Context : The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched the Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) mission on Monday.
Relevance : GS 3 (Space)
Mission Details:
- Launched on Monday by the PSLV C60 rocket from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota.
- Carried two satellites: SDX01 (Chaser) and SDX02 (Target), each weighing 220 kg, along with 24 payloads.
- Satellites deployed into a 475-km circular orbit around 10 p.m.
Operational Progress:
- Successful deployment of spacecraft solar panels.
- Satellites are maneuvering into position, with a distance increase of 20 km over the next few days.
- The docking process is expected to begin by January 7.
Technological Significance:
- Aims to showcase technologies for rendezvous, docking, and undocking—achievements mastered by only a few advanced spacefaring nations.
- Technologies critical for manned moon missions, sample returns, and building space stations.
Strategic Goals:
- Enhances India’s capability for future space missions, including sending an Indian astronaut to the moon and creating an Indian space station.
ISRO’s Achievement:
- Further establishes ISRO as a leader in advancing cutting-edge space technology.
