As Shubhanshu Shukla readies to become the second Indian in space, a look back at the journey of the first—Rakesh Sharma. Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma ventured into space more than four decades ago, in April 1984.

Revisiting Rakesh Sharma’s space legacy as ISRO's Shubhanshu Shukla prepares for Axiom-4 mission (In pics)

Group Captain, India's Shubhanshu Shukla, part of the Ax-4 crew, will conduct seven scientific experiments developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation during his 14-day stay aboard the International Space Station. 

Axiom-4 Mission: ISRO's Shubhanshu Shukla to conduct 7 microgravity experiments in space

On 29th May 2025, Indian Air Force fighter pilot-turned-astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla will launch to space from the American Spaceport in Florida. Shukla will be flying as part of the American commercial mission Axiom-4. Shukla will also be the first Indian astronaut to fly to the International Space Station, an orbiting lab that is 425 km above the earth. WION&rsquo;s Sidharth M.P. had exclusively reported about this May-month spaceflight, back in January 2025.
Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/exclusive-indian-astronaut-shuks-to-fly-to-space-in-may-2025-8676223">Exclusive: Indian astronaut &lsquo;Shuks&rsquo; to fly to space in May 2025</a>
Axiom-4 will carry a crew of four astronauts to the International Space Station, where they would stay for two weeks and perform 60 experiments. The astronauts would be flying on the SpaceX Falcon9 rocket and the Crew Dragon capsule. This mission will facilitate the return to human spaceflight for India, Poland, and Hungary, given that each nation&rsquo;s first and only government-sponsored spaceflight had taken place more than 40 years ago. The Ax-4 crewmembers will represent their nations in Low Earth Orbit and perform scientific experiments and demonstrations that are of high national importance.
This Axiom-4 mission is a result of deepening Indo-US Space cooperation, which came to the fore during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi&rsquo;s State visit to the United States in June 2023. Back then, President Biden had announced Indo-US collaboration on human spaceflight and the mission to send an Indian astronaut to the International Space Station, marking the highest point in India-US space ties.
Peggy Whitson, former NASA astronaut and director of human spaceflight at Axiom Space, will command the Axiom-4 mission, while ISRO (Indian Space Research Organization) astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla will serve as pilot. The two mission specialists are ESA (European Space Agency) project astronaut Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski of Poland and Tibor Kapu of Hungary.
<h2>How will Axiom-4 help India&rsquo;s Gaganyaan Human Spaceflight programme?</h2>
Gaganyaan is India&rsquo;s attempt at launching its astronauts to space and returning them safely, using an indigenously developed rocket, spacecraft, and supporting technologies. Gaganyaan was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2018, and it is the first step in a series of sustained human spaceflight missions that the Indian Space agency ISRO wants to carry out in a phased manner. By the end of this decade, India hopes to put an uncrewed space station in Earth orbit. By 2035, it would be used as a crewed Indian outpost that&rsquo;s circling the earth. By 2040, India is targeting a crewed moon landing, a feat that only America has accomplished back in 1969, and China hopes to accomplish by the end of this decade.
Gaganyaan would be carried out by the Indian Space Agency ISRO, with test pilots of the Indian Air Force, serving as the crew members. The four candidates&mdash;Group Captains Prashant Balakrishnan Nair, Shubhanshu Shukla, Ajit Krishnan, and Angad Pratap&mdash;had completed their training at the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center, Moscow, in 2021. Since then, they have also undergone several theoretical and practical sessions at ISRO&rsquo;s Human Spaceflight Centre and the Indian Air Force&rsquo;s Institute of Aerospace Medicine. They have also been visiting various ISRO centres, such as ISRO&rsquo;s Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, Thiruvananthapuram and Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota.&nbsp; WION had exclusively reported that Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla and Group Captain Prashant Balakrishnan Nair have been training at facilities in the US, Europe, and Japan, in preparation for Axiom-4. For Axiom-4, the primary Indian candidate is Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla and Group Captain Ajit Krishnan is the backup candidate.&nbsp;
Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/exclusive-indian-astronauts-shukla-nair-trained-in-us-eu-japan-8927101">Exclusive: Indian astronauts Shukla, Nair trained in US, EU, Japan</a>
The Axiom-4 mission is meant to serve as a precursor to India&rsquo;s Gaganyaan, as Shukla&rsquo;s spaceflight would help India gain contemporary spaceflight experience, valuable technological and experiential insights. While serving as ISRO Chief, Dr. S. Somanath had explained to WION that human spaceflight is a highly challenging endeavour and that India only had the limited experience of Rakesh Sharma's flight in 1984. He had added that the Indian astronaut (Shukla) flying to the International space station would immensely benefit the Gaganyaan programme. Notably, the maiden spaceflight by an Indian was on a Soviet-era Soyuz T-11 spacecraft, and since then the technologies have changed drastically. Presently, in America, SpaceX is the lone entity that has a track record of reliably ferrying astronauts to the space station on their Crew Dragon craft, while Boeing faces technical trouble with their Starliner craft.

India News: Axiom-4 will carry a crew of four astronauts to the International Space Station, where they would stay for two weeks and perform 60 experiments. The astronauts would be flying on the SpaceX Falcon9 rocket and the Crew Dragon capsule.

On 29th May 2025, Indian Air Force fighter pilot-turned-astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla will launch to space from the American Spaceport in Florida. Shukla will be flying as part of the American commercial mission Axiom-4. Shukla will also be the first Indian astronaut to fly to the International Space Station, an orbiting lab that is 425 km above the earth. WION’s Sidharth M.P. had exclusively reported about this May-month spaceflight, back in January 2025. Also Read | Exclusive: Indian astronaut ‘Shuks’ to fly to space in May 2025 Axiom-4 will carry a crew of four astronauts to the International Space Station, where they would stay for two weeks and perform 60 experiments. The astronauts would be flying on the SpaceX Falcon9 rocket and the Crew Dragon capsule. This mission will facilitate the return to human spaceflight for India, Poland, and Hungary, given that each nation’s first and only government-sponsored spaceflight had taken place more than 40 years ago. The Ax-4 crewmembers will represent their nations in Low Earth Orbit and perform scientific experiments and demonstrations that are of high national importance. This Axiom-4 mission is a result of deepening Indo-US Space cooperation, which came to the fore during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s State visit to the United States in June 2023. Back then, President Biden had announced Indo-US collaboration on human spaceflight and the mission to send an Indian astronaut to the International Space Station, marking the highest point in India-US space ties. Peggy Whitson, former NASA astronaut and director of human spaceflight at Axiom Space, will command the Axiom-4 mission, while ISRO (Indian Space Research Organization) astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla will serve as pilot. The two mission specialists are ESA (European Space Agency) project astronaut Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski of Poland and Tibor Kapu of Hungary. How will Axiom-4 help India’s Gaganyaan Human Spaceflight programme? Gaganyaan is India’s attempt at launching its astronauts to space and returning them safely, using an indigenously developed rocket, spacecraft, and supporting technologies. Gaganyaan was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2018, and it is the first step in a series of sustained human spaceflight missions that the Indian Space agency ISRO wants to carry out in a phased manner. By the end of this decade, India hopes to put an uncrewed space station in Earth orbit. By 2035, it would be used as a crewed Indian outpost that’s circling the earth. By 2040, India is targeting a crewed moon landing, a feat that only America has accomplished back in 1969, and China hopes to accomplish by the end of this decade. Gaganyaan would be carried out by the Indian Space Agency ISRO, with test pilots of the Indian Air Force, serving as the crew members. The four candidates—Group Captains Prashant Balakrishnan Nair, Shubhanshu Shukla, Ajit Krishnan, and Angad Pratap—had completed their training at the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center, Moscow, in 2021. Since then, they have also undergone several theoretical and practical sessions at ISRO’s Human Spaceflight Centre and the Indian Air Force’s Institute of Aerospace Medicine. They have also been visiting various ISRO centres, such as ISRO’s Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, Thiruvananthapuram and Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota. WION had exclusively reported that Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla and Group Captain Prashant Balakrishnan Nair have been training at facilities in the US, Europe, and Japan, in preparation for Axiom-4. For Axiom-4, the primary Indian candidate is Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla and Group Captain Ajit Krishnan is the backup candidate. Also Read | Exclusive: Indian astronauts Shukla, Nair trained in US, EU, Japan The Axiom-4 mission is meant to serve as a precursor to India’s Gaganyaan, as Shukla’s spaceflight would help India gain contemporary spaceflight experience, valuable technological and experiential insights. While serving as ISRO Chief, Dr. S. Somanath had explained to WION that human spaceflight is a highly challenging endeavour and that India only had the limited experience of Rakesh Sharma's flight in 1984. He had added that the Indian astronaut (Shukla) flying to the International space station would immensely benefit the Gaganyaan programme. Notably, the maiden spaceflight by an Indian was on a Soviet-era Soyuz T-11 spacecraft, and since then the technologies have changed drastically. Presently, in America, SpaceX is the lone entity that has a track record of reliably ferrying astronauts to the space station on their Crew Dragon craft, while Boeing faces technical trouble with their Starliner craft.

