ISRO Successfully Launches SpaDeX Mission, Paving Way for Space Docking Technology

Sriharikota, India: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) achieved a significant milestone late Monday night with the successful launch of the PSLV-C60 mission, marking the beginning of India’s ambitious strides toward mastering in-space docking technology. Dubbed as a precursor to establishing India’s own space station by 2035, the mission places India in an elite group of nations with space docking capabilities.

The 44.5-meter-tall PSLV-C60 rocket carried two spacecraft—Spacecraft A (SDX01), referred to as the ‘Chaser,’ and Spacecraft B (SDX02), the ‘Target.’ Each weighing 220 kg, the spacecraft were successfully separated and placed in the desired low Earth orbit (LEO) at an altitude of 470 km. The two are set to demonstrate in-space docking, a critical capability for future interplanetary missions, satellite servicing, and complex space operations.

“The PSLV-C60 mission is accomplished as far as SpaDeX spacecraft operations are concerned,” said Mission Director M. Jayakumar during the announcement.

Prelude to India’s Space Station and Advanced Missions

This technological feat brings ISRO closer to its long-term goal of establishing the Bharatiya Antariksh Station, expected by 2035. Mastering docking technologies will enhance ISRO’s operational flexibility, enabling advanced missions such as manned lunar expeditions, lunar sample return missions (Chandrayaan-4), and extended interplanetary exploration.

“In-space docking technology is essential when multiple rocket launches are required to achieve a common mission objective. Through this mission, India is marching towards becoming the fourth country in the world to achieve space docking technology,” ISRO stated, joining the ranks of the United States, Russia, and China.

A Historic Launch

After a 25-hour countdown commencing on Sunday, the PSLV-C60 lifted off at 10 PM IST from the First Launch Pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, located 135 km east of Chennai. The launch was accompanied by a spectacular display of thick orange fumes and thunderous sound.

In the coming days, ISRO scientists will work on merging the two spacecraft by reducing the distance between them to facilitate docking. The Chaser and Target spacecraft will synchronize their speed and positioning to achieve this milestone.

The mission also marks a historic step for PSLV rockets, as PSLV-C60 is the first vehicle to be fully integrated up to the fourth stage at the new PSLV Integration Facility (PIF) established at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre.

A Year of Success for ISRO

The PSLV-C60 mission is the last scheduled launch by ISRO for 2024. Earlier in the year, the space agency successfully launched the PSLV-C58/XPOSAT mission on January 1, setting the tone for a year of significant achievements.

With the success of SpaDeX, India is poised to push the boundaries of its space program and emerge as a global leader in cutting-edge space technologies.