ISRO Successfully Launches PSLV-C60 Mission
Two spacecraft that will aid ISRO in demonstrating space docking—a critical technology for future space missions—were successfully separated and placed into their desired low Earth orbit recently, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) announced.
"PSLV C60 mission has been successfully accomplished, with the SpaDeX spacecraft considered," said Mission Director M Jayakumar.
Dubbed a precursor to ISRO's plan of setting up its own Space Station by 2035, the PSLV-C60 mission is a significant step for India. This achievement will also allow the country to join an elite club of nations capable of performing space docking, with the docking expected to occur in the coming days.
The 44.5-meter-tall PSLV rocket carried two spacecraft—Spacecraft A and Spacecraft B, each weighing 220 kg. These spacecraft are designed to assist in space docking, satellite servicing, and interplanetary missions. After a 25-hour countdown, which began on Sunday, the rocket lifted off at 10 p.m. from the First Launch Pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, located approximately 135 km east of Chennai, emitting thick orange-colored fumes and producing a thunderous sound.
ISRO scientists explained that Spacecraft A (SDX01), the "Chaser," and Spacecraft B (SDX02), the "Target," will merge at an altitude of about 470 km after traveling at the same speed and distance. The docking will be a crucial demonstration of India's space capabilities.
By mastering space docking technology, ISRO aims to enhance its operational flexibility and expand the scope of its space missions. This technology is essential for several of India’s ambitious space goals, including missions to the Moon (such as Chandrayaan-4), lunar sample collection, and the building and operation of the Bharatiya Antariksh Station.
"In-space docking technology is vital when multiple rocket launches are required to achieve a common mission objective. With this mission, India is advancing towards becoming the fourth country in the world to possess space docking technology," ISRO said. The other countries with this capability are China, Russia, and the United States.
While the spacecraft have reached their designated orbits, ISRO scientists will continue their efforts in the coming days to reduce the distance between the two, leading to the successful docking of the spacecraft.
The launch of PSLV-C60 marks the last mission for ISRO in 2024. Interestingly, ISRO began the year with the successful launch of the PSLV-C58/XPOSAT mission on January 1.
The PSLV rocket also becomes the first vehicle to be integrated up to the fourth stage at the newly established PSLV Integration Facility (PIF) at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre.
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