SpaDeX Mission: Industry Achieves Milestone with Two Satellites Built Independently Under ISRO Guidance
The launch of two satellites for the Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) has marked a groundbreaking achievement for the Indian space industry. The two spacecraft—SDX01 (chaser) and SDX02 (target)—were entirely developed, integrated, and tested by Ananth Technologies Limited (ATL) under the guidance of engineers from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). This milestone highlights the growing capabilities of India’s private space sector in contributing to complex satellite missions.
Each satellite, weighing 220 kg, was placed in a 476 km circular orbit by the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C60) on Monday night. Speaking about this significant development, U R Rao Satellite Centre (URSC) Director M. Shankaran described the launch as a “trailblazer” for the industry.
“For the first time, large satellites have been realized independently by the industry. The integration and testing of these two satellites represent a paradigm shift in how the space sector operates,” Shankaran said. He added that this achievement sets the stage for more such initiatives by the private sector, signaling a transformation in India’s approach to satellite manufacturing and space exploration.
The Assembly, Integration, and Testing (AIT) of the satellites were conducted at ATL’s state-of-the-art facility in the KIADB Aerospace Park, Bengaluru. This advanced 10,000-square-meter facility is equipped to handle the manufacturing of electronic subsystems and can integrate up to four large satellites simultaneously.
The SpaceX mission is a crucial step in India’s quest to master on-orbit docking—a technology essential for future human spaceflights and deep-space missions. The mission has wide-ranging applications, including space exploration, in-orbit satellite repair, refueling, and upgrades. It also paves the way for enhanced capabilities in autonomous rendezvous and docking, formation flying, and remote robotic arm operations.
Among the mission’s objectives are demonstrating autonomous rendezvous and docking of the two satellites, controlling one spacecraft using the Attitude Control System of the other while docked, and testing formation flying capabilities. These advancements signify a leap in India’s space exploration ambitions, positioning the nation among global leaders in space technology.
ATL Chairman and Managing Director Dr. Subba Rao Pavuluri expressed pride in the company’s role in this historic mission. “Being a part of this milestone highlights ATL’s commitment to India’s human space program. Our contributions, from subsystem manufacturing to full satellite and launch vehicle integration, underscore our evolving capabilities,” Pavuluri said.
The docking of SDX01 and SDX02 is scheduled for January 7, 2024. If successful, India will become the fourth nation to achieve this complex technological feat, joining an elite group of spacefaring countries.
The SpaceX mission exemplifies the growing synergy between ISRO and private industry, showcasing India’s readiness to leverage innovation and collaboration to advance its space exploration goals. With such initiatives, India is not only bolstering its position in the global space community but also laying a strong foundation for future manned missions and ambitious deep-space endeavors.
