India successfully launches its first space docking mission – DW – 12/30/2024

India on Monday launched its first space docking mission on an Indian-made rocket, successfully testing the advanced capability.

Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) launched Space Docking Experiment (SpaDex) mission via Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) rocket.

Spadex involves deploying two small spacecraft, each weighing about 220 kilograms (about 485 pounds), into low-Earth circular orbit.

Upon completion of the mission, India will become the fourth country to achieve this feat.

Immediately after the launch, ISRO Chairman S. Somnath said, “I am really happy to announce the success of the launch of PSLV 60 for the Spadex mission.”

“The rocket has placed the satellites in the correct orbit.” He said, if everything goes according to plan, the first attempt at docking could take place by January 7.

If India is able to complete the unmanned docking, it will become the fourth country to achieve the feat, joining the US, Russia and China – which will be considered crucial for future space endeavours.

Spadex lifted off at 1630 GMT from the Satish Dhawan Space Center in Andhra Pradesh state.

Technology essential for India’s space ambitions

ISRO officials said this technology is essential for “India’s space ambitions such as Indians on the Moon, sample return from the Moon, construction and operation of the Indian Space Station (BAS), etc.” Wrote in a Mission OverviewUsing the official name of India’s planned space station.

“In-space docking technology is essential when multiple rocket launches are required to achieve common mission objectives,” officials said.

rm/wd (Reuters, AFP)

Source link