Indian astronaut Gp Capt Shukla to fly to space on 29th May

The Indian Space Research Organisation has successfully executed the second docking of the two satellites which are part of the Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) mission, Union minister Jitendra Singh said on Monday.
"#ISRO SPADEX Update: Glad to inform that the second docking of satellites has been accomplished successfully," Singh, the science and technology minister, said in a post on X.
The SpaDeX mission was launched on December 30 last year when the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) placed the two satellites -- SDX01 and SDX02 -- in orbit to demonstrate the docking experiment in space.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/replacing-the-heart-of-heat-how-isro-is-powering-pslv-with-indian-ingenuity-8978425">Replacing the heart of heat: How ISRO is powering PSLV with Indian ingenuity</a>
"As informed earlier, the PSLV-C60/SPADEX mission was successfully launched on 30 December 2024. Thereafter the satellites were successfully docked for the first time on 16 January 2025 at 06:20 AM and successfully undocked on 13 March 2025 at 09:20 AM. Further experiments are planned in the next two weeks," Singh said.
India became the fourth country after the US, Russia and China to conduct the space docking experiment.
Mastering SpaDeX is crucial for future missions, such as sending an Indian astronaut to the Moon, bringing back samples from the Moon, and building and operation of the Bharatiya Antariksha Station.
Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

The SpaDeX mission was launched on December 30 last year when the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) placed the two satellites -- SDX01 and SDX02 -- in orbit to demonstrate the docking experiment in space. India news | Science & tech

The Indian Space Research Organisation has successfully executed the second docking of the two satellites which are part of the Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) mission, Union minister Jitendra Singh said on Monday. "#ISRO SPADEX Update: Glad to inform that the second docking of satellites has been accomplished successfully," Singh, the science and technology minister, said in a post on X. The SpaDeX mission was launched on December 30 last year when the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) placed the two satellites -- SDX01 and SDX02 -- in orbit to demonstrate the docking experiment in space. Also read | Replacing the heart of heat: How ISRO is powering PSLV with Indian ingenuity "As informed earlier, the PSLV-C60/SPADEX mission was successfully launched on 30 December 2024. Thereafter the satellites were successfully docked for the first time on 16 January 2025 at 06:20 AM and successfully undocked on 13 March 2025 at 09:20 AM. Further experiments are planned in the next two weeks," Singh said. India became the fourth country after the US, Russia and China to conduct the space docking experiment. Mastering SpaDeX is crucial for future missions, such as sending an Indian astronaut to the Moon, bringing back samples from the Moon, and building and operation of the Bharatiya Antariksha Station. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

ISRO achieves second successful docking of SpaDeX satellites

The Indian Space agency ISRO&rsquo;s earth-imaging satellite Cartosat-3 has captured the devastating impact of the 7.7 Richter scale magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar on Friday, 28 March 2025, at 06:20:54 (UTC), followed by a strong aftershock of magnitude 6.4. The epicentre of the quake was located near Mandalay, Myanmar&rsquo;s second-largest city, which experienced severe damage. This earthquake is said to be the worst to have struck Myanmar in more than a century.
The earthquake also rattled the capital, Naypyidaw, and other regions, resulting in the collapse of infrastructure, roads and residential buildings. The tremors were felt not only in Myanmar but also in neighbouring countries. The shockwaves were strong enough to be felt as far as Chiang Mai and northern parts of Thailand, where residents reported damages.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m8x0tquu-209f0z0k-eh097c01">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Indian?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Indian</a> earth-imaging satellite Carstosat-3 has captured before-after images of the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Myanmarquake?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Myanmarquake</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MyanmarEarthquake2025?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MyanmarEarthquake2025</a> Widespread damage seen in Myanmarese cities of Mandalay and Sagaing. 1700lives lost &amp; Worst quake there in a century+ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ISRO?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ISRO</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/space?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#space</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/tech?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#tech</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/science?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#science</a> <a href="https://t.co/lctnujWRuc">pic.twitter.com/lctnujWRuc</a>
&mdash; Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1906671290091475355?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 31, 2025</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
ISRO&rsquo;s satellite imagery depicts the extent of damage by showcasing before-after images of certain landmarks in the damaged cities.&nbsp;
Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/myanmars-military-dropped-bombs-3-hours-after-quake-devastation-un-slams-junta-8907065" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Myanmar&rsquo;s military dropped bombs 3 hours after quake devastation; UN slams junta</a>
Mandalay University, Sky Villa, Phayani Pagoda, Mahamuni Pagoda, Ananda Pagoda, Ava Bridge, are among the structures that have been captured in significant detail by the Indian Cartosat-3 satellite.
Cartosat-3 is a third-generation earth observation satellite with high-resolution imaging capability. Nestled in an orbit that is 509 km above the earth, the satellite weighing 1.6 tonnes maintains a close watch along its orbital path. Catosat-3 imagery is originally meant for urban planning, monitoring rural resource and infrastructure development, keeping track of coastal land use and land cover.
The scale of the tragedy is captured by comparing images of these locations in the cities of Mandalay and Sagaing in Myanmar, clicked on 18th March 2025 (pre-earthquake) and those clicked on 29th March 2025(a day after the earthquake).
Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/firm-with-china-link-faces-inquiry-after-bangkok-skyscraper-collapse-in-quake-8907316">Firm with China link faces inquiry after Bangkok skyscraper collapse in quake</a>
Rescuers continue the search for survivors on Monday, 31st March, more than 72 hours after the tragedy struck. So far, over 1,700 lives have been lost in this tragedy and it is widely regarded that hopes are dimming for survivors who may be trapped under the rubble and debris. Typically, the first 72 hours are considered the crucial golden window to reach those who are buried alive under the rubble.
In the aftermath of the devastating earthquake in Myanmar and Thailand, the Indian Government has launched &lsquo;Operation Brahma&rsquo; for rendering assistance to Myanmar. Under the direction of the Ministry of External Affairs, the Humanitarian aid and Disaster Relief efforts are progressing in conjunction with Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff, Indian Army, Indian Air Force and NDRF.

World: Mandalay University, Sky Villa, Phayani Pagoda, Mahamuni Pagoda, Ananda Pagoda, Ava Bridge, are among the structures that have been captured in significant detail by the Indian Cartosat-3 satellite.

The Indian Space agency ISRO’s earth-imaging satellite Cartosat-3 has captured the devastating impact of the 7.7 Richter scale magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar on Friday, 28 March 2025, at 06:20:54 (UTC), followed by a strong aftershock of magnitude 6.4. The epicentre of the quake was located near Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city, which experienced severe damage. This earthquake is said to be the worst to have struck Myanmar in more than a century. The earthquake also rattled the capital, Naypyidaw, and other regions, resulting in the collapse of infrastructure, roads and residential buildings. The tremors were felt not only in Myanmar but also in neighbouring countries. The shockwaves were strong enough to be felt as far as Chiang Mai and northern parts of Thailand, where residents reported damages. #Indian earth-imaging satellite Carstosat-3 has captured before-after images of the #Myanmarquake #MyanmarEarthquake2025 Widespread damage seen in Myanmarese cities of Mandalay and Sagaing. 1700lives lost & Worst quake there in a century+ #ISRO #space #tech #science pic.twitter.com/lctnujWRuc — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) March 31, 2025 ISRO’s satellite imagery depicts the extent of damage by showcasing before-after images of certain landmarks in the damaged cities. Also read | Myanmar’s military dropped bombs 3 hours after quake devastation; UN slams junta Mandalay University, Sky Villa, Phayani Pagoda, Mahamuni Pagoda, Ananda Pagoda, Ava Bridge, are among the structures that have been captured in significant detail by the Indian Cartosat-3 satellite. Cartosat-3 is a third-generation earth observation satellite with high-resolution imaging capability. Nestled in an orbit that is 509 km above the earth, the satellite weighing 1.6 tonnes maintains a close watch along its orbital path. Catosat-3 imagery is originally meant for urban planning, monitoring rural resource and infrastructure development, keeping track of coastal land use and land cover. The scale of the tragedy is captured by comparing images of these locations in the cities of Mandalay and Sagaing in Myanmar, clicked on 18th March 2025 (pre-earthquake) and those clicked on 29th March 2025(a day after the earthquake). Also Read | Firm with China link faces inquiry after Bangkok skyscraper collapse in quake Rescuers continue the search for survivors on Monday, 31st March, more than 72 hours after the tragedy struck. So far, over 1,700 lives have been lost in this tragedy and it is widely regarded that hopes are dimming for survivors who may be trapped under the rubble and debris. Typically, the first 72 hours are considered the crucial golden window to reach those who are buried alive under the rubble. In the aftermath of the devastating earthquake in Myanmar and Thailand, the Indian Government has launched ‘Operation Brahma’ for rendering assistance to Myanmar. Under the direction of the Ministry of External Affairs, the Humanitarian aid and Disaster Relief efforts are progressing in conjunction with Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff, Indian Army, Indian Air Force and NDRF.

ISRO shares satellite images of Myanmar quake’s deadly impact

ShakthiSAT, the first-ever female-led lunar satellite mission, is a special one in the field of space exploration. A total of 108 countries, including India, are a part of the historic mission where the number "108" has roots embedded in India's history. It seeks to empower women in the field of astronomy and inspire more women to work in the space realm.
It is being supported by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center (IN-SPACe) and the UK-based Meridian Space Command.&nbsp;
According to ShakthiSAT's official website, the vision of the mission is "to empower girls in 108 countries through STEM education and space exploration."&nbsp;
The mission will pick 108 girls from 108 countries who will then be trained in satellite building. It "seeks to ignite interest in science and technology among young girls globally and to shatter stereotypes by giving them an opportunity to build and launch a satellite aimed at the lunar orbit."
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-tech/athena-sent-one-last-personal-message-before-it-died-heres-what-it-said-8854659" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Before it died, Athena sent a heartfelt message for 'everyone who made it possible'</a>
Dr Srimathy Kesan, the founder and CEO of Space Kidz India, is leading the mission. Talking to Financial Express, she highlighted the gender gap in STEM and space fields, saying that only 19 per cent of girls pursue the former, with only 14 per cent taking up jobs in space-related professions.
She further adds that the mission shows how important global collaboration is in terms of space exploration. By bringing together girls from 108 countries, this is just what it aims to highlight.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-tech/isro-achieves-historic-undocking-of-spadex-satellites-paving-way-for-future-space-missions-8849556" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">ISRO achieves historic 'undocking' of SpaDeX satellites, paving way for future space missions</a>
<h2>ShakthiSAT's link to ancient Indian history</h2>
The even more fascinating thing about the ShakthiSAT mission is the number 108. She says the mission captures the historical and astronomical significance of the number 108.&nbsp;
The number was used by ancient Indian astronomers to calculate the distance between the Earth and the Moon. According to historical records, the Moon&rsquo;s diameter multiplied by 108 closely matches the distance between the Earth and the Moon. The number 108 also has an Earth-sun connection as per ancient Indian astronomy as the Sun&rsquo;s diameter is 108 times that of the Earth.
<h2>What will ShakthiSAT do?</h2>
The mission will initially pick 108 girls from each of the 108 participating countries. They will then be trained through a curriculum lasting 120 hours. Around mid of October 2025, the final group of girls will be picked with one top-performing girl picked from each country. These girls will travel to Chenna, India tentatively from Dec 2025 to Jan 2026. Here they will be given hands-on training on satellite testing, operations and payload assembly.

