Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launches Polar Satellite Launch vehicle (PSLV-C60) with two Space Docking Experiment (SpaDex) satellites and 24 other innovative payloads into orbit from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC), in Sriharikota on December 30, 2024.
| Photo Credit: ANI

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully undocked the SpaDex satellites.

In a post on March 13, ISRO stated: “Spadex Undocking Successful! Key sequence of events: SDX-2 extension successful Capture Lever 3 released as planned Capture Lever in SDX-2 disengaged Decapture command issued in SDX-1 & SDX-2 FINALLY, SUCCESSFUL UNDOCKING!”

On January 16, ISRO had successfully executed the SpaDeX docking experiment, making India the fourth country after the U.S., Russia and China to achieve this historic feat.

The two satellites SDX01 (Chaser) and SDX02 (Target), which were launched by the PSLV C60 on December 30, 2024 were successfully docked on January 16.

Following this historical feat, the space agency had said that the undocking would be carried out in the coming days.

The SpaDeX mission is an important project by ISRO. It is designed to develop and demonstrate the technology needed for spacecraft rendezvous, docking and undocking using two small satellites.

The demonstration of this technology is essential for futuristic missions, such as sending an Indian astronaut on the Moon, sample return from the Moon, the building and operation of the Indian Space Station.

The other objectives of the mission include demonstration of the transfer of electric power between the docked spacecraft, which is essential for future applications, such as in-space robotics, composite spacecraft control and payload operations after undocking.

Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Jitendra Singh confirmed the undocking experiment executed by ISRO.

“Congrats team #ISRO. And heartening for every Indian ! #SPADEX Satellites accomplished the unbelievable De-Docking… This paves the way for smooth conduct of ambitious future missions including the Bharatiya Antriksha Station, Chandrayaan 4 & Gaganyaan. PM Sh  @narendramodi ’s continuous patronage keeps the spirits soaring.” the Minister posted on X.