{"id":24358,"date":"2025-01-16T18:11:33","date_gmt":"2025-01-16T12:41:33","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/localhost\/current-affairs\/2025\/01\/16\/isro-achieves-major-milestone-with-successful-spacex-mission-9168\/"},"modified":"2026-11-03T10:07:25","modified_gmt":"2026-11-03T10:07:25","slug":"isro-achieves-major-milestone-with-successful-spacex-mission-9168","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.class24.study\/current-affairs\/isro-achieves-major-milestone-with-successful-spacex-mission-9168\/","title":{"rendered":"ISRO Achieves Major Milestone with Successful SpaceX Mission"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The ISRO SpaDeX Mission has marked a historic achievement in India&#8217;s space exploration journey. On 16 January 2025, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully demonstrated the docking of two satellites in Earth&#8217;s orbit. With this achievement, India became the fourth country in the world to demonstrate space docking technology, after the United States, Russia and China.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">SpaDeX stands for Space Docking Experiment. The mission was launched on 30 December 2024 using the PSLV-C60 rocket from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota. It involved two specially developed satellites, SDX01 (Chaser) and SDX02 (Target), designed to demonstrate rendezvous, docking and undocking operations in space.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">This achievement is important for India&#8217;s future space programmes, including the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS), Gaganyaan and Chandrayaan-4. It will also support future satellite servicing, orbital assembly and other advanced space exploration activities.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Key Highlights of ISRO SpaDeX Mission<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Mission Name: Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Conducted By: Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Launch Date: 30 December 2024<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Launch Vehicle: PSLV-C60<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Launch Location: Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Satellites: SDX01 and SDX02<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">First Successful Docking: 16 January 2025<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Successful Undocking: 13 March 2025<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Second Successful Docking: 20 April 2025<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Power Transfer Demonstration: 21 April 2025<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Major Achievement: India became the fourth country to demonstrate space docking technology.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>What is the ISRO SpaDeX Mission?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">SpaDeX, or Space Docking Experiment, is an ISRO technology demonstration mission developed to test the ability of two small spacecraft to approach and connect with each other while orbiting Earth.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">In simple terms, space docking is similar to connecting two moving vehicles. However, performing this operation in space is much more complicated because both spacecraft travel at high speeds and must maintain extremely accurate positions and velocities.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The SpaDeX mission was designed to demonstrate these operations using two independently operating satellites.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The main purpose was to develop indigenous technology for rendezvous, docking and undocking. These capabilities are essential for future missions involving space stations, lunar exploration, satellite servicing and human spaceflight.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Important Features of the SpaDeX Mission:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Demonstrated indigenous space docking technology.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Used two small satellites weighing approximately 220 kg each.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Tested autonomous rendezvous and docking operations.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Demonstrated electrical power transfer between docked spacecraft.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Tested the ability to undock and operate satellites independently.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Developed important technologies for India&#8217;s future space exploration programmes.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Important Details of the SpaDeX Mission<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The following table provides the major technical and operational details of the mission.<\/span><\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Particulars<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Details<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Full Form<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Space Docking Experiment<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Mission Name<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">SpaDeX<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Space Agency<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">ISRO<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Launch Date<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">30 December 2024<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Launch Vehicle<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">PSLV-C60<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Launch Site<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Satellite 1<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">SDX01<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Satellite 2<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">SDX02<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">SDX01 Role<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Chaser<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">SDX02 Role<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Target<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Satellite Mass<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Approximately 220 kg each<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Planned Orbit<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">470 km circular orbit<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Orbit Inclination<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">55 degrees<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">First Docking<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">16 January 2025<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Undocking<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">13 March 2025<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Second Docking<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">20 April 2025<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Power Transfer<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">21 April 2025<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Mission Organisation<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">ISRO<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2><b>PSLV-C60: Launch Vehicle Used for the SpaDeX Mission<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The SpaDeX mission was launched on 30 December 2024 using the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C60).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">PSLV is one of India&#8217;s most important and reliable launch vehicles. It has played a major role in launching Indian and international satellites into different Earth orbits.