Tue Dec 31 02:25:47 UTC 2024: ## ISRO Successfully Launches Space Docking Experiment, a Milestone for Indian Space Missions
**Sriharikota, India** – The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched its ambitious Space Docking Experiment (SPADEX) mission at 10 PM IST on [Date of Launch]. The mission, launched via a PSLV rocket, marks a significant milestone in India’s space program.
SPADEX involves two satellites, SDX01 and SDX02, which will be maneuvered into a close proximity of three meters at an altitude of approximately 470 kilometers. This docking process, followed by undocking, will demonstrate India’s capability in orbital rendezvous and docking – a technology crucial for future human space missions and satellite servicing.
Initially, the satellites will be placed in an orbit keeping them five kilometers apart. ISRO scientists will then guide them closer for the docking procedure. Only a handful of countries – the US, China, and Russia – have previously achieved this feat. The successful completion of SPADEX will place India among this elite group and pave the way for future ambitious projects.
ISRO officials stated that the success of SPADEX is crucial for future missions including Chandrayaan-4, the development of India’s own space station, and eventually, sending an Indian astronaut to the moon. The PSLV rocket successfully placed the two satellites into a circular orbit of 476 kilometers. The actual docking maneuver is planned for the first week of January.
The launch, initially scheduled for 9:58 PM IST, was delayed by a couple of minutes, though the reason for the delay remains undisclosed.
First Piper 