Tue Dec 31 02:25:46 UTC 2024: ## India Successfully Launches First Space Docking Experiment
**Sriharikota, India –** The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched its PSLV-C60 rocket carrying the pioneering Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) on December 30th, 2024, at 10:00 PM IST. The launch, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, marks a significant milestone for India’s space program, placing it among a select group of nations with autonomous space docking capabilities.
The mission deployed two spacecraft, SDX01 (Chaser) and SDX02 (Target), which will perform a series of complex maneuvers culminating in their docking, expected around January 7th, 2025. This technology is crucial for future ambitious projects, including India’s planned space station, Bharatiya Antariksh Station, lunar missions like Chandrayaan-4 (which will require multiple module docking in both Earth and lunar orbit), and satellite servicing.
ISRO Chairman S Somanath highlighted the importance of this successful 99th launch from Sriharikota, with the 100th launch – a Geosynchronous Launch Vehicle (GSLV) mission – planned for January 2025. He emphasized that the SpaDeX mission serves as a vital proving ground for the complexities of docking required in Chandrayaan-4, which aims to land on the moon, collect samples, and return to Earth.
Project Director Surendran N explained the critical role docking plays in future human space missions and collaborations with international space stations. The successful deployment of the SpaDeX spacecraft and the initiation of the docking procedure was met with celebration by ISRO officials and hailed as a major step forward in India’s space exploration capabilities. The mission also carried 24 secondary payloads for various space experiments.
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