In a landmark achievement, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched the Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) on Monday, marking its final mission of the year. The mission was executed aboard the PSLV-C60 rocket, which lifted off at 10 PM from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.

SpaDeX represents a significant step in India’s space exploration capabilities. The mission aims to achieve satellite docking in orbit, a feat mastered by only a select few nations. Using the indigenous "Bharatiya Docking System," ISRO seeks to unite two satellites in space, paving the way for advanced missions like Chandrayaan-4, Gaganyaan, and the development of the Bharatiya Antriksh Station, India’s planned space station.

The experiment involves deploying two identical satellites, SDX01 and SDX02, named "Chaser" and "Target." These satellites, each weighing approximately 220 kilograms, are orbiting Earth at an altitude of 470 kilometers and traveling at an astounding speed of 28,800 km/hr. ISRO’s engineers face the daunting challenge of reducing their relative velocities to a mere 0.036 km/hr to achieve docking. The successful merging of these satellites will mark a significant milestone in India’s space technology.

Beyond the docking maneuver, the mission’s objectives include validating power transfer between the spacecraft and testing payload operations post-undocking. The satellites are designed to operate with a lifespan of two years, contributing to the advancement of orbital operations.

Union Minister Jitendra Singh highlighted the importance of SpaDeX, stating that it would position India among global leaders in space exploration and innovation. With this milestone, ISRO continues to demonstrate its prowess in pioneering technologies, pushing the boundaries of human achievement in space.