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">For this mission, PSLV-C60 carried two SpaDeX satellites along with the PSLV Orbital Experimental Module (POEM-4).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The launch vehicle successfully placed the satellites into their intended orbital configuration, allowing ISRO to begin the planned rendezvous and docking experiments.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Important Facts About PSLV-C60:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">PSLV stands for Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">PSLV-C60 was used for the SpaDeX mission.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The mission launched two small spacecraft.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">It also carried POEM-4 with 24 experimental payloads.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The launch took place from Sriharikota on 30 December 2024.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>SDX01 and SDX02: Two Satellites of the SpaDeX Mission<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The SpaDeX mission involved two specially designed satellites. Both satellites performed different roles during the docking experiment.<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><b> SDX01 \u2013 Chaser Satellite<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">SDX01 was designated as the Chaser satellite. Its primary responsibility was to approach the target satellite and perform the docking operation.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">It used navigation sensors, communication systems and propulsion technology to control its movement relative to the target spacecraft.<\/span><\/p>\n<ol start=\"2\">\n<li><b> SDX02 \u2013 Target Satellite<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">SDX02 was designated as the Target satellite. It provided the spacecraft with which the Chaser satellite had to establish a connection.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">It was equipped with the necessary systems to support rendezvous, navigation and docking experiments.<\/span><\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Satellite<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Designation<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Main Function<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">SDX01<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Chaser<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Approaches and docks with the target<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">SDX02<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Target<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Acts as the spacecraft to be approached<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Both satellites were equipped with indigenous technologies developed to demonstrate India&#8217;s space docking capabilities.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>How Did the Space Docking Process Work?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Space docking requires extremely accurate coordination between two spacecraft. They must approach each other at controlled speeds and maintain the correct alignment before connecting.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The SpaDeX mission demonstrated this process through several important stages.<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><b> Launch and Satellite Separation<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">On 30 December 2024, PSLV-C60 launched SDX01 and SDX02 into space. Both satellites were deployed into their planned orbit and began their independent operations.<\/span><\/p>\n<ol start=\"2\">\n<li><b> Rendezvous Operation<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Rendezvous is the process of bringing two spacecraft close to each other while controlling their relative speed and position.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The two SpaDeX satellites gradually reduced their separation through carefully planned orbital manoeuvres.<\/span><\/p>\n<ol start=\"3\">\n<li><b> Relative Navigation<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The spacecraft used specialised sensors and navigation systems to measure their relative position, distance and movement.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">These measurements helped the Chaser satellite determine how to approach the Target safely.<\/span><\/p>\n<ol start=\"4\">\n<li><b> Close Approach<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Chaser satellite gradually approached the Target through different holding points.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The distance between the satellites was reduced in stages, including 15 metres and 3 metres, before the final docking operation.<\/span><\/p>\n<ol start=\"5\">\n<li><b> Successful Docking<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">On 16 January 2025, ISRO successfully completed the docking of SDX01 and SDX02.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The two spacecraft connected through their docking mechanisms and demonstrated India&#8217;s capability to perform an advanced orbital operation.<\/span><\/p>\n<ol start=\"6\">\n<li><b> Undocking Operation<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">On 13 March 2025, ISRO successfully undocked the two satellites.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">This experiment demonstrated that the spacecraft could safely separate after docking and continue their independent operations.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Major Objectives of the SpaDeX Mission<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The primary objective of the SpaDeX mission was to develop and demonstrate the technology required for autonomous rendezvous, docking and undocking of two small spacecraft.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Apart from its primary objective, the mission included several important technological demonstrations.<\/span><\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Objective<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Explanation<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Rendezvous<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Bringing two spacecraft close to each other<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Docking<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Connecting two spacecraft in orbit<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Undocking<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Separating docked spacecraft safely<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Power Transfer<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Transferring electrical power between connected satellites<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Relative Navigation<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Measuring the relative position and velocity of spacecraft<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Autonomous Operations<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Performing docking-related activities with onboard control systems<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Payload Operations<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Operating scientific payloads after undocking<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">An important achievement was the successful demonstration of electrical power transfer between the two satellites on 21 April 2025.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">During this experiment, ISRO successfully operated a heater element on one satellite using electrical power supplied by the other satellite. The power transfer was demonstrated in both directions.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">This technology will be useful for future in-space robotics, satellite servicing and other advanced orbital operations.