Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu lauded the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) for the successful launch of PSLV-C60, terming it a significant milestone in India’s space exploration journey. The mission, launched from Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, marked a leap forward in advancing India’s human spaceflight and satellite servicing capabilities.
In a post on social media platform X, Naidu wrote:
“Congratulations to @isro on the successful PSLV-C60 mission from Sriharikota, marking another space milestone! SpaDeX (Space Docking Experiment) is a pioneering mission to establish India’s capability in orbital docking, a crucial step for future human spaceflight and satellite servicing.”
He further added:
“This success has propelled India closer to ambitious goals like Chandrayaan-4, Moon sample return, and the Bharatiya Antariksh Station.”
About PSLV-C60 and SpaDeX
On Monday, ISRO launched PSLV-C60 with the Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) and other innovative payloads. The mission’s primary goal is to demonstrate in-space docking technology, which involves the joining, merging, or docking of two small spacecraft in orbit.
Key highlights of the mission include:
- SpaDeX (Space Docking Experiment): A cost-effective demonstrator aimed at showcasing technology for rendezvous, docking, and undocking.
- The two spacecraft involved are SDX01 (Chaser) and SDX02 (Target), designed to operate in a low-Earth circular orbit.
- Indigenous technology termed the “Bharatiya Docking System” was utilized for the mission.
Significance of the Mission
- Docking technology is vital for long-term space missions, including Chandrayaan-4, Moon sample return projects, and the Bharatiya Antariksh Station.
- It is a critical component for the success of India’s first manned mission, Gaganyaan.
- The mission also establishes India’s capability in satellite servicing, repairs, and assembly in orbit.
Science and Technology Minister Jitendra Singh praised the mission, emphasizing its role in India’s future space ambitions.
This achievement places India among the select few nations mastering docking technology, further solidifying its reputation as a global space powerhouse. PSLV-C60 marks ISRO’s concluding success for 2024, setting the stage for an ambitious future in space exploration.