space Docking Experiment (SpaDex); Space Docking & Undocking.
SpaDex Undocking
- Undocking:
- The undocking process culminated in the separation of the SDX-01 (Chaser) and SDX-02 (Target) satellites, which were launched on December 30, 2024, using Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV)-C60 from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.
- Earlier, these two satellites were successfully docked (joined together) in January.
- The undocking operation was conducted in a 460 km circular orbit with a 45-degree inclination.
- Satellite Status: Post-undocking, the satellites are orbiting independently, and their health remains normal. The operations were monitored through ground stations located in Bengaluru, Lucknow, and Mauritius.
Significance:
- Successful completion of both docking and undocking makes India the fourth country in the world — after the United States, Russia, and China — to have this capability.
- It paves the way for smooth conduct of ambitious future missions including the Bharatiya Antriksha Station, Chandrayaan 4 and Gaganyaan.
Also Read: ISRO achieves Space Docking: SpaDeX Mission