ISRO Chairman Dr. S. Somanath Highlights PSLVC60-SpaDeX as a Groundbreaking and Economical Docking Demonstration Mission
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New Delhi, Dec 30 (NationPress) The PSLVC60-SpaDeX innovative and cost-effective docking demonstration mission was highlighted by ISRO Chairman Dr. S. Somanath on Monday.
The PSLV-C60 rocket successfully launched the Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) mission from Sriharikota on December 30.
This mission included two small spacecraft — SDX01, the Chaser, and SDX02, the Target — each weighing around 220 kg. The satellites successfully merged for docking in a low-Earth circular orbit.
“Kudos to the entire PSLV project team for placing the satellites in the correct orbit. Additionally, I commend the SpaDeX team for their innovative and economical approach to this docking demonstration mission utilizing two small satellite bus architectures,” Somanath stated following the launch.
He confirmed that the mission “achieved all its planned objectives successfully.”
Furthermore, he noted that “the docking process is expected to be finalized within a week, with an estimated completion time around January 7.”
The deployment of solar panels for the satellites has been accomplished successfully.
The SpaDeX mission also carries 24 payloads from various academic institutions and startups.
According to the ISRO chief, these payloads originate from startups, industries, academic institutions, research laboratories, and ISRO centers.
“All research and development payloads are ready for testing in the upcoming days and months,” he added.
“Congratulations on the successful completion of all mission objectives,” Somanath expressed.
With this successful mission, India has now positioned itself as the fourth nation, following the US, Russia, and China, to master docking technology.
“India has joined the elite group of nations capable of Space docking with its own indigenously developed Bharatiya Docking System,” stated Union Minister Jitendra Singh on X.
This technology will “facilitate journeys beyond the skies for Gaganyaan and the Bharatiya Antriksha Station,” Singh remarked.
The SpaDeX (Space Docking Experiment) is a trailblazing mission aimed at establishing India’s capabilities in orbital docking, a crucial technology for future human spaceflight and satellite servicing missions, according to ISRO.
