India Launches Space Docking Mission with First Indigenous Rocket

Investing.com -- India launched its first space docking mission this Monday using an indigenous rocket, aiming to become the fourth country to achieve success in this field.

The mission, known as the Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX), was launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Andhra Pradesh at 19:30 IST. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) utilized its PSLV rocket, referred to as the "workhorse." About 15 minutes after the launch, when the spacecraft reached an altitude of approximately 470 km, the mission director announced that the launch was successful.

Crucial for future space endeavors, this mission aims to place two compact spacecraft, each weighing around 220 kilograms, into a circular orbit at 470 km. The mission will also demonstrate the transfer of electrical power between docked spacecraft. This capability is vital for applications such as robotic operations in space, composite spacecraft control, and post-docking payload operations.

Each satellite is equipped with advanced payloads including an imaging system designed to measure electron and proton radiation levels in space, which will provide critical data for future manned spaceflight missions.

ISRO Chairman S. Somanath indicated that the main test of the docking technology could occur in about a week, around January 7. "The rocket placed the satellites in the correct orbits," he said.

If the demonstration is successful, India will become the fourth country, following the USA, Russia, and China, to develop and test this capability.