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>POEM-4: 24 Experimental Payloads in the SpaDeX Mission<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Another important component of the PSLV-C60 mission was POEM-4.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">POEM stands for PSLV Orbital Experimental Module. It uses the spent fourth stage of the PSLV rocket as an experimental platform for conducting scientific and technological experiments in microgravity conditions.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Normally, the spent upper stage of a rocket may become space debris after completing its primary mission. However, ISRO converted the PSLV fourth stage into a platform for additional scientific experiments.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">POEM-4 carried a total of 24 experimental payloads.<\/span><\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Category<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Number of Payloads<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">ISRO and Department of Space Centres<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">14<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Non-Government Entities (NGEs)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">10<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Total Payloads<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">24<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">These experiments covered several areas of scientific research and technology development, including:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Space robotics and robotic manipulators.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Green propulsion systems.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Artificial Intelligence applications.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Microgravity experiments.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Advanced sensors and navigation technologies.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Space communication systems.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Biological and plant growth experiments.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Synthetic Aperture Radar technology.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">POEM-4 provided an opportunity for research institutions, startups and academic organisations to test their technologies in the space environment.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">It successfully completed its experimental mission and re-entered Earth&#8217;s atmosphere on 4 April 2025 at 08:03 IST over the Indian Ocean.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Why Is Space Docking Technology Important for India?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Space docking technology is an essential capability for countries planning advanced space exploration missions.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Many future missions will require multiple spacecraft or modules to work together. Instead of launching all components together, different parts can be launched separately and connected in orbit.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The SpaDeX mission has created an important technological foundation for India&#8217;s future space programmes.<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><b> Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS)<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">India plans to develop its own space station, known as the Bharatiya Antariksh Station.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Space docking technology will be essential for connecting different modules, spacecraft and cargo vehicles with the space station.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">It will also support the transportation of astronauts, equipment and supplies.<\/span><\/p>\n<ol start=\"2\">\n<li><b> Gaganyaan Human Spaceflight Programme<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Gaganyaan programme aims to demonstrate India&#8217;s human spaceflight capabilities.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Advanced docking technology can support future crewed missions by allowing spacecraft to connect with orbital structures and other space vehicles.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">It will also help ISRO develop important technologies required for more advanced human space exploration.<\/span><\/p>\n<ol start=\"3\">\n<li><b> Chandrayaan-4 Mission<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Chandrayaan-4 is India&#8217;s planned lunar sample-return mission.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The mission involves complex operations and multiple spacecraft components. Space docking technology can support the joining of spacecraft modules and the transfer of materials during future lunar missions.<\/span><\/p>\n<ol start=\"4\">\n<li><b> Satellite Servicing and Refuelling<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Space docking can support future satellite servicing operations.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Specially designed spacecraft may approach satellites to perform activities such as:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Refuelling satellites.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Repairing damaged components.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Replacing selected equipment.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Extending the operational life of satellites.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Supporting the removal of space debris.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ol start=\"5\">\n<li><b> Reduction in Mission Costs<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Docking technology can allow different spacecraft components to be launched separately and assembled in orbit.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">This approach may provide greater flexibility in planning large and complex space missions.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">It can also help reduce dependence on launching a complete spacecraft in a single mission.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Countries That Have Demonstrated Space Docking Technology<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">With the successful SpaDeX mission, India became the fourth country to demonstrate space docking technology.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Before India, the United States, Russia and China had demonstrated this advanced capability.<\/span><\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Country<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Space Docking Achievement<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">United States<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Demonstrated docking through early crewed spaceflight and orbital missions<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Russia (Former Soviet Union)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Demonstrated docking through Soyuz and space station programmes<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">China<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Demonstrated docking through its human spaceflight and space station programmes<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">India<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Demonstrated docking through the SpaDeX mission in January 2025<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">This achievement represents an important development in India&#8217;s position in the global space technology sector.