Isro successfully docks SpaDeX satellites in space, advancing future missions

The Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) successfully docked its SpaDeX satellites in space on January 16, 2025. This achievement makes India the fourth country to have in-space docking capabilities, joining the U.S., Russia, and China. The SpaDeX mission involved two satellites, SDX01 and SDX02, which were launched on December 30, 2024. After overcoming technical challenges and delays, the satellites successfully aligned and docked after closing a distance of 1.5 km to just 3 meters. This docking is a significant step for India's future space missions, including the upcoming Chandrayaan-4 lunar mission. It demonstrates Isro's engineering capabilities and supports plans for more complex missions, including potential crewed missions to the Moon.