According to ShakthiSAT's official website, the vision of the mission is "to empower girls in 108 countries through STEM education and space exploration." Science & Tech Trending

ShakthiSAT, the first-ever female-led lunar satellite mission, is a special one in the field of space exploration. A total of 108 countries, including India, are a part of the historic mission where the number "108" has roots embedded in India's history. It seeks to empower women in the field of astronomy and inspire more women to work in the space realm. It is being supported by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center (IN-SPACe) and the UK-based Meridian Space Command. According to ShakthiSAT's official website, the vision of the mission is "to empower girls in 108 countries through STEM education and space exploration." The mission will pick 108 girls from 108 countries who will then be trained in satellite building. It "seeks to ignite interest in science and technology among young girls globally and to shatter stereotypes by giving them an opportunity to build and launch a satellite aimed at the lunar orbit." Also Read: Before it died, Athena sent a heartfelt message for 'everyone who made it possible' Dr Srimathy Kesan, the founder and CEO of Space Kidz India, is leading the mission. Talking to Financial Express, she highlighted the gender gap in STEM and space fields, saying that only 19 per cent of girls pursue the former, with only 14 per cent taking up jobs in space-related professions. She further adds that the mission shows how important global collaboration is in terms of space exploration. By bringing together girls from 108 countries, this is just what it aims to highlight. Also Read: ISRO achieves historic 'undocking' of SpaDeX satellites, paving way for future space missions ShakthiSAT's link to ancient Indian history The even more fascinating thing about the ShakthiSAT mission is the number 108. She says the mission captures the historical and astronomical significance of the number 108. The number was used by ancient Indian astronomers to calculate the distance between the Earth and the Moon. According to historical records, the Moon’s diameter multiplied by 108 closely matches the distance between the Earth and the Moon. The number 108 also has an Earth-sun connection as per ancient Indian astronomy as the Sun’s diameter is 108 times that of the Earth. What will ShakthiSAT do? The mission will initially pick 108 girls from each of the 108 participating countries. They will then be trained through a curriculum lasting 120 hours. Around mid of October 2025, the final group of girls will be picked with one top-performing girl picked from each country. These girls will travel to Chenna, India tentatively from Dec 2025 to Jan 2026. Here they will be given hands-on training on satellite testing, operations and payload assembly.

ShakthiSAT mission: The number 108 has a special place in ancient Indian astronomy

India&rsquo;s space agency, the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), on Thursday (March 13) achieved the remarkable accomplishment of de-docking or undocking in space. The space agency successfully carried out undocking of its SpaDeX satellites -SDX01 and SDX02-, paving the way for future missions.
Congratulating ISRO on X, Union MoS (Ind. Charge) Science &amp; Technology; Earth Sciences, Jitendra Singh noted that it was &ldquo;heartening for every Indian.&rdquo;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/web-stories/science-tech/isro-starts-building-2nd-spaceport-why-is-it-needed-8831814">ISRO starts building 2nd spaceport; Why is it needed?</a>
&ldquo;SPADEX Satellites accomplished the unbelievable De-Docking,&rdquo; he wrote, adding &ldquo;This paves the way for smooth conduct of ambitious future missions including the Bharatiya Antriksha Station, Chandrayaan 4 &amp; Gaganyaan.&rdquo;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m87161wl-6c9z2831-bs1e3xn2">
Congrats team <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ISRO?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ISRO</a>. And heartening for every Indian 🇮🇳 !<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SPADEX?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SPADEX</a> Satellites accomplished the unbelievable De-Docking&hellip; This paves the way for smooth conduct of ambitious future missions including the Bharatiya Antriksha Station, Chandrayaan 4 &amp; Gaganyaan. PM Sh <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a>&rsquo;s&hellip;
&mdash; Dr Jitendra Singh (@DrJitendraSingh) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrJitendraSingh/status/1900066791424221321?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 13, 2025</a></blockquote>
<h2>What is undocking?</h2>
India successfully docked the two satellites-SDX01 and SDX02 in space on 16 January 2025. The two satellites were manoeuvred together, a &ldquo;precision&rdquo; process which resulted in a "successful spacecraft capture", said ISRO at the time, calling it a "historic moment".&nbsp;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-tech/watch-isro-shares-video-of-historic-satellite-docking-in-spadex-mission-8632168">Watch: ISRO shares video of historic satellite docking in SpaDeX mission</a>
Now, the two satellites have been undocked or de-docked. This means they have been separated. This has been done so that two satellites &ldquo;start the operation of their respective payloads for the expected mission life of up to two years,&rdquo; as per a mission brief published on the ISRO website.
<h2>What are the satellites&rsquo; missions?</h2>
The spacecrafts which have now been separated will be used for the following application missions:
&ldquo;A High-Resolution Camera (HRC) with a 4.5 m IGFOV and a swath of 9.2 x 9.2 km (snapshot mode) and 9.2 x 4.6 km (video mode) from a 450 km altitude is mounted in SDX01. This is a miniature version of the surveillance camera developed by SAC/ISRO.&rdquo;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-tech/indian-space-agency-isros-nvs-02-satellite-stuck-in-initial-orbit-survival-uncertain-8684625">ISRO's NVS-02 satellite stuck in initial orbit, survival uncertain</a>
&ldquo;A Miniature Multi-Spectral Payload (MMX) is mounted in SDX02, developed by SAC/ISRO. This has four VNIR bands (B1/B2/B3/B4) at 450 nm to 860 nm and a 25 m IGFOV with a swath of 100 km from a 450 km altitude. The imaging is useful for natural resource monitoring and vegetation studies,&rdquo; it added.
&ldquo;A Radiation Monitor (RadMon) payload is mounted in SDX02, which will measure radiation dose encountered in space. This will help in generation of a radiation database for future Total Ionization Dosimeter (TID) and Single Event Upset (SEU) measurements for space science studies, with applications in human spaceflight.&rdquo;
(With inputs from agencies)

Trending | SCIENCE & TECH | World: ISRO achieves a milestone with successful undocking of SpaDeX satellites SDX1 and SDX2, setting the stage for future ambitious space missions.

India’s space agency, the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), on Thursday (March 13) achieved the remarkable accomplishment of de-docking or undocking in space. The space agency successfully carried out undocking of its SpaDeX satellites -SDX01 and SDX02-, paving the way for future missions. Congratulating ISRO on X, Union MoS (Ind. Charge) Science & Technology; Earth Sciences, Jitendra Singh noted that it was “heartening for every Indian.” Also read | ISRO starts building 2nd spaceport; Why is it needed? “SPADEX Satellites accomplished the unbelievable De-Docking,” he wrote, adding “This paves the way for smooth conduct of ambitious future missions including the Bharatiya Antriksha Station, Chandrayaan 4 & Gaganyaan.” Congrats team #ISRO. And heartening for every Indian 🇮🇳 !#SPADEX Satellites accomplished the unbelievable De-Docking… This paves the way for smooth conduct of ambitious future missions including the Bharatiya Antriksha Station, Chandrayaan 4 & Gaganyaan. PM Sh @narendramodi’s… — Dr Jitendra Singh (@DrJitendraSingh) March 13, 2025 What is undocking? India successfully docked the two satellites-SDX01 and SDX02 in space on 16 January 2025. The two satellites were manoeuvred together, a “precision” process which resulted in a "successful spacecraft capture", said ISRO at the time, calling it a "historic moment". Also read | Watch: ISRO shares video of historic satellite docking in SpaDeX mission Now, the two satellites have been undocked or de-docked. This means they have been separated. This has been done so that two satellites “start the operation of their respective payloads for the expected mission life of up to two years,” as per a mission brief published on the ISRO website. What are the satellites’ missions? The spacecrafts which have now been separated will be used for the following application missions: “A High-Resolution Camera (HRC) with a 4.5 m IGFOV and a swath of 9.2 x 9.2 km (snapshot mode) and 9.2 x 4.6 km (video mode) from a 450 km altitude is mounted in SDX01. This is a miniature version of the surveillance camera developed by SAC/ISRO.” Also read | ISRO's NVS-02 satellite stuck in initial orbit, survival uncertain “A Miniature Multi-Spectral Payload (MMX) is mounted in SDX02, developed by SAC/ISRO. This has four VNIR bands (B1/B2/B3/B4) at 450 nm to 860 nm and a 25 m IGFOV with a swath of 100 km from a 450 km altitude. The imaging is useful for natural resource monitoring and vegetation studies,” it added. “A Radiation Monitor (RadMon) payload is mounted in SDX02, which will measure radiation dose encountered in space. This will help in generation of a radiation database for future Total Ionization Dosimeter (TID) and Single Event Upset (SEU) measurements for space science studies, with applications in human spaceflight.” (With inputs from agencies)

ISRO achieves historic 'undocking' of SpaDeX satellites, paving way for future space missions

A recent study based on Chandrayaan-3 data suggests ice deposits may be more widespread beneath the Moon’s polar surface than previously thought. 

India: ISRO’s Chandrayaan-3 Detects Hidden Ice Beneath Moon’s Surface | Space News | WION

Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) aims to reach new heights in the area of space exploration with its Chandrayaan-3 mission, which is a follow-on to Chandrayaan-2. The lunar mission's objective is to demonstrate end-to-end capability in safe landing and roving on the Moon's surface.&nbsp;
Also read: <a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/science-tech/planet-parade-of-venus-mars-jupiter-saturn-and-mercury-8703660" aria-label="Do look up! Don't miss planet parade of Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Neptune and Uranus">Do look up! Don't miss planet parade of Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Neptune and Uranus</a>
Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft carrying lunar lander Vikram and Pragyan rover became the first to land near the South Pole of the Moon on August 23, 2023. India also became the fourth nation after the erstwhile USSR (now Russia), the US, and China to make a soft landing on the Moon.&nbsp;
The study, titled "India&rsquo;s Moon landing site dates to the dawn of life on Earth", was published in Nature journal on February 4, 2025.&nbsp;
Also read:&nbsp;<a aria-label="Boost in the area of xenotransplantation as US man gets gene-edited pig kidney" class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/science-tech/us-man-gets-gene-edited-pig-kidney-8701926" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Boost in the area of xenotransplantation as US man gets gene-edited pig kidney</a>
<h2>Mapping the landing site of Chandrayaan-3 mission</h2>
Scientists who are mapping the landing site of the Chandrayaan-3 mission have determined that the region is approximately 3.7 billion years old. Interestingly, the region dates back to the same era when the earliest microscopic life forms began emerging on Earth.&nbsp;
Researchers at the Physical Research Laboratory in Ahmedabad revealed the first geological map of the site. It revealed that debris from the nearby Schomberger crater blankets the area, which is offering new insights into the Moon's history.&nbsp;
Also read:&nbsp;<a aria-label="Saharan dust carries radioactive contamination to Western Europe. Is it harmful?" class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/science-tech/saharan-dust-radioactive-contamination-western-europe-8698871" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Saharan dust carries radioactive contamination to Western Europe. Is it harmful?</a>&nbsp;
New craters are formed when the Moon is bombarded by meteorites as it doesn't have any shielding atmosphere. The team of scientists have traced the alignment of secondary craters and identified Schomberger as the primary source of the debris covering Chandrayaan-3's landing zone.&nbsp;
"Their analysis also revealed a striking landscape, scattered with boulders, some exceeding five metres in size, and mostly originating from a fresh, 540-metre crater located 14 kilometres south of the landing site," the study noted.&nbsp;
Also read:&nbsp;<a aria-label="No, humans did not really change Moon's temperatures during Covid lockdown: Study" class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/science-tech/earth-moon-temperatures-covid-lockdown-8697891" target="_blank" rel="noopener">No, humans did not really change Moon's temperatures during Covid lockdown: Study</a>&nbsp;
A nearby 10-metre-wide crater is believed to be responsible for smaller, centimetre-sized rock fragments. Scientists have used the data and findings to produce a detailed geological map of the region.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Science & Tech | Learn about the scientific efforts to map the lunar landing site and uncover its connection to the emergence of life on Earth.

Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) aims to reach new heights in the area of space exploration with its Chandrayaan-3 mission, which is a follow-on to Chandrayaan-2. The lunar mission's objective is to demonstrate end-to-end capability in safe landing and roving on the Moon's surface. Also read: Do look up! Don't miss planet parade of Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Neptune and Uranus Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft carrying lunar lander Vikram and Pragyan rover became the first to land near the South Pole of the Moon on August 23, 2023. India also became the fourth nation after the erstwhile USSR (now Russia), the US, and China to make a soft landing on the Moon. The study, titled "India’s Moon landing site dates to the dawn of life on Earth", was published in Nature journal on February 4, 2025. Also read: Boost in the area of xenotransplantation as US man gets gene-edited pig kidney Mapping the landing site of Chandrayaan-3 mission Scientists who are mapping the landing site of the Chandrayaan-3 mission have determined that the region is approximately 3.7 billion years old. Interestingly, the region dates back to the same era when the earliest microscopic life forms began emerging on Earth. Researchers at the Physical Research Laboratory in Ahmedabad revealed the first geological map of the site. It revealed that debris from the nearby Schomberger crater blankets the area, which is offering new insights into the Moon's history. Also read: Saharan dust carries radioactive contamination to Western Europe. Is it harmful? New craters are formed when the Moon is bombarded by meteorites as it doesn't have any shielding atmosphere. The team of scientists have traced the alignment of secondary craters and identified Schomberger as the primary source of the debris covering Chandrayaan-3's landing zone. "Their analysis also revealed a striking landscape, scattered with boulders, some exceeding five metres in size, and mostly originating from a fresh, 540-metre crater located 14 kilometres south of the landing site," the study noted. Also read: No, humans did not really change Moon's temperatures during Covid lockdown: Study A nearby 10-metre-wide crater is believed to be responsible for smaller, centimetre-sized rock fragments. Scientists have used the data and findings to produce a detailed geological map of the region. (With inputs from agencies)

Study reveals mindboggling fact about age of Chandrayaan-3's landing site

Indian Space agency ISRO's NVS-02 satellite that is meant to serve strategic purposes, remains stuck in its initial orbit and it has not been possible to move it to its intended orbit, ISRO said. Satellites have to be placed in their precise orbital slots to perform their designated role.&nbsp;
Satellites are moved from one orbit to another by firing their liquid-fuelled engines that burn a fuel and oxidizer combination. In this case, it has not been possible to fire the engine and raise the satellite's orbit, due to an issue with the valve that releases the oxidizer. The 2,250kg NVS-02 satellite was launched by a GSLV-Mk2 rocket on January 29th, in what was ISRO's 100th rocket launch mission from the country's premier Sriharikota spaceport.&nbsp;
The satellite was launched into a Geostationary Transfer Orbit (GTO), which is usually used as an initial parking orbit for heavy satellites. Approximately, the satellite was launched into an orbit that is highly elliptical- 170kms above Earth at its nearest approach (perigee) and 36,500kms at its farthest approach from Earth (apogee). Typically, a series of engine firings are performed to place the satellite into a circular orbit, where it is approximately 35,700 km above Earth.
<h2>The dangers of circling in GTO</h2>
ISRO has stated that the satellite systems are healthy, elaborating that it is generating power from its solar panels and communicating with the stations on Earth. "Alternate mission strategies for utilising the satellite for navigation in an elliptical orbit is being worked out," it was added.
However, it must be noted that GTO is not a perfectly stable orbit and is meant to be only a temporary parking slot, before moving the satellite into a higher orbit.&nbsp;
At the perigee (closest approach to Earth), when the satellite is barely 170 kms above Earth, it experiences considerable amounts of drag, which gradually pulls the satellite closer to Earth. The prolonged impact of drag could eventually pull the satellite and make it re-enter the earth's atmosphere, causing it to burn up. The closer the satellite is to Earth, the higher the risk of drag and eventual destruction, especially when the primary engines of the satellite aren't able to steer it away from Earth.&nbsp;
ISRO has not revealed whether some of the smaller thrusters on the satellite, known as Attitude Control Systems, are working. In case they are working, it could theoretically be possible to considerably extend the life of the satellite by moving it further from Earth, as ISRO had demonstrated in a past mission that faced a similar setback.&nbsp;
<h2>NVS-02 and the GPS-like service it is meant to enable</h2>
Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC) is India&rsquo;s independent regional navigation satellite system designed to provide accurate Position, Velocity and Timing (PVT) service to users in India and its vicinity. Simply put, it is a service similar to the American GPS, the Russian GLONASS or Chinese Beidou. While the aforementioned foreign services are available globally, the Indian NAVIC is only available in the Indian mainland and 1500 km beyond. NVS-series satellites are meant to augment the existing NavIC services that a provided by an earlier generation of satellites. NVS-02 is the second in the series of five satellites of this class. NVS-01 was launched into orbit in 2023.&nbsp;

Science & Tech India News | It has not been possible to fire the engine and raise the satellite's orbit, due to an issue with the valve that releases the oxidizer. 

Indian Space agency ISRO's NVS-02 satellite that is meant to serve strategic purposes, remains stuck in its initial orbit and it has not been possible to move it to its intended orbit, ISRO said. Satellites have to be placed in their precise orbital slots to perform their designated role. Satellites are moved from one orbit to another by firing their liquid-fuelled engines that burn a fuel and oxidizer combination. In this case, it has not been possible to fire the engine and raise the satellite's orbit, due to an issue with the valve that releases the oxidizer. The 2,250kg NVS-02 satellite was launched by a GSLV-Mk2 rocket on January 29th, in what was ISRO's 100th rocket launch mission from the country's premier Sriharikota spaceport. The satellite was launched into a Geostationary Transfer Orbit (GTO), which is usually used as an initial parking orbit for heavy satellites. Approximately, the satellite was launched into an orbit that is highly elliptical- 170kms above Earth at its nearest approach (perigee) and 36,500kms at its farthest approach from Earth (apogee). Typically, a series of engine firings are performed to place the satellite into a circular orbit, where it is approximately 35,700 km above Earth. The dangers of circling in GTO ISRO has stated that the satellite systems are healthy, elaborating that it is generating power from its solar panels and communicating with the stations on Earth. "Alternate mission strategies for utilising the satellite for navigation in an elliptical orbit is being worked out," it was added. However, it must be noted that GTO is not a perfectly stable orbit and is meant to be only a temporary parking slot, before moving the satellite into a higher orbit. At the perigee (closest approach to Earth), when the satellite is barely 170 kms above Earth, it experiences considerable amounts of drag, which gradually pulls the satellite closer to Earth. The prolonged impact of drag could eventually pull the satellite and make it re-enter the earth's atmosphere, causing it to burn up. The closer the satellite is to Earth, the higher the risk of drag and eventual destruction, especially when the primary engines of the satellite aren't able to steer it away from Earth. ISRO has not revealed whether some of the smaller thrusters on the satellite, known as Attitude Control Systems, are working. In case they are working, it could theoretically be possible to considerably extend the life of the satellite by moving it further from Earth, as ISRO had demonstrated in a past mission that faced a similar setback. NVS-02 and the GPS-like service it is meant to enable Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC) is India’s independent regional navigation satellite system designed to provide accurate Position, Velocity and Timing (PVT) service to users in India and its vicinity. Simply put, it is a service similar to the American GPS, the Russian GLONASS or Chinese Beidou. While the aforementioned foreign services are available globally, the Indian NAVIC is only available in the Indian mainland and 1500 km beyond. NVS-series satellites are meant to augment the existing NavIC services that a provided by an earlier generation of satellites. NVS-02 is the second in the series of five satellites of this class. NVS-01 was launched into orbit in 2023.

