Excelsior Correspondent
NEW DELHI, Dec 31: ISRO’s Space Docking Experiment (SPADEX) represents a significant milestone, positioning India among the global leaders in space docking technology. During a press conference today in New Delhi, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh commended the mission as a landmark achievement following the successful PSLV-C60 launch from Sriharikota on December 30.
Dr. Jitendra Singh stated that the SPADEX mission is a crucial initiative by ISRO, focused on the development and demonstration of technologies necessary for spacecraft rendezvous, docking, and undocking with two small satellites. These capabilities are essential for future endeavors, including satellite servicing, operational management of space stations, and interplanetary exploration, he explained.
The Minister outlined the primary goals of SPADEX, which include demonstrating rendezvous and docking technology, showcasing the ability to extend the operational life of target spacecraft while docked, and testing power transfer between the satellites when connected.
The mission also encompasses post-docking activities, allowing the spacecraft to execute independent payload operations. Dr. Jitendra Singh indicated that docking is anticipated to take place on January 7, 2025, at noon.
He also pointed out a significant partnership between the Department of Biotechnology and ISRO to investigate the applications of biological sciences in space.
“Under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi, India aims to take the lead in ‘Space-Biology’ by researching physiological adaptations to space conditions,” he declared.
Reflecting on the evolution of India’s space endeavors, Dr. Jitendra Singh credited Prime Minister Modi for removing a “veil of secrecy” that had historically constrained resources and innovation. He highlighted the importance of the 2023 New Space Policy, which introduced private sector participation in ISRO’s activities for the first time.
This policy has spurred a remarkable increase in space startups, jumping from a handful in 2021 to nearly 300 by 2023. Noteworthy companies include AgniKul Cosmos, which built a private launchpad on ISRO grounds, and Skyroot, responsible for India’s inaugural private sub-orbital launch. “These firms are enhancing ISRO’s infrastructure and garnering global interest from companies including SpaceX,” Dr. Singh noted.
Dr. Singh mentioned that the space economy, valued at $8.4 billion in 2023, is expected to soar to $44 billion by 2033. Investments in this sector reached Rs1000 crore in 2023, establishing India as a key player on the global stage.
He outlined an ambitious timeline: January 2025: Advancements in NAVIC and the launch of a US satellite for mobile communication; February 2025: Vyommitra, a female robotic entity, will perform astronaut-like duties for the Gaganyaan mission; 2026: The first crewed mission of Gaganyaan; 2035: India’s own space station, Bharat Antariksh; 2047: The first Indian astronaut landing on the moon.
He also emphasized the successes achieved in 2024, including the Aditya L1 solar mission and the deployment of satellites for international clients.
India’s space sector is emerging as a notable contributor to foreign exchange, with €220 million earned from launching foreign satellites, €187 million (85% of the total) accrued just within the past eight years. Beneficiaries of ISRO’s services include countries such as the USA, France, and Japan.
Dr. Jitendra Singh underscored the broad-ranging applications of space technologies in agriculture, defense, water resource management, smart cities, and infrastructure development. Initiatives like Mission Mausam for meteorological forecasting exemplify the benefits stemming from India’s evolving space capabilities.
In conclusion, Dr. Jitendra Singh expressed great optimism for India’s space sector. “Under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India’s capabilities in space and science are at an all-time high. The coming years will reveal extraordinary accomplishments and contributions to global space exploration,” he asserted.
