Dehradun: The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) launched its Spadex mission (Space Docking Experiment) with the help of PSLV-C60 rocket from Sriharikota at 10 pm on Monday. The PSLV-C60 rocket launched with two spacecraft which will prove to be an important milestone for our country. With this mission, India has joined the select club of countries that have mastered space docking technology.
These spacecraft will assist in the demonstration of space docking, an important technology for future space missions. Introduced as a prelude to ISRO setting up its own space station by 2035, the 44.5 meter long Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) carried spacecraft A and B, each weighing 220 kg, which will assist in space docking, satellite service and interplanetary missions.
At the conclusion of a 25-hour countdown, PSLV-C60 lifted off gracefully from the first launch pad of this spaceport on its 62nd flight, with thick orange smoke billowing out of it. The launch was originally planned for 9.58 pm on Monday but was later rescheduled by ISRO officials for 10 pm. However, there was no official information behind the rescheduling.
By mastering space docking technologies, ISRO is set to enhance its operational flexibility besides expanding its mission horizon. Apart from the Spadex mission, ISRO scientists have configured the fourth stage of the rocket (PS-4) as PSLV Orbital Experimental Module-4 (POEM-4), which comprises 24 small payloads, 14 from ISRO and 10 from academia, which will be placed in various orbits 90 minutes after launch.
The purpose of both the satellites is to test the technology of docking and undocking, connecting and separating in space. In this mission, two spacecraft traveling ten times faster than the speed of a bullet in space will be combined.
At the same time, CM Dhami said that this achievement is a symbol of India’s unprecedented progress in the space sector. Certainly, this mission will open the doors of new possibilities in space docking technology for India. This success has proved that India is moving rapidly towards becoming a global space superpower under the visionary leadership of respected Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
