Space docking experiment: Spacecraft injected into right orbit, ISRO eyes another tech feat

PTI, Dec 31, 2024, 8:14 AM IST

Image credit: X / @isro

Sriharikota, (Andhra Pradesh): Two spacecraft that would aid ISRO in demonstrating space docking, a critical technology for future space missions, got separated successfully and were placed into the desired orbit late Monday, the country’s space agency said.

“PSLV C60 mission accomplished as a SpaDeX spacecraft is considered,” said Mission Director M Jayakumar.

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) chief S Somanath said the rocket has placed the satellites in the right orbit of 475 km circular orbit, after over 15 minutes of flight.

“So, as far as we are concerned, the rocket has placed the spacecraft in the right orbit and the SpaDeX satellites have moved one behind the other, and over the period of time, it will pick up further distance, travel about 20 km away and then the rendezvous and docking process will start.

“And we hope that the docking process can happen in another week and the nominal time is going to be approximately January 7,” he said in his address from the Mission Control Centre.

In this mission, the very important part is the POEM-4 with 24 payloads from startups, industries, academia and also from ISRO centres, he said.

These are scheduled to be fired on Tuesday morning. Scientists would work through the night to ensure that the POEM-4 reaches the desired orbit level to perform the operation, Somanath said.

🎥 Relive the Liftoff! 🚀

Experience the majestic PSLV-C60 launch carrying SpaDeX and groundbreaking payloads. Enjoy breathtaking images of this milestone in India’s space journey! 🌌✨#SpaDeX #PSLV #ISRO

📍 @DrJitendraSingh pic.twitter.com/PWdzY0B7nQ

— ISRO (@isro) December 30, 2024

Later, talking to reporters at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Somanath said the PSLV-C60 mission placed the two SpaDeX satellites weighing 220kg in a circular orbit and 475 km as against the projected 470 km and this mission also has the POEM-4 which has 24 payloads to perform research and development.

“They are payloads and are not satellites. They are going to be attached to the fourth stage (of the PSLV rocket) for conducting experiments over the next two months. The upper stage of the PSLV rocket will be brought down to a lowered orbit to 350 km and that process is currently going on. After that, we will have many activities to continue,” Somanath, also the Secretary, Department of Space, said.

On the Space Docking Experiment, he said the scientists would have many operations from December 31 at the ISTRAC Bengaluru and he expected that the docking condition ‘possibly on January 7’.