SpaDeX mission success with PSLV-C60

Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) achieved another historic success on 30 December 2024. ISRO successfully launched 2 SpaDeX spacecraft and 24 innovative payloads into space via PSLV-C60 rocket from Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. This mission holds special importance for ISRO, as its objective is to demonstrate space docking technology in space. It has been named “Space Docking Experiment” (SpaDeX), which is a revolutionary step for future space missions.

PSLV-C60 launch details

• Launch Time: December 30, 10:00:15 PM.
• Spacecraft weight: Each SpaDeX spacecraft (A and B) weighs 220 kg.
• PSLV flight: This was the 62nd flight of PSLV.
• Countdown: The rocket took off after a 25-hour countdown.

SpaDeX Mission: A Unique Technology Demonstrator

The objective of the SpaDeX mission is to perform the docking and undocking of two small spacecraft, SDX01 (Chaser) and SDX02 (Target) in low Earth orbit.

• Cost-Effective Technology:
  The SpaDeX mission is an economical demonstration of docking technology using PSLV-launched spacecraft.
• Technological Development:
  • To connect, disconnect and test two satellites.
  • Use of indigenously developed Indian docking system.

Importance of docking technology for India

• Selected countries include:
  India has become the fourth country in the world to master space docking technology.
• Future Missions:
  • Gaganyaan: Mission to take humans into space.
  • Chandrayaan-4: The ambitious lunar mission of the future.
  • Indian Space Station: Long-Term Space Station Project.

Pride of indigenous technology

On the success of this mission, Union Minister Jitendra Singh said that India has now joined the group of select countries to acquire space docking technology through the indigenous Indian Docking System. This achievement is a symbol of India’s self-reliance and advancement in space technology.

Upcoming ISRO missions

ISRO Chairman Dr. S. Somnath said that PSLV-C60 has placed all the satellites in the correct orbit.

• Beginning of 2025:
  ISRO will launch the NVS-02 satellite using the GSLV rocket in January.
• Future Missions:
  ISRO is planning several ambitious missions in 2025, which will take India to new heights in space research.