Tue Dec 31 05:21:43 UTC 2024: ## India Achieves Space Docking Milestone with Successful PSLV-C60 Launch

**Sriharikota, India** – The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched the PSLV-C60 rocket on December 30th, marking a significant leap forward in the nation’s space capabilities. The mission, carrying the pioneering Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX), deployed two spacecraft – SDX01 (Chaser) and SDX02 (Target) – which will perform a series of complex maneuvers culminating in their docking in Earth orbit around January 7th.

This achievement places India among a select group of nations, including the US, Russia, and China, mastering autonomous space docking technology. This technology is crucial for future ambitious projects, such as human spaceflight, lunar missions, and the construction of India’s planned space station, Bharatiya Antariksh Station.

ISRO Chairman S Somanath emphasized the importance of this docking technology for the upcoming Chandrayaan-4 mission, which will require multiple modules to dock both in Earth and lunar orbit. The SpaDeX mission serves as a critical test bed for this technology.

The successful launch also marked the 99th launch from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. ISRO is preparing for its 100th launch, a Geosynchronous Launch Vehicle (GSLV) mission scheduled for January, carrying the NVS-02 satellite.

Project Director Surendran N highlighted the necessity of docking technology for future space endeavors, including collaborations with international space stations. The successful separation and deployment of the SpaDeX spacecraft were confirmed by ISRO, initiating the countdown to the historic docking event.

Read More