New Delhi [India]: India has achieved a significant milestone in space exploration, becoming the fourth nation to accomplish space docking using its indigenously developed ‘Bharatiya Docking System,’ Union Minister of State Jitendra Singh announced.
From 28,800 km/hr reducing to a speed of mere 0.036 km is something that even the motor vehicles running on the road highways may find difficult to achieve, and that is precisely what this Mission aims to achieve through lndia’s two Indian vehicles in Space. Heralds a grand… pic.twitter.com/eYqweqc1Pm
— Dr Jitendra Singh (@DrJitendraSingh) December 30, 2024
Taking to X, Singh highlighted the achievement, stating, “India has become the fourth country to join the select league of nations to achieve space docking, through its own indigenously developed ‘Bharatiya Docking System.'”
He further credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for paving the way toward a self-reliant and advanced India. “A humble tribute to PM @narendramodi’s mantra of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat,’ heading towards ‘Viksit Bharat,’ which will pave the way for a journey beyond the skies for ‘Gaganyaan’ and ‘Bharatiya Antariksha Station,'” Singh remarked.
SpaDeX Mission and Upcoming Launches
The achievement comes on the heels of ISRO’s successful launch of the SpaDeX mission, a significant step in demonstrating in-space docking technology. The mission utilized two small spacecraft, SDX01 (Chaser) and SDX02 (Target), launched via PSLV-C60. The docking technology developed through this mission is a critical component for ambitious projects like Chandrayaan-4, Gaganyaan, and the future Indian Space Station.
Chandrayaan-4 and NVS-02 Developments
ISRO Chairman S. Somanath provided updates on the organization’s ongoing and upcoming missions. Speaking about Chandrayaan-4, Somanath explained that the mission consists of five modules, launched and docked in stages across both Earth and lunar orbits. He emphasized the importance of docking technology, stating, “This mission aims to go to the Moon, land there, return to Earth, and complete the journey successfully.” Final docking for Chandrayaan-4 is scheduled for January 7, 2025.
Somanath also announced plans for the NVS-02 satellite launch aboard the GSLV in January 2025. The satellite will build on the success of NVS-01, launched in May 2023, which featured indigenous atomic clock technology and enhanced NavIC capabilities for broader service coverage.
ISRO’s Century Milestone
As ISRO approaches its 100th launch, Somanath reflected on the organization’s journey, celebrating its 99th successful mission with the PSLV-C60 launch. “We’re preparing for the 100th launch at the start of next year,” he shared.
Significance of SpaDeX and Docking Technology
The SpaDeX mission marks a historic moment, demonstrating cost-effective docking capabilities crucial for long-term space missions. With this feat, India has joined an elite league, bolstering its space exploration ambitions and paving the way for future technological advancements in orbit and beyond.