ISRO has achieved a historic feat by successfully docking two satellites under the SpaDeX mission making India the fourth nation after Russia, the USA and China to accomplish this milestone. The breakthrough achieved on Thursday morning marks a significant advancement in India's space exploration capabilities.

The Achievement: Precision Docking in Space

On Thursday at 10 AM ISRO announced on social media "Docking is being successful. The satellites have been precisely and smoothly connected in space. This marks a historic moment in our journey."

The mission, known as SpaDeX (Space Docking Experiment) involved the docking of two satellites, SDX01 (Chaser) and SDX02 (Target) each weighing 220 kg. These satellites were launched on December 30 via the PSLV-C60 rocket.

Why This Mission Matters

The SpaDeX mission is crucial for future space explorations, including

- Transporting Resources in Space: Enabling supply of fuel and materials to space stations or lunar bases.

- Inter Satellite Connectivity: Establishing a system for power, fuel and data transfer between spacecraft.

- Deep Space Exploration: Paving the way for manned lunar missions and bringing extra-terrestrial materials back to Earth.

Challenges Overcome by ISRO

Docking satellites in space is an intricate task requiring precise alignment and control. Before this success ISRO made multiple attempts including one on December 12th, when the satellites were brought within 3 meters but were pulled back for safety. Each step of this mission involved careful analysis and improvements to ensure success.

The Role of Indigenous Technology

ISRO used an entirely Indian built docking system for this mission showcasing India's growing self-reliance in space technology. The operation involved manoeuvring the satellites from a distance of 15 meters to 3 meters, ensuring smooth and stable docking.

Global and National Impact

This achievement places India alongside space giants strengthening its position in global space research. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the ISRO team, stating, "This success is vital for India's future space missions and a proud moment for all Indians."

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Future Prospects

The SpaDeX mission is a stepping stone for more ambitious goals such as establishing fuel depots in space, manned lunar missions and enhancing disaster prediction capabilities using space-based technologies.