ISRO's NVS-02 satellite stuck in initial orbit, survival uncertain

If all goes per plan, Indian Air Force fighter pilot and astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla will fly to the International Space Station between May and June this year on an American commercial mission Axiom-4, which will be launched by a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, WION has learned. This comes 41 years after India&rsquo;s first and only astronaut, Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma, flew on a Soviet mission to the then Salyut-7 space station. Interestingly, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who is now known by the Axiom-4 callsign &lsquo;Shuks&rsquo;, was born in 1985, a year after Rakesh Sharma&rsquo;s spaceflight.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m6jmi7sl-2uqrh0n1-nkn9css5">
&ldquo;Collaboration on Human Spaceflight, including sending an <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Indian?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Indian</a> astronaut to the International <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/space?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#space</a> station in 2024&rdquo; says <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> as he lists out areas of bilateral cooperation between <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/india?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#india</a> &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/USA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#USA</a> Travel to <a href="https://twitter.com/Space_Station?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Space_Station</a> &amp; working there will prep astronauts for Gaganyaan <a href="https://t.co/mJfcX4sKdP">pic.twitter.com/mJfcX4sKdP</a>
&mdash; Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1672074359031361537?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 23, 2023</a></blockquote>
The Axiom-4 mission is a result of deepening Indo-US Space cooperation, which came to the fore during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi&rsquo;s state visit to the United States in June 2023. Back then, President Biden had announced Indo-US collaboration on human spaceflight and the mission to send an Indian astronaut to the International Space Station, marking the highest point in India-US space ties.
Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/im-coming-out-sunita-williams-conducts-spacewalk-after-being-stuck-in-orbit-for-seven-months-8628341" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">'I'm coming out': Sunita Williams conducts spacewalk after being stuck in orbit for seven months</a>
Peggy Whitson, former NASA astronaut and director of human spaceflight at Axiom Space, will command the two-week-long Axiom-4 mission, while ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla will serve as pilot. The two mission specialists are ESA (European Space Agency) project aastronauts Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski of Poland and Tibor Kapu of Hungary.
Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/maha-kumbh-mela-2025-nasa-astronaut-shares-breathtaking-pics-of-well-lit-kumbh-from-space-station-8656967" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Maha Kumbh Mela 2025: NASA astronaut shares breathtaking PICS of 'well lit' Kumbh from space station</a>
In July 2024, WION exclusively reported that Indian astronauts would commence their training at NASA&rsquo;s Johnson Space Center, Texas, from early August. NASA&rsquo;s Johnson Center is known as the Hub of Human Spaceflight in the US. Established in 1961, this facility in Houston, Texas, started off as the Manned Spacecraft Centre, the home and Mission Control Center for the US Human Spaceflight programme. In 1973, the facility was renamed in honour of the late President and Texas native Lyndon B Johnson.
<h2>How will Axiom-4 help India&rsquo;s Gaganyaan Human Spaceflight programme?</h2>
Gaganyaan is India&rsquo;s attempt at launching its astronauts to space and returning them safely, using an indigenously developed rocket, spacecraft, and supporting technologies. Gaganyaan was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2018, and it is the first step in a series of sustained human spaceflight missions that the Indian Space agency ISRO wants to carry out in a phased manner. By the end of this decade, India hopes to put an uncrewed space station in Earth&rsquo;s orbit. By 2035, it would be used as a crewed Indian outpost circling the earth. By 2040, India is targeting a crewed moon landing, a feat that only America has accomplished in 1969, and China hopes to accomplish by the end of this decade.
Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-tech/watch-live-nasa-astronauts-sunita-williams-butch-wilmore-step-of-international-space-station-for-first-spacewalk-together-8675770">Watch Live | NASA astronauts Sunita Williams, Butch Wilmore step out for first spacewalk together</a>
The Gaganyaan mission would be carried out by the Indian Space Agency ISRO, with test pilots of the Indian Air Force, serving as the crew members. The four candidates&mdash;Group Captains Prashant Balakrishnan Nair, Shubhanshu Shukla, Ajit Krishnan, and Angad Pratap&mdash;had completed their training at the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Centre, Moscow, in 2021. Since then, they have also undergone several theoretical and practical sessions at ISRO's Human Spaceflight Centre and the Indian Air Force&rsquo;s Institute of Aerospace Medicine. They have also been visiting various ISRO centres, such as ISRO&rsquo;s Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, Thiruvananthapuram, and Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota. For the Axiom-4 mission, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla and Group Captain Prashant Balakrishnan Nair have been training in the US, with the former as the primary candidate and the latter as the backup candidate.
 The Axiom-4 mission is meant to serve as a precursor to India&rsquo;s Gaganyaan, as Shukla&rsquo;s spaceflight would help India gain contemporary spaceflight experience, as well as valuable technological and experiential insights. While serving as ISRO Chief, Dr. S. Somanath had explained to WION that human spaceflight is a highly challenging endeavour and that India only had the limited experience of Rakesh Sharma&rsquo;s flight in 1984.
 He had added that the Indian astronaut (Shukla) flying to the International Space Station would immensely benefit the Gaganyaan programme. Notably, the maiden spaceflight by an Indian was on a Soviet-era Soyuz T-11 spacecraft, and since then the technologies have changed drastically. Presently, in America, SpaceX is the lone entity that has a track record of reliably ferrying astronauts to the space station on their Crew Dragon craft, while Boeing has faced technical troubles with its Starliner craft.
In 2025, India is expected to execute the first of the three uncrewed Gaganyaan missions. After these uncrewed missions and related testing processes are flawlessly accomplished, India hopes to embark on the astronaut-carrying mission, perhaps by 2027.

SCIENCE & TECH | World | India News: Interestingly, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who is now known by the Axiom-4 callsign ‘Shuks’, was born in 1985, a year after Rakesh Sharma’s spaceflight.

If all goes per plan, Indian Air Force fighter pilot and astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla will fly to the International Space Station between May and June this year on an American commercial mission Axiom-4, which will be launched by a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, WION has learned. This comes 41 years after India’s first and only astronaut, Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma, flew on a Soviet mission to the then Salyut-7 space station. Interestingly, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who is now known by the Axiom-4 callsign ‘Shuks’, was born in 1985, a year after Rakesh Sharma’s spaceflight. “Collaboration on Human Spaceflight, including sending an #Indian astronaut to the International #space station in 2024” says @POTUS as he lists out areas of bilateral cooperation between #india & #USA Travel to @Space_Station & working there will prep astronauts for Gaganyaan pic.twitter.com/mJfcX4sKdP — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) June 23, 2023 The Axiom-4 mission is a result of deepening Indo-US Space cooperation, which came to the fore during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s state visit to the United States in June 2023. Back then, President Biden had announced Indo-US collaboration on human spaceflight and the mission to send an Indian astronaut to the International Space Station, marking the highest point in India-US space ties. Also read: 'I'm coming out': Sunita Williams conducts spacewalk after being stuck in orbit for seven months Peggy Whitson, former NASA astronaut and director of human spaceflight at Axiom Space, will command the two-week-long Axiom-4 mission, while ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla will serve as pilot. The two mission specialists are ESA (European Space Agency) project aastronauts Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski of Poland and Tibor Kapu of Hungary. Also read: Maha Kumbh Mela 2025: NASA astronaut shares breathtaking PICS of 'well lit' Kumbh from space station In July 2024, WION exclusively reported that Indian astronauts would commence their training at NASA’s Johnson Space Center, Texas, from early August. NASA’s Johnson Center is known as the Hub of Human Spaceflight in the US. Established in 1961, this facility in Houston, Texas, started off as the Manned Spacecraft Centre, the home and Mission Control Center for the US Human Spaceflight programme. In 1973, the facility was renamed in honour of the late President and Texas native Lyndon B Johnson. How will Axiom-4 help India’s Gaganyaan Human Spaceflight programme? Gaganyaan is India’s attempt at launching its astronauts to space and returning them safely, using an indigenously developed rocket, spacecraft, and supporting technologies. Gaganyaan was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2018, and it is the first step in a series of sustained human spaceflight missions that the Indian Space agency ISRO wants to carry out in a phased manner. By the end of this decade, India hopes to put an uncrewed space station in Earth’s orbit. By 2035, it would be used as a crewed Indian outpost circling the earth. By 2040, India is targeting a crewed moon landing, a feat that only America has accomplished in 1969, and China hopes to accomplish by the end of this decade. Also Read | Watch Live | NASA astronauts Sunita Williams, Butch Wilmore step out for first spacewalk together The Gaganyaan mission would be carried out by the Indian Space Agency ISRO, with test pilots of the Indian Air Force, serving as the crew members. The four candidates—Group Captains Prashant Balakrishnan Nair, Shubhanshu Shukla, Ajit Krishnan, and Angad Pratap—had completed their training at the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Centre, Moscow, in 2021. Since then, they have also undergone several theoretical and practical sessions at ISRO's Human Spaceflight Centre and the Indian Air Force’s Institute of Aerospace Medicine. They have also been visiting various ISRO centres, such as ISRO’s Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, Thiruvananthapuram, and Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota. For the Axiom-4 mission, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla and Group Captain Prashant Balakrishnan Nair have been training in the US, with the former as the primary candidate and the latter as the backup candidate. The Axiom-4 mission is meant to serve as a precursor to India’s Gaganyaan, as Shukla’s spaceflight would help India gain contemporary spaceflight experience, as well as valuable technological and experiential insights. While serving as ISRO Chief, Dr. S. Somanath had explained to WION that human spaceflight is a highly challenging endeavour and that India only had the limited experience of Rakesh Sharma’s flight in 1984. He had added that the Indian astronaut (Shukla) flying to the International Space Station would immensely benefit the Gaganyaan programme. Notably, the maiden spaceflight by an Indian was on a Soviet-era Soyuz T-11 spacecraft, and since then the technologies have changed drastically. Presently, in America, SpaceX is the lone entity that has a track record of reliably ferrying astronauts to the space station on their Crew Dragon craft, while Boeing has faced technical troubles with its Starliner craft. In 2025, India is expected to execute the first of the three uncrewed Gaganyaan missions. After these uncrewed missions and related testing processes are flawlessly accomplished, India hopes to embark on the astronaut-carrying mission, perhaps by 2027.

Exclusive: Indian astronaut ‘Shuks’ to fly to space in May 2025

India's space agency, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), on Wednesday (Jan 29) achieved the historic milestone of 100 launches from its Sriharikota spaceport after successfully firing the GSLV-F15 rocket carrying the NVS-02 satellite.
The launch happened at 6:23 am (12:53 am GMT) from Sriharikota in the Southeastern state of Andhra Pradesh.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-technology/isrp-rocket-launch-countdown-underway-satish-dhawan-space-centre-in-sriharikota-gslv-8660599">Countdown underway for ISRO's 100th rocket launch</a>
<h2>ISRO celebrates lift-off</h2>
Taking to social media platform X, ISRO lauded the "mission success" and announced that the "GSLV-F15/NVS-02 mission has been successfully accomplished."
"India reaches new heights in space navigation!" noted the space agency.&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
✅ Mission Success! The GSLV-F15/NVS-02 mission has been successfully accomplished. India reaches new heights in space navigation! 🌟 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GSLV?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GSLV</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NAVIC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NAVIC</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ISRO?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ISRO</a>
&mdash; ISRO (@isro) <a href="https://twitter.com/isro/status/1884410373631271020?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 29, 2025</a></blockquote>
<h2>A series of achievements</h2>
With this launch, the GSLV-F15, India's Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle, completed its 17th flight. This also marks the 11th mission which used India's Indigenous Cryo stage. Additionally, this flight marked the 8th operational flight of GSLV with an indigenous Cryogenic stage.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/isro-captures-before-and-after-satellite-images-of-maha-kumbh-mela-2025-site-8644606">ISRO captures before-and-after satellite images of Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 site</a>
The GSLV-F15 payload fairing is a metallic version with a 3.4-metre diameter, reports ANI. &nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
📸 Relive the moment! Here are stunning visuals from the GSLV-F15/NVS-02 launch. A proud milestone for India&rsquo;s space journey! 🌌 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GSLV?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GSLV</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NAVIC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NAVIC</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ISRO?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ISRO</a> <a href="https://t.co/RK4hXuBZNN">pic.twitter.com/RK4hXuBZNN</a>
&mdash; ISRO (@isro) <a href="https://twitter.com/isro/status/1884415110900588667?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 29, 2025</a></blockquote>

