Sriharikota (Andhra Pradesh): Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chairman S Somanath has emphasized the significance of docking for the Chandrayaan-4 mission, confirming that the final docking process is expected to occur around January 7.
On Monday, ISRO successfully launched the PSLV-C60 carrying the SpaDeX mission and other payloads from Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.
Somanath explained, “Chandrayaan-4 has multiple modules, five in total, which will be launched at different times and integrated into two separate modules. These modules need to reach orbit and then dock both in Earth orbit and Moon orbit. Docking is essential for Chandrayaan-4. This mission aims to go to the Moon, land there, return to Earth, and complete the journey successfully.”
He further added, “This is one of the proving grounds for Chandrayaan-4. Docking will begin tomorrow, and many processes will take place, but the final docking will likely happen by January 7.”
Reflecting on ISRO’s 99th mission milestone, Somanath told reporters, “For us, this is the 99th launch of any launch vehicle from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre. It’s a very significant milestone. We’re preparing for the 100th launch at the start of next year. In this 99th launch, PSLV-C60 successfully placed two SpaDeX satellites weighing 220 kilograms into a circular orbit of 475 kilometres.”
He also elaborated on the SpaDeX mission, noting, “SpaDeX will undergo various operations starting tomorrow, working towards its docking condition, with the final docking expected by January 7, 2025. This is not the first SpaDeX; there will be more varieties, including demonstrations of bigger and more complex versions of docking systems in the coming days.”
Dr. Jitendra Singh, Minister of State for Science and Technology, praised ISRO’s accomplishments on social media, stating, “Privileged to be associated with the Department of Space at a time when Team #ISRO mesmerizes the world with global wonders, one after the other.”
Singh highlighted India’s growing prominence in space technology, saying, “India becomes the fourth country to join the select league of nations pursuing space docking, with its indigenously developed ‘Bharatiya Docking System.’ This is a humble tribute to PM Narendra Modi’s mantra of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat,’ heading towards a ‘Viksit Bharat.’ This achievement will pave the way for future projects like ‘Gaganyaan’ and the ‘Bharatiya Antariksha Station.’”
The SpaDeX mission, ISRO’s final project of the year, is a historic effort to achieve the rare feat of docking two satellites in space. The cost-effective technology demonstration mission involves in-space docking using two small spacecraft, SDX01 (the Chaser) and SDX02 (the Target), in a low-Earth circular orbit.
Docking technology is pivotal for long-term missions, including Chandrayaan-4, the planned Indian space station, and the eventual manned Gaganyaan mission.