NEW DELHI, Dec 31: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) achieved another milestone with the successful launch of its Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) mission last night. The mission was carried into orbit by the PSLV-C60 rocket, which lifted off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.
The PSLV-C60 deployed two satellites, SDX01 (the Chaser) and SDX02 (the Target), into low Earth orbit shortly after the launch. These two spacecraft are set to achieve space docking within the next 10 days. The SpaDeX mission aims to demonstrate advanced in-space docking technology, a critical capability for future missions, including lunar expeditions and the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS).
The SpaDeX mission is a significant step in advancing India’s capabilities in orbital docking, which is essential for conducting complex operations in space. Its successful completion will lay the groundwork for future interplanetary missions, enhancing ISRO’s technological expertise.
Following the successful launch, ISRO Chairman S. Somnath confirmed that the panels of both satellites have been successfully deployed. In the coming days, the two satellites will travel approximately 20 kilometers apart. The rendezvous and docking process will begin as the satellites move closer and ultimately dock together in space.