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<h2>Enhancing India's navigation capabilities</h2>
The GSLV-F15 will place the NVS-02 satellite into a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit, said ISRO. NVS-02 is part of the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS), also called NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation), which aims to provide accurate Position, Velocity, and Timing (PVT) services across India and areas extending up to 1,500 km beyond its landmass.&nbsp;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-tech/crew-module-dispatched-for-isros-first-uncrewed-mission-of-gaganyaan-8645407">Crew module dispatched for ISRO&rsquo;s first uncrewed mission of Gaganyaan</a>
"It (NVS-02) will be put in the geostationary orbit at 36,000 kilometres and it will increase the number of satellites of our navigation constellation from 4 to 5 and that will improve the overall accuracy of the positioning which we get from this navigation satellite," Director of Space Applications Centre (SAC)/ISRO Nilesh Desai said before the launch.
With this launch, India now has five out of the seven satellites planned for the NavIC constellation in orbit.&nbsp;
Watch | ISRO accomplishes milestone 100th rocket launch
<iframe width="600" height="auto" style="width: 100%; aspect-ratio: 4/3;" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" class="external-video publive-iframes-block" src="https://cdn.thepublive.com/wion/static/kaltura_player/wion_video_player_iframe.html?thumbnail=wion/media/post_attachments/screenshot/2901_wion_ISRO_8AM/00000002.jpg&amp;videourl=https://vodakm.zeenews.com/vod/WION/2901_wion_ISRO_8AM.mp4/index.m3u8&amp;duration=177&amp;tags=india, isro, rocket launch, 100th rocket launch," title="ISRO accomplishes milestone 100th rocket launch " id="PL_iframe_block-m6hgt16h-qlhrr9ki-bgr727cp"></iframe>
"This is the 5th in the series of operational NavIC satellites. NavIC satellite is our earlier named IRNSS satellite configuration which is called the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System, it is a part of this satellite constellation where we will put seven satellites. Older satellites are getting replaced with a new series of satellites," added Desai.
The updated system, designed to offer Standard Positioning Service (SPS) and Restricted Service (RS), boasts a position accuracy of better than 20 metres and a timing accuracy of better than 40 nanoseconds.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

India News | This launch adds to India's NavIC constellation, increasing operational satellites to 5 out of 7 planned, enhancing regional navigation and positioning accuracy.

India's space agency, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), on Wednesday (Jan 29) achieved the historic milestone of 100 launches from its Sriharikota spaceport after successfully firing the GSLV-F15 rocket carrying the NVS-02 satellite. The launch happened at 6:23 am (12:53 am GMT) from Sriharikota in the Southeastern state of Andhra Pradesh. Also read | Countdown underway for ISRO's 100th rocket launch ISRO celebrates lift-off Taking to social media platform X, ISRO lauded the "mission success" and announced that the "GSLV-F15/NVS-02 mission has been successfully accomplished." "India reaches new heights in space navigation!" noted the space agency. ✅ Mission Success! The GSLV-F15/NVS-02 mission has been successfully accomplished. India reaches new heights in space navigation! 🌟 #GSLV #NAVIC #ISRO — ISRO (@isro) January 29, 2025 A series of achievements With this launch, the GSLV-F15, India's Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle, completed its 17th flight. This also marks the 11th mission which used India's Indigenous Cryo stage. Additionally, this flight marked the 8th operational flight of GSLV with an indigenous Cryogenic stage. Also read | ISRO captures before-and-after satellite images of Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 site The GSLV-F15 payload fairing is a metallic version with a 3.4-metre diameter, reports ANI. 📸 Relive the moment! Here are stunning visuals from the GSLV-F15/NVS-02 launch. A proud milestone for India’s space journey! 🌌 #GSLV #NAVIC #ISRO pic.twitter.com/RK4hXuBZNN — ISRO (@isro) January 29, 2025 Enhancing India's navigation capabilities The GSLV-F15 will place the NVS-02 satellite into a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit, said ISRO. NVS-02 is part of the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS), also called NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation), which aims to provide accurate Position, Velocity, and Timing (PVT) services across India and areas extending up to 1,500 km beyond its landmass. Also read | Crew module dispatched for ISRO’s first uncrewed mission of Gaganyaan "It (NVS-02) will be put in the geostationary orbit at 36,000 kilometres and it will increase the number of satellites of our navigation constellation from 4 to 5 and that will improve the overall accuracy of the positioning which we get from this navigation satellite," Director of Space Applications Centre (SAC)/ISRO Nilesh Desai said before the launch. With this launch, India now has five out of the seven satellites planned for the NavIC constellation in orbit. Watch | ISRO accomplishes milestone 100th rocket launch "This is the 5th in the series of operational NavIC satellites. NavIC satellite is our earlier named IRNSS satellite configuration which is called the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System, it is a part of this satellite constellation where we will put seven satellites. Older satellites are getting replaced with a new series of satellites," added Desai. The updated system, designed to offer Standard Positioning Service (SPS) and Restricted Service (RS), boasts a position accuracy of better than 20 metres and a timing accuracy of better than 40 nanoseconds. (With inputs from agencies)

ISRO marks 'mission success' with historic 100th rocket launch from Sriharikota

At 2:53am on Tuesday, 28th January, Indian Space agency ISRO commenced the countdown to its 100th rocket launch mission from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. The GSLV Mk2 rocket carrying the indigenous GPS-like NVS-02 satellite is to liftoff at 6:23am on Wednesday, 29th January. The countdown is a well-planned technical process when health checks of various systems of the rocket and satellite are carried out, and the liquid-fuel stages of the rocket are tanked up.&nbsp;
In a launch mission that spans a little over 19minutes, the 50.9meters tall GSLV F-15 rocket will hurl the 2,250kg NVS-02 satellite into a Geosynchronous transfer orbit. In the weeks after launch, the satellite will use its on-board engines to reach its final orbit. NVS-02 is the second in the series of five Indian Next-generation Navigation satellites. ISRO is working towards launching three more satellites in the coming years.&nbsp;
<h2>NVS-02 and the GPS-like service it enables</h2>
Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC) is India&rsquo;s independent regional navigation satellite system designed to provide accurate Position, Velocity and Timing (PVT) service to users in India and its vicinity. Simply put, it is a service similar to the American GPS or Russian GLONASS or Chinese Beidou. While the aforementioned foreign services are available globally, the Indian NAVIC is only available in the Indian mainland and 1500kms beyond. NVS-series satellites are meant to augment the existing NavIC services that a provided by an earlier generation of satellites.
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The earlier series of NavIC satellites had a shortcoming &mdash; they operated only in the L5-band and S-band frequencies. This was because India hadn't received the International Telecommunication Union authorisation for using the L1 and L2 frequency bands, which are widely used worldwide for navigation services. It was after the European constellation Galileo was granted permission to use the L1 band, that India also requested for the same and obtained it.&nbsp;
"L1 band is available on the NVS-series of satellites(and will be available on subsequent NVS satellites), it is an interoperable frequency and can be used across all chipsets(of mobile devices), provided they use our signal architecture," Dr Somanath had told WION, when he headed the agency.&nbsp;
Earlier, the Indian government and ISRO had been making efforts to make chipmakers and phone manufacturers adopt the L5 and S-band frequencies(which the original NavIC series used). However, this was met with various roadblocks as L5 and S were not civilian-use frequencies. Therefore, phone makers had to put in additional chipsets and hardware to make their devices NavIC-compatible, thus making their devices costlier. &nbsp;A mix of such technological and cost barriers meant that phone makers did not widely adopt NavIC and millions of Indian smartphone users couldn't benefit from it.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-tech/crew-module-dispatched-for-isros-first-uncrewed-mission-of-gaganyaan-8645407" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Crew module dispatched for ISRO&rsquo;s first uncrewed mission of Gaganyaan</a>
With NavIC being operational on the L1 frequency band, and when all other satellites in the NVS fleet are service-ready, all mobile phones used in India can be made compatible with NavIC. This is possible without any additional investment and extra hardware from the manufacturer's end. Phone manufacturers will have to roll out some software updates alone, as all mobile chipsets are compatible with the L1 band that the NVS series of satellites will be using.
<h2>Six generation of rockets launched from Sriharikota&nbsp;</h2>
ISRO has launched six generations of spacefaring rockets from India's spaceport at Sriharikota, Satish Dhawan Space Centre. This includes the first Indian spacefaring rocket SLV-3(Satellite Launch Vehicle-3) and its successor, the Augmented Satellite Launch Vehicle(ASLV). Thereafter came the PSLV, GSLV Mk and GSLV Mk3(now LVM3), and SSLV rocket.&nbsp;
The Indian Government has now approved almost $460mn for the construction of a third launchpad at Sriharikota. This is meant to execute the launches of India's Next-generation launch vehicle.

Science & Technology | In a launch mission  of ISRO that spans a little over 19minutes, the 50.9meters tall GSLV F-15 rocket will hurl the 2,250kg NVS-02 satellite into a Geosynchronous transfer orbit.