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Important Timeline of the ISRO SpaDeX Mission<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The following timeline highlights the major events associated with the mission.<\/span><\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Date<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Event<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">30 December 2024<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">PSLV-C60 successfully launched the SpaDeX satellites<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">16 January 2025<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">First successful docking of SDX01 and SDX02<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">13 March 2025<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Successful undocking of the two satellites<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">20 April 2025<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Second successful docking<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">21 April 2025<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Successful demonstration of electrical power transfer<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">4 April 2025<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">POEM-4 safely re-entered Earth&#8217;s atmosphere<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2><b>ISRO SpaDeX Mission: Important Questions for Competitive Exams<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The following facts are useful for SSC, RRB, UPSC, State PCS and other government examinations.<\/span><\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Question<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Answer<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">What is the full form of SpaDeX?<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Space Docking Experiment<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Which organisation conducted the SpaDeX mission?<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">ISRO<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">When was the SpaDeX mission launched?<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">30 December 2024<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Which launch vehicle was used?<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">PSLV-C60<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Where was the mission launched from?<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Sriharikota<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">What were the names of the two satellites?<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">SDX01 and SDX02<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Which satellite was the Chaser?<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">SDX01<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Which satellite was the Target?<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">SDX02<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">When was the first successful docking completed?<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">16 January 2025<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">When was the first successful undocking completed?<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">13 March 2025<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">When was the second docking completed?<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">20 April 2025<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">When was power transfer demonstrated?<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">21 April 2025<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">How many countries had demonstrated space docking technology after India&#8217;s achievement?<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Four<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Which three countries demonstrated docking before India?<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">USA, Russia and China<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">What is the full form of POEM?<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">PSLV Orbital Experimental Module<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">How many payloads were carried by POEM-4?<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">24<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">How many POEM-4 payloads came from ISRO\/DOS?<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">14<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">How many POEM-4 payloads came from Non-Government Entities?<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">10<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">What is the primary purpose of space docking?<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Connecting two spacecraft in orbit<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2><b>Conclusion<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The ISRO SpaDeX Mission is a major milestone in India&#8217;s space exploration programme. By successfully demonstrating the docking and undocking of two satellites, India became the fourth country in the world to demonstrate this advanced technology.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The mission also demonstrated indigenous navigation systems, autonomous spacecraft operations and electrical power transfer between docked satellites.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Its importance extends beyond a single technological experiment. Space docking will play a significant role in India&#8217;s future plans, including the Bharatiya Antariksh Station, Gaganyaan, Chandrayaan-4 and satellite servicing missions.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The successful completion of SpaDeX has strengthened India&#8217;s technological capabilities and created a foundation for more complex space exploration missions in the coming years.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>ISRO has recently made India the fourth country in the world to do spacecraft docking technology by recently completing the Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX). This has been achieved by putting two small satellites into orbit through docking a milestone in India&rsquo;s space exploration. The critical trajectories for the mission were achieved through the successful launch [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":26067,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[13],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-24358","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-technology"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.class24.study\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24358","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.class24.study\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.class24.study\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.class24.study\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.class24.study\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=24358"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.class24.study\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24358\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":28995,"href":"https:\/\/www.class24.study\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24358\/revisions\/28995"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.class24.study\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/26067"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.class24.study\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=24358"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.class24.study\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=24358"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.class24.study\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=24358"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}