India’s space program took another giant leap forward with the successful launch of the PSLV-C60 vehicle, which successfully deployed the Space Docking Experiment (SPADEX) satellites into orbit. This achievement not only underscores ISRO’s growing capabilities in mastering complex space technologies but also highlights the significant role of private industries in propelling India’s space ambitions.

A Major Milestone in Space Exploration

On December 31, 2024, ISRO’s PSLV-C60 rocket successfully lifted off, carrying two identical SPADEX satellites—SDX01 (Chaser) and SDX02 (Target)—into low Earth orbit. The satellites, each weighing 220 kg, are designed to demonstrate crucial space technologies like autonomous rendezvous and docking, which are vital for future manned missions, satellite servicing, and interplanetary exploration.

The successful deployment of the SPADEX satellites into a 475 km circular orbit was a momentous achievement for ISRO, marking India’s foray into mastering space docking technologies. “This mission is a crucial step towards enhancing India’s capabilities for deep space missions, satellite servicing, and the future establishment of the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS),” said ISRO Chairman S. Somanath. “With this, we join the ranks of the U.S., Russia, and China in mastering orbital docking—a technology central to the future of space exploration.”

The SPADEX mission’s objectives extend far beyond basic satellite deployment. The two satellites are intended to rendezvous and dock with each other in space, demonstrating the ability to conduct in-orbit operations like spacecraft refuelling, maintenance, and modular assembly. These capabilities are essential for future missions, including those to the Moon and Mars, and for ISRO’s human spaceflight ambitions.

Private Industry: A Critical Partner in ISRO’s Success

While ISRO’s technical expertise and mission design were at the core of the PSLV-C60’s success, private sector companies like Ananth Technologies Pvt. Ltd. (ATL) played an essential role in the mission’s realization. ATL, an aerospace innovation leader, was instrumental in providing critical components for both the SPADEX satellites and the PSLV-C60 launch vehicle. The company supplied vital subsystems such as the Rendezvous Processing Units (RPU) and DC-DC converters for the SPADEX satellites, alongside 29 key subsystems for the PSLV-C60 launch vehicle, including power modules, transmitters, and NAVIC processors.

Dr Subba Rao Pavuluri, Chairman and Managing Director of ATL, expressed his pride in being part of this historic mission: “Being a part of this milestone mission highlights ATL’s evolving contributions to India’s space program. From subsystem manufacturing to the assembly and testing of full satellites and launch vehicles, ATL is committed to supporting ISRO’s space ambitions.” This mission also marked ATL’s 10th successful PSLV launch vehicle integration, further cementing its position as a trusted partner in India’s growing space sector.

Headquartered in Hyderabad, ATL has contributed to over 100 satellites and 80 launch vehicles for ISRO, with cutting-edge facilities in Thiruvananthapuram for fabrication, assembly, and testing. The company’s involvement in PSLV-C60 is a testament to the increasingly crucial role private industries are playing in India’s space exploration efforts.\

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Empowering Startups and Research Institutions

The PSLV-C60 mission also showcased a groundbreaking collaboration between ISRO, private startups, and academic institutions. In a significant move to boost India’s space innovation ecosystem, IN-SPACe (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center) facilitated the deployment of 10 payloads from non-government entities (NGEs) aboard the PSLV Orbital Experimental Module (POEM-4). This initiative allows startups, research institutions, and universities to conduct in-orbit experiments using existing space infrastructure, thus reducing the barriers to entry for smaller players in the space sector.

Dr Pawan Goenka, Chairman of IN-SPACe, emphasized the importance of these collaborations: “The POEM-4 mission provides a unique platform for Indian startups and academic institutions to test their technologies in space. This reduces the cost of space experimentation and opens up a wider range of opportunities for the private sector to contribute to India’s space future.”

Startups like Bellatrix Aerospace, GalaxEye Space Solutions, and Manastu Space Technologies had their payloads deployed in this mission, covering a wide range of experiments—from testing green propulsion systems to studying the effects of microgravity on biological systems. These payloads reflect the diverse range of innovations coming from India’s private sector, which is now being given the opportunity to test and refine their technologies in space.

The success of POEM-4, which repurposes the fourth stage of the PSLV rocket into an experimental platform, also highlights ISRO’s role in fostering innovation within the private and academic sectors. By providing this unique platform, ISRO is enabling Indian entities to develop, test, and validate their space technologies without the prohibitive costs of launching entire satellites.

The Bigger Picture: Space Docking and Future Missions

The PSLV-C60 mission is a significant step towards ISRO’s goal of mastering space docking—a technology that will be critical for future missions, including human spaceflight and deep-space exploration. The successful deployment of SPADEX satellites into orbit is a precursor to more complex docking systems and in-orbit operations, such as satellite refuelling and the assembly of interplanetary spacecraft.

As ISRO prepares for its next ambitious goals, including the Chandrayaan-4 mission to return samples from the Moon and the construction of BAS by 2035, mastering space docking technologies will be crucial. “Docking technology is not just important for servicing satellites, but also for building and maintaining space stations, which are central to our long-term space exploration objectives,” said N Surendran, Project Director of SPADEX.

With both public and private sectors working in tandem, India’s space exploration prospects are brighter than ever. The PSLV-C60 mission, with its successful deployment of the SPADEX satellites and the integration of private industry and academic institutions, demonstrates the strength of this collaboration and lays a strong foundation for future space missions.

A Step Towards Self-Reliance in Space

The PSLV-C60 mission represents a major milestone not only in ISRO’s quest for space docking capabilities but also in the evolution of India’s space ecosystem, where the private sector plays a pivotal role in expanding the country’s space capabilities. Through strategic collaborations, innovative platforms like POEM-4, and the continued advancement of technologies like space docking, India is solidifying its position as a global leader in space exploration.