At 2:53am on Tuesday, 28th January, Indian Space agency ISRO commenced the countdown to its 100th rocket launch mission from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. The GSLV Mk2 rocket carrying the indigenous GPS-like NVS-02 satellite is to liftoff at 6:23am on Wednesday, 29th January. The countdown is a well-planned technical process when health checks of various systems of the rocket and satellite are carried out, and the liquid-fuel stages of the rocket are tanked up. In a launch mission that spans a little over 19minutes, the 50.9meters tall GSLV F-15 rocket will hurl the 2,250kg NVS-02 satellite into a Geosynchronous transfer orbit. In the weeks after launch, the satellite will use its on-board engines to reach its final orbit. NVS-02 is the second in the series of five Indian Next-generation Navigation satellites. ISRO is working towards launching three more satellites in the coming years. NVS-02 and the GPS-like service it enables Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC) is India’s independent regional navigation satellite system designed to provide accurate Position, Velocity and Timing (PVT) service to users in India and its vicinity. Simply put, it is a service similar to the American GPS or Russian GLONASS or Chinese Beidou. While the aforementioned foreign services are available globally, the Indian NAVIC is only available in the Indian mainland and 1500kms beyond. NVS-series satellites are meant to augment the existing NavIC services that a provided by an earlier generation of satellites. Also Read: 'AI's Sputnik moment': China's 'cheap' AI model DeepSeek overtakes billion-dollar ChatGPT The earlier series of NavIC satellites had a shortcoming — they operated only in the L5-band and S-band frequencies. This was because India hadn't received the International Telecommunication Union authorisation for using the L1 and L2 frequency bands, which are widely used worldwide for navigation services. It was after the European constellation Galileo was granted permission to use the L1 band, that India also requested for the same and obtained it. "L1 band is available on the NVS-series of satellites(and will be available on subsequent NVS satellites), it is an interoperable frequency and can be used across all chipsets(of mobile devices), provided they use our signal architecture," Dr Somanath had told WION, when he headed the agency. Earlier, the Indian government and ISRO had been making efforts to make chipmakers and phone manufacturers adopt the L5 and S-band frequencies(which the original NavIC series used). However, this was met with various roadblocks as L5 and S were not civilian-use frequencies. Therefore, phone makers had to put in additional chipsets and hardware to make their devices NavIC-compatible, thus making their devices costlier. A mix of such technological and cost barriers meant that phone makers did not widely adopt NavIC and millions of Indian smartphone users couldn't benefit from it. Also Read: Crew module dispatched for ISRO’s first uncrewed mission of Gaganyaan With NavIC being operational on the L1 frequency band, and when all other satellites in the NVS fleet are service-ready, all mobile phones used in India can be made compatible with NavIC. This is possible without any additional investment and extra hardware from the manufacturer's end. Phone manufacturers will have to roll out some software updates alone, as all mobile chipsets are compatible with the L1 band that the NVS series of satellites will be using. Six generation of rockets launched from Sriharikota ISRO has launched six generations of spacefaring rockets from India's spaceport at Sriharikota, Satish Dhawan Space Centre. This includes the first Indian spacefaring rocket SLV-3(Satellite Launch Vehicle-3) and its successor, the Augmented Satellite Launch Vehicle(ASLV). Thereafter came the PSLV, GSLV Mk and GSLV Mk3(now LVM3), and SSLV rocket. The Indian Government has now approved almost $460mn for the construction of a third launchpad at Sriharikota. This is meant to execute the launches of India's Next-generation launch vehicle.

Countdown underway for ISRO's 100th rocket launch

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has reached a significant milestone in its Gaganyaan mission, marking India&rsquo;s first initiative into human spaceflight. On January 21, 2025, the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) dispatched the Crew Module, equipped with an advanced propulsion system, to the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. &nbsp;
This uncrewed mission serves as a precursor to sending astronauts into space, ensuring the spacecraft&rsquo;s systems are fully validated before human deployment. &nbsp;
The Crew Module Propulsion System (CMPS) features a bi-propellant Reaction Control System (RCS) for controlling the module along pitch, yaw, and roll axes. The system is active during the descent and re-entry phases until the parachute-based deceleration system is deployed.&nbsp;
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It uses 12 thrusters, each producing 100N thrust, alongside high-pressure gas bottles and a propellant feed mechanism. &nbsp;&nbsp;
According to ISRO, &ldquo;This system employs 12 100N thrusters, pressurisation system with high-pressure gas bottles and the propellant feed system along with the associated fluid control components.&rdquo;&nbsp;
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<h2>Pioneering space exploration &nbsp;</h2>
The Gaganyaan mission not only symbolises India&rsquo;s ambitions in space exploration but also underscores its commitment to advancing technology.
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<h2>Uprighting system and next steps&nbsp;</h2>
Adding to its safety features, the Crew Module Uprighting System (CMUS), developed by the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), ensures the module lands upright after splashdown. The module will now undergo further integration, including avionics assembly and electrical testing at VSSC, before moving to the U R Rao Satellite Centre in Bengaluru for final orbital integration.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

SCIENCE & TECH | India News: This uncrewed mission serves as a precursor to sending astronauts into space, ensuring the spacecraft’s systems are fully validated before human deployment. 

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has reached a significant milestone in its Gaganyaan mission, marking India’s first initiative into human spaceflight. On January 21, 2025, the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) dispatched the Crew Module, equipped with an advanced propulsion system, to the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. This uncrewed mission serves as a precursor to sending astronauts into space, ensuring the spacecraft’s systems are fully validated before human deployment. The Crew Module Propulsion System (CMPS) features a bi-propellant Reaction Control System (RCS) for controlling the module along pitch, yaw, and roll axes. The system is active during the descent and re-entry phases until the parachute-based deceleration system is deployed. Also Read | ISRO captures before-and-after satellite images of Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 site It uses 12 thrusters, each producing 100N thrust, alongside high-pressure gas bottles and a propellant feed mechanism. According to ISRO, “This system employs 12 100N thrusters, pressurisation system with high-pressure gas bottles and the propellant feed system along with the associated fluid control components.” Also Read | Nitish Kumar's JD(U) fires Manipur unit chief who claimed party withdrew support to BJP govt in state Pioneering space exploration The Gaganyaan mission not only symbolises India’s ambitions in space exploration but also underscores its commitment to advancing technology. Also Read | Authorities geo tagging Chinar trees in Kashmir Valley to conserve rich natural heritage Uprighting system and next steps Adding to its safety features, the Crew Module Uprighting System (CMUS), developed by the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), ensures the module lands upright after splashdown. The module will now undergo further integration, including avionics assembly and electrical testing at VSSC, before moving to the U R Rao Satellite Centre in Bengaluru for final orbital integration. (With inputs from agencies)

Crew module dispatched for ISRO’s first uncrewed mission of Gaganyaan

On Friday (Jan 17), just a day after India successfully docked two satellites in space, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) released a captivating video that captured the exact moment of the historic docking.&nbsp;
This achievement positions India as the fourth country in the world&mdash;after the US, Russia, and China&mdash;to master space-docking technology.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
ISRO successfully completed docking of two SPADEX satellites (SDX-01 &amp; SDX-02) in the early hours of 16 January, 2025.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SPADEX?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SPADEX</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ISRO?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ISRO</a> <a href="https://t.co/UJrWpMLxmh">pic.twitter.com/UJrWpMLxmh</a>
&mdash; ISRO (@isro) <a href="https://twitter.com/isro/status/1880277647391137947?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 17, 2025</a></blockquote>

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<h2>Groundbreaking achievement for India</h2>
In the early hours of January 16, 2025, ISRO completed the flawless docking of two SPADEX satellites&mdash; SDX-01 and SDX-02&mdash;successfully executing the critical operation. The event places India among an elite group of nations with advanced space-docking capabilities, which is a significant step forward in the nation's space ambitions.
The SpaDeX mission, which launched on December 30, 2024, was designed to demonstrate India&rsquo;s competence in spacecraft rendezvous, docking, and undocking, showcasing the nation's growing technological prowess in space.
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<h2>Flawless Docking process&nbsp;</h2>
The docking process was carried out with exceptional precision. The spacecraft moved smoothly from a 15-meter hold point to a 3-meter position before initiating a perfectly accurate docking.&nbsp;
<h2>ISRO celebrates the historic moment</h2>
ISRO took to social media to celebrate the achievement, calling it a &ldquo;historic moment&rdquo; for India. In their post, ISRO announced, &ldquo;India became the 4th country to achieve successful Space Docking. Congratulations to the entire team! Congratulations to India!&rdquo;
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<h2>Strategic importance for future missions</h2>
ISRO emphasised that this success is a pivotal step for the nation&rsquo;s future missions, including Chandrayaan-4, Gaganyaan (India's crewed mission), the establishment of a space station, and plans for sending an astronaut to the Moon.
Looking ahead, ISRO will conduct undocking and power transfer tests in the coming days, further strengthening the nation's capabilities in space exploration.
(With inputs from agencies)

Trending | SCIENCE & TECH : Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) released a captivating video that captured the exact moment of the historic docking. This achievement positions India as the fourth country in the world—after the US, Russia, and China—to master space-docking technology.


On Friday (Jan 17), just a day after India successfully docked two satellites in space, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) released a captivating video that captured the exact moment of the historic docking. This achievement positions India as the fourth country in the world—after the US, Russia, and China—to master space-docking technology. ISRO successfully completed docking of two SPADEX satellites (SDX-01 & SDX-02) in the early hours of 16 January, 2025.#SPADEX #ISRO pic.twitter.com/UJrWpMLxmh — ISRO (@isro) January 17, 2025 Groundbreaking achievement for India In the early hours of January 16, 2025, ISRO completed the flawless docking of two SPADEX satellites— SDX-01 and SDX-02—successfully executing the critical operation. The event places India among an elite group of nations with advanced space-docking capabilities, which is a significant step forward in the nation's space ambitions. The SpaDeX mission, which launched on December 30, 2024, was designed to demonstrate India’s competence in spacecraft rendezvous, docking, and undocking, showcasing the nation's growing technological prowess in space. Also read | ISRO's SpaDeX Mission successful: India becomes 4th nation to accomplish space docking Flawless Docking process The docking process was carried out with exceptional precision. The spacecraft moved smoothly from a 15-meter hold point to a 3-meter position before initiating a perfectly accurate docking. ISRO celebrates the historic moment ISRO took to social media to celebrate the achievement, calling it a “historic moment” for India. In their post, ISRO announced, “India became the 4th country to achieve successful Space Docking. Congratulations to the entire team! Congratulations to India!” Also read | ESA's Gaia telescope discovers over 100 black holes hidden in ancient star cluster Strategic importance for future missions ISRO emphasised that this success is a pivotal step for the nation’s future missions, including Chandrayaan-4, Gaganyaan (India's crewed mission), the establishment of a space station, and plans for sending an astronaut to the Moon. Looking ahead, ISRO will conduct undocking and power transfer tests in the coming days, further strengthening the nation's capabilities in space exploration. (With inputs from agencies)

