Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched the Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) mission last night. ISRO’s PSLV-C60 rocket carrying two spacecraft that would aid in demonstration of space docking lifted off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.
PSLV-C60 successfully deployed two satellites SDX01 (the Chaser) and SDX02 (the Target) in low earth orbit shortly after its launch.
The two spacecraft will now be directed towards achieving space docking in the next 10 days. SpaDeX aims to demonstrate advanced in-space docking technology, a crucial capability for future missions, including lunar expeditions and the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS).
The SpaDeX mission represents a critical step in advancing India’s capabilities in orbital docking. Successful completion of this mission will enhance ISRO’s ability to conduct complex operations in space and lay the groundwork for future interplanetary missions.
After the successful launch, ISRO Chairman S Somnath informed that the panels of both the satellites have been deployed successfully.
In the next few days the two satellites SDX01 called Chaser and SDX02 called Target will travel 20 kms and then the rendezvous and docking process will begin when both satellites will come closer and dock together in space.
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