ISRO performs space 'dogfight' with twin satellites 500 kilometres above Earth, showcasing advanced orbital control
Only weeks after the United States sounded the alarm over China's mock "dogfights" in space, India has quietly pulled off a historic space manoeuvre of its own—one that marries sophisticated scientific finesse with nuanced strategic signalling. On its SPADEX (Space Docking Experiment) mission, the
Indian Space Research Organisation
(
ISRO
) successfully executed a high-speed satellite rendezvous in space, showcasing not only technical capability but future preparedness in the new frontier of
orbital defence
.
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ISRO turns SPADEX mission into space dogfight experiment
The
SPADEX mission
was first initiated to develop autonomous docking and undocking of two satellites, SDX 01 and SDX 02, effectively making it possible for spacecraft to link and unlink automatically. Such autonomy is the backbone of long-duration space missions, space station activities, and servicing satellites.
When the main mission was accomplished, ISRO engineers observed that the two satellites had almost 50% of fuel left, owing to accurate launch calibration and cautious fuel management. This created the possibility for an unintended but ambitious second phase: testing high-speed coordinated manoeuvres in orbit.
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India moves closer to space warfare readiness with dogfight drill
In this makeshift extension of the mission, ISRO executed what looked like a space-based dogfight. The two satellites were manoeuvred into synchronised, high-speed contact at orbital speeds of 28,800 kmph—approximately 28 times the speed of a commercial airliner. Flying at such velocities, even the slightest miscalculation can result in disastrous consequences, and hence, this was an accomplishment of gigantic technical sophistication.
Similar to fighter jets' aerial combat training, the satellites gradually closed in on each other under controlled conditions, pushing the boundaries of
orbital control
, real-time communication, and autonomous control systems. Although no weapons were used, the exercise replicates the manoeuvring accuracy that would be required in future space wars.
ISRO's orbital test reflects India's rising role in space security
ISRO has explained the procedure in purely scientific terms, but timing and capability displayed cannot be dismissed in a global perspective. As recently as a few months back, the US Space Force went on record denouncing China as carrying out provocative orbital manoeuvres and warning against potential militarisation of space.
India's version, technologically identical, was implemented in a serene, controlled setting centred on experimentation. Nevertheless, the message is obvious: India has grown to a stage of orbital capability where it can maintain, navigate, and control satellites with tactical sophistication—abilities important for civilian and defence uses in space.
ISRO's milestone strengthens India's position in the space race
This manoeuvre represents a great landmark for India in the increasingly intensified global struggle to dominate space. Only a very few countries have been able to execute such near-proximity, autonomous satellite activities. India, with this move, has entered that high echelon of exclusive clubs.
Further, it strengthens India's plans for deep-space explorations, satellite service technologies, and, in the longer term, its capability to protect its assets in space from the outside world—be they natural or hostile.
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