Watch: ISRO shares video of historic satellite docking in SpaDeX mission

The Indian Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday (January 15) approved the establishment of the Third Launch Pad (TLP) at ISRO&rsquo;s spaceport Satish Dhawan Space Centre at Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. The Indian Government envisages the construction of the TLP and related facilities at a cost of Rs. 3985 crore (approx. $460 million) within a span of four years.
Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-tech/isro-accomplishes-space-docking-india-fifth-nation-to-do-so-globally-8625833" rel="dofollow">ISRO's SpaDeX Mission successful: India becomes 4th nation to accomplish space docking</a>
At present, the Indian spaceport at Sriharikota is equipped with two launchpads. The first launchpad is meant for smaller rockets such as the PSLV and SSLV, and the GSLV Mk2, while the second launchpad is capable of launching all rockets right from the smallest SSLV to the largest LVM3. However, the first launchpad has served for more than 30 years, whereas the second launchpad has served for more than 20 years.
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The Third Launch Pad project is meant to enable the launch of Next Generation Launch Vehicles (NGLV) of ISRO and also to support as a standby launch pad for the Second Launch Pad at Sriharikota. This will also enhance the launch capacity for future Indian human spaceflight missions.&nbsp;
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The TLP will support the more capable semi-cryogenic engine variant of the LVM3 rocket and also the scaled-up version of India&rsquo;s proposed NGLV rocket. The new launch pad will be built with maximum industry participation, fully utilising ISRO&rsquo;s experience in establishing the earlier launch pads and maximally sharing the existing launch complex facilities.
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The TLP project will boost the Indian Space ecosystem by enabling higher launch frequencies and the national capacity to undertake human spaceflight and space exploration missions such as regular missions to the proposed Indian space station and manned missions to the moon.
&nbsp;

India News | Science & Tech | Trending: The TLP will boost the Indian Space ecosystem by enabling more launches and to undertake human spaceflight and space exploration missions

The Indian Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday (January 15) approved the establishment of the Third Launch Pad (TLP) at ISRO’s spaceport Satish Dhawan Space Centre at Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. The Indian Government envisages the construction of the TLP and related facilities at a cost of Rs. 3985 crore (approx. $460 million) within a span of four years. Also Read | ISRO's SpaDeX Mission successful: India becomes 4th nation to accomplish space docking At present, the Indian spaceport at Sriharikota is equipped with two launchpads. The first launchpad is meant for smaller rockets such as the PSLV and SSLV, and the GSLV Mk2, while the second launchpad is capable of launching all rockets right from the smallest SSLV to the largest LVM3. However, the first launchpad has served for more than 30 years, whereas the second launchpad has served for more than 20 years. Also Read | Donald Trump inauguration: Key events, performers, and security details. All you need to know The Third Launch Pad project is meant to enable the launch of Next Generation Launch Vehicles (NGLV) of ISRO and also to support as a standby launch pad for the Second Launch Pad at Sriharikota. This will also enhance the launch capacity for future Indian human spaceflight missions. Also Read | Trump is not the first US president to think about buying Greenland. A look at the geopolitics of the Arctic The TLP will support the more capable semi-cryogenic engine variant of the LVM3 rocket and also the scaled-up version of India’s proposed NGLV rocket. The new launch pad will be built with maximum industry participation, fully utilising ISRO’s experience in establishing the earlier launch pads and maximally sharing the existing launch complex facilities. Also Read | Gaza ceasefire: Biden and Trump - two presidents, one truce, who gets the credit? The TLP project will boost the Indian Space ecosystem by enabling higher launch frequencies and the national capacity to undertake human spaceflight and space exploration missions such as regular missions to the proposed Indian space station and manned missions to the moon.

India to build 3rd rocket launchpad at Sriharikota at cost of $460mn

During the morning hours of Thursday (Jan 16) the Indian space agency succeeded in mechanically attaching or docking two satellites flying at velocities over 28,000 kilometres per hour, almost 470 kms above Earth. India became the fourth nation - and the fifth space agency when we factor in European Space Agency - to achieve such space docking.
Docking is an enabling technology crucial to transfer humans, cargo or fuel from one spacecraft to another. India's ambitions of returning samples from the moon (Chandrayaan-4) and building the country's own space station required mastery over docking technology. So far, only the US, Russia, Europe, and China have performed space docking, and India joins that elite list with the successful execution of ISRO's SpaDeX (Space Docking Experiment) mission.
Over the course of this week, the satellites were gradually brought closer to one another from a distance of over eight km, in preparation for docking. 
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Over the last two weeks, ISRO made two attempts at docking, but stopped short of the final process, coming as close as three metres on the attempt made on January 12. However, the process of bringing the satellites close to one another has helped in testing the sensors, cameras and software that enable the fully autonomous docking process.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m5yv8c0g-p86j6p8y-6le3fkoz">
🌟 PSLV-C60/SPADEX Mission Update 🌟 Visualize SpaDeX in Action! 🎞️ Animation Alert: Experience the marvel of in-space docking with this animation! 🌐 Click here for more information: <a href="https://t.co/jQEnGi3ocF">https://t.co/jQEnGi3ocF</a> <a href="https://t.co/djVUkqXWYS">pic.twitter.com/djVUkqXWYS</a>
&mdash; ISRO (@isro) <a href="https://twitter.com/isro/status/1872591278992396530?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 27, 2024</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
<h2 class="p1">What is the objective of Space Docking?</h2>
The primary objective of the&nbsp;SpaDeX mission is to develop and demonstrate the technology needed for rendezvous, docking, and undocking of two small spacecraft - SDX01, which is the Chaser, and SDX02, the Target. Each satellite weighs 220kg and is fitted with cameras, sensors and thrusters that will enable precise docking.&nbsp;
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After the primary mission of docking is accomplished, the two satellites will then separate (undock) and start operating as two different satellites, operating their respective payloads for the expected mission life of up to two years. WION had earlier reported that the twin satellites could attempt more docking and undocking, depending on the mission requirement and the availability of fuel on both crafts.&nbsp;
<h2 class="p1">Why is Space Docking so complicated?</h2>
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When a chaser spacecraft is approaching the target spacecraft, the relative velocity between the two (the difference in velocity between the two) and the distance between the two must be controlled very carefully. If the relative velocity is too high, the docking attempt can fail, causing damage or collisions. If it is too low, it may take too long to complete the approach, which could lead to fuel inefficiencies or mission delays.
When the spacecraft dock, their relative velocity must be near-zero. This means that the two spacecraft must be moving at the same velocity and in the same direction at the time of docking to ensure a smooth mechanical connection without any impact forces. This requires careful coordination and manoeuvring, all done fully autonomously.
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Initially, the ISRO satellites were over 10 km apart from each other. Gradually, the satellites began to autonomously reduce the distance between themselves. The inter-satellite distance had been lowered to 5 km, 1.5 km, 500 metres and so on.
WION had earlier reported that&nbsp;SpaDeX is ISRO's most complicated mission yet in orbit around Earth. ISRO's twin SpaDeX satellites being of small size (and carrying commensurate fuel) also added to the complexity of the mission. It is widely regarded that docking larger satellites with larger quantities of fuel is relatively simpler.
&nbsp;

Science, Tech, Trending:  ISRO's SpaDeX Mission Successful - The satellites were gradually brought closer to one another from a distance of over 8 kms, in preparation for docking. Over the last two weeks, ISRO made two attempts at docking but stopped short of the final process.

During the morning hours of Thursday (Jan 16) the Indian space agency succeeded in mechanically attaching or docking two satellites flying at velocities over 28,000 kilometres per hour, almost 470 kms above Earth. India became the fourth nation - and the fifth space agency when we factor in European Space Agency - to achieve such space docking. Docking is an enabling technology crucial to transfer humans, cargo or fuel from one spacecraft to another. India's ambitions of returning samples from the moon (Chandrayaan-4) and building the country's own space station required mastery over docking technology. So far, only the US, Russia, Europe, and China have performed space docking, and India joins that elite list with the successful execution of ISRO's SpaDeX (Space Docking Experiment) mission. Over the course of this week, the satellites were gradually brought closer to one another from a distance of over eight km, in preparation for docking. Also Read: Scientists uncover evidence of second core layer beneath Earth's surface Over the last two weeks, ISRO made two attempts at docking, but stopped short of the final process, coming as close as three metres on the attempt made on January 12. However, the process of bringing the satellites close to one another has helped in testing the sensors, cameras and software that enable the fully autonomous docking process. 🌟 PSLV-C60/SPADEX Mission Update 🌟 Visualize SpaDeX in Action! 🎞️ Animation Alert: Experience the marvel of in-space docking with this animation! 🌐 Click here for more information: https://t.co/jQEnGi3ocF pic.twitter.com/djVUkqXWYS — ISRO (@isro) December 27, 2024 What is the objective of Space Docking? The primary objective of the SpaDeX mission is to develop and demonstrate the technology needed for rendezvous, docking, and undocking of two small spacecraft - SDX01, which is the Chaser, and SDX02, the Target. Each satellite weighs 220kg and is fitted with cameras, sensors and thrusters that will enable precise docking. Also Read: China mulling re-creating ‘Three Gorges Dam project’ in space. Here is how After the primary mission of docking is accomplished, the two satellites will then separate (undock) and start operating as two different satellites, operating their respective payloads for the expected mission life of up to two years. WION had earlier reported that the twin satellites could attempt more docking and undocking, depending on the mission requirement and the availability of fuel on both crafts. Why is Space Docking so complicated? Also Read: 'Few anomalies': Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin calls off rocket launch When a chaser spacecraft is approaching the target spacecraft, the relative velocity between the two (the difference in velocity between the two) and the distance between the two must be controlled very carefully. If the relative velocity is too high, the docking attempt can fail, causing damage or collisions. If it is too low, it may take too long to complete the approach, which could lead to fuel inefficiencies or mission delays. When the spacecraft dock, their relative velocity must be near-zero. This means that the two spacecraft must be moving at the same velocity and in the same direction at the time of docking to ensure a smooth mechanical connection without any impact forces. This requires careful coordination and manoeuvring, all done fully autonomously. Also Read: Elon Musk’s SpaceX launches two private lunar landers aboard Falcon 9 Initially, the ISRO satellites were over 10 km apart from each other. Gradually, the satellites began to autonomously reduce the distance between themselves. The inter-satellite distance had been lowered to 5 km, 1.5 km, 500 metres and so on. WION had earlier reported that SpaDeX is ISRO's most complicated mission yet in orbit around Earth. ISRO's twin SpaDeX satellites being of small size (and carrying commensurate fuel) also added to the complexity of the mission. It is widely regarded that docking larger satellites with larger quantities of fuel is relatively simpler.

ISRO's SpaDeX Mission successful: India becomes 4th nation to accomplish space docking

By 7 am, Sunday, January 12, ISRO's Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) twin satellites travelling at speeds of more than 28,000kmph, came within three meters of each other in a precisely controlled and coordinated manner in a trial docking attempt. India is working towards becoming the fifth nation after the US, Russia, Europe, and&nbsp; China, to perform space docking- a process that involves mechanically attaching two spacecrafts fully autonomously.
Space docking is an enabling technology that helps perform sophisticated missions to return lunar samples and facilitates space station building. ISRO referred to the