In a historic achievement for India’s space exploration, ISRO successfully executed its first satellite docking maneuver on Thursday, January 16. This landmark event paves the way for future missions, including Chandrayaan-4 and India’s proposed space station.
The maneuver was controlled from the ISRO Telemetry, Tracking, and Command Network (ISTRAC) in Bengaluru. ISRO completed a series of precision steps, culminating in the successful docking of two satellites at an orbital altitude of 475 km.
“Docking was initiated with precision, leading to successful spacecraft capture, retraction, and stabilization,” ISRO stated. Following the docking, the agency demonstrated control over the joined satellites as a single unit, preparing for undocking and power transfer tests.
This achievement places India on the path to joining the elite club of nations—comprising the US, Russia, and China—that have mastered space docking technology. However, ISRO plans further docking tests to refine the process.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the milestone, calling it a “significant stepping stone for India’s ambitious space missions.” Union Minister Jitendra Singh highlighted the success of the indigenous “Bharatiya Docking System,” noting its importance for future missions like Chandrayaan-4 and Gaganyaan.
The mission, part of the Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) launched on December 30, saw careful planning and execution. After initial delays due to validations and abort scenario simulations, the satellites closed distances through gradual maneuvers, monitored at every stage.
ISRO employed an innovative petal-based docking system, adhering to international docking standards. Over several days, the spacecraft transitioned from a distance of 1.5 km to 230 meters, and finally to 15 meters before achieving docking.
The operation underscores the complexity of space docking, a technology previously mastered by only three other nations. ISRO’s success is a testament to India’s growing capabilities in space technology and its ambitious future endeavors.
