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Home / UPSC Editorials / ISRO’s SpaDeX Mission

ISRO’s SpaDeX Mission: Full Form, Objectives & Space Docking UPSC Notes

Last Updated on May 19, 2025
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Context: ISRO succeeds in carrying out its technology test of the docking process as part of its SpaDeX mission using PSLV-C60 from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre on 30 December, 2024. This acts as a starting point for a host of next-generation space missions, most of which would be interplanetary, satellite servicing missions, and even space stations.

Read the editorial on the Future ISRO Missions!

Analysis based on 

Editorial Gates in the sky: On ISRO and SpaDeX published in The Hindu on January 17th, 2025

Topics for UPSC Prelims

ISRO, Satellite Launch Vehicle Program, Docking Technology, Space Technology, Interplanetary missions

Topics for UPSC Mains

Importance of international cooperation in space exploration, 

What is Space Docking?

Space docking refers to the precise connection between two spacecraft orbiting at extremely high speeds—around 28,000 km/h. It demands ultra-accurate positioning, real-time control, and seamless integration. The USSR achieved the first successful docking in 1967 with Kosmos 186 and 188. Today, SpaDeX Mission ISRO Space Docking reflects India’s growing capability to handle such complex maneuvers, proving ISRO’s increasing technological confidence.

Significance of the SpaDeX Mission ISRO Space Docking

The following are the importance of the SpaDeX mission:

Mission Components

  • Two specially designed satellites acted as “Chaser” and “Target” to perform docking in low Earth orbit.
  • The fourth stage of PSLV served as an orbital platform carrying 24 experimental payloads, including research in areas like plant germination in space.
  • The mission not only demonstrated docking but also symbolized multi-dimensional innovation and experimentation.

Technological Breakthroughs

The SpaDeX Mission ISRO Space Docking experiment was loaded with several technological firsts:

  • Power exchange between satellites post-docking.
  • Successful aborting and re-attempting of docking when required, ensuring safety.
  • Conservation of fuel while still making multiple attempts demonstrates ISRO's efficiency.

Complexity of Operations

  • Satellite drift had to be controlled and subsequent initialization had to be made multiple times.
  • Demonstrated precision in data acquisition and systematic testing, which testifies to the technological sophistication of ISRO.

Read the article on the Launch Vehicles of ISRO!

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Why SpaDeX Mission ISRO Space Docking Matters for Future Missions

Docking Technology plays an excellent role in space missions through the following points:

Better Capabilities for the Mission

  • This assembles larger spacecraft in orbit; thus, payload restrictions for rockets will not arise.
  • It assists in interplanetary missions which have more payloads; Mars-type missions.
  • It is crucial for ambitious projects such as the Chandrayaan-4 lunar sample return mission.

Long-duration spaceflight

  • Orbital resupply missions and satellite servicing would require it.
  • It will be useful for crewed missions like those to Mars and new industries such as space mining.

Space Station Development

  • SpaDeX Mission ISRO Space Docking forms the core technology required for operating the planned Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS).
  • It will support crew transfer, resupply, and sustainability in long-term orbital missions.

Read the article on the Indian Space Policy 2023!

Way Forward

  • Articulating a Vision for BAS: How is Bharatiya Antariksh Station contributing to the global effort to explore space while focusing on teamwork and innovation.
  • Complementary technology development for long-duration space flight: This shall include technologies of life support, propulsion, and autonomous docking
  • Affordable Mission: Docking operations to be made cost-effective so that one can continue sustainable exploration without undermining the credibility of ISRO due to missions cheaply acquired.
  • Workforce Development: Produce a highly quality workforce to meet the intricacies of docking operations and other sophisticated space missions.
  • International Cooperation: Strengthen coordination with other international space agencies and private organizations for the quicken pace of technology development and delivery of the mission.

    • Advanced technology investments, coordination across the globe, and the expertise are what India needs in order to take a position like a global leader in space. With a proper vision and constant efforts, ISRO has all the promises of redefining future trends in space research and entrenching India's space prowess into the community of nations across the world.

    Read the article on the Indian Spacecraft!

    We hope your doubts regarding the topic have been addressed after going through editorial. Succeed in your UPSC IAS exam preparations by downloading the Testbook App here!

    UPSC Practice Question

    ISRO's mastery of docking technology represents not just a technical achievement but a strategic capability enabler for India's space ambitions. Examine this statement while discussing the opportunities ahead. (250 words, 15 marks)

    Previous Year Question

    Q.1 Which of the following statements about ISRO's SpaDeX mission is correct?

    A) SpaDeX was launched using the GSLV Mk III vehicle in December 2024
    B) It involves docking and undocking experiments using two small spacecraft
    C) The mission's primary goal is to study the Martian atmosphere
    D) SpaDeX aims to deploy a constellation of communication satellites

    Answer: B) It involves docking and undocking experiments using two small spacecraft

    Explanation: The SpaDeX (Space Docking Experiment) mission is intended to test in-orbit docking and undocking capabilities using two mini-satellites — typically termed "Chaser" and "Target."

    Q.2 Consider the following statements regarding the SpaDeX mission:

    1. It aims to demonstrate in-space docking technology.
       
    2. "Orbiter" and "Lander" are the names given to the two spacecraft in the SpaDeX mission.
       
    3. The Chandrayaan-4 mission will benefit from the SpaDeX mission.
       

    Which of the statements given above are correct?

    A) 1 and 2 only
    B) 2 and 3 only
    C) 1 and 3 only
    D) 1, 2, and 3

    Answer: C) 1 and 3 only

    Explanation:

    • Statement 1 is correct — SpaDeX’s main goal is to develop and demonstrate space docking technology.
       
    • Statement 2 is incorrect — the two spacecraft are known as “Chaser” and “Target,” not Orbiter and Lander.
       
    • Statement 3 is correct — docking tech will be crucial for future lunar missions like Chandrayaan-4.
       
More Articles for UPSC Editorials

ISRO’s SpaDeX Mission UPSC FAQS

ISRO Spadex aims to validate space docking experiment Spadex, helping future missions under ISRO Drishti IAS and human spaceflight ambitions.

As per latest ISRO docking news, Spadex docking date is aligned with PSLV C60 launch for India’s first space docking trial.

ISRO Spadex tests critical space docking technology; understanding what is Spadex mission aids ISRO Drishti IAS and advanced orbital operations

Spadex mission is ISRO’s India space docking mission, testing space docking technology using ISRO Spadex satellites docking via PSLV C60 rocket.

Docking meaning in space is joining spacecraft mid-orbit; Spadex docking tests this space docking experiment using ISRO Spadex satellite docking system.
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