Mon Dec 30 18:17:40 UTC 2024: ## ISRO Successfully Launches Twin Satellites for Historic Space Docking Experiment

**Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh:** The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched its 62nd PSLV mission late Monday night, marking a significant step towards achieving independent space docking technology. The launch, the 99th from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, saw the PSLV rocket deploy two satellites, Spacecraft A (“Chaser”) and Spacecraft B (“Target”), into their designated orbit within 15 minutes.

ISRO Chairman Dr. S Somanath confirmed the satellites achieved the correct orbit, amidst celebratory applause. The mission’s next crucial phase – the space docking experiment – is scheduled for January 7th. This involves the two satellites, traveling at ten times the speed of a bullet, autonomously merging at an altitude of approximately 470 km. A successful docking and subsequent undocking would make India only the fourth nation globally to master this complex technology.

The satellites will also carry out 24 experiments on the POEM (PS4-Orbital Experiment Module), which will utilize the vacuum of space for its testing. Dr. Somanath explained in an exclusive interview with NDTV that docking is a crucial mechanism for bringing multiple space objects together for various purposes, and can be achieved through various methods, including soft and hard mechanisms, and pressurized compartments for human transfer.

The launch, which followed a 25-hour countdown beginning Sunday, concluded a successful year for ISRO, starting and ending with PSLV missions. Further steps, including the docking maneuver and experiments, will be carried out over the coming weeks.

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