ISRO successfully undocks SpaDeX satellites in the first attempt, completing docking–undocking demonstration
ISRO undocked the two SpaDeX satellites, SDX-01 (Chaser) and SDX-02 (Target), in its very first attempt at about 09:20 IST on 13 March 2025, in a 460 km circular orbit.
Summary
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) undocked the SpaDeX (Space Docking Experiment) satellites in the first attempt at about 09:20 IST on 13 March 2025. The satellites had been docked on 16 January 2025. Undocking took place in a 460 km circular orbit with 45-degree inclination, and both satellites are now orbiting independently in normal health. An opportunity window from 10 to 25 March had been found feasible, and operations were monitored from ground stations in Bengaluru, Lucknow and Mauritius. ISRO said it has now demonstrated all capabilities for rendezvous, docking and undocking in a circular orbit — needed for Chandrayaan-4, Gaganyaan and the Bharatiya Antariksh Station.
Key facts
- Undocking
- 13 March 2025, ~09:20 IST, first attempt
- Satellites
- SDX-01 (Chaser), SDX-02 (Target)
- Orbit
- 460 km circular, 45° inclination
- Docked on
- 16 January 2025
- Ground stations
- Bengaluru, Lucknow, Mauritius
- Future use
- Chandrayaan-4, Gaganyaan, Bharatiya Antariksh Station
Practice MCQs 4 questions
On which date did ISRO successfully undock the SpaDeX satellites?
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Correct answer: D — 13 March 2025
ISRO undocked the SpaDeX satellites at about 09:20 IST on 13 March 2025; they had been docked on 16 January 2025.
In what orbit did the SpaDeX undocking take place on 13 March 2025?
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Correct answer: D — 460 km circular orbit, 45° inclination
ISRO said the undocking took place in a 460 km circular orbit with 45-degree inclination.
Which of the following was NOT among the ground stations that monitored the SpaDeX undocking?
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Correct answer: A — Port Blair
ISRO said the operations were monitored from ground stations at Bengaluru, Lucknow and Mauritius.
Consider the following statements about ISRO's SpaDeX undocking: 1. It succeeded only on the second attempt after an aborted try on 10 March 2025. 2. With it, ISRO said it had demonstrated all capabilities required for rendezvous, docking and undocking in a circular orbit. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Statement 1 is wrong: ISRO undocked the satellites in the very first attempt on 13 March; 10–25 March was only the feasible window. Statement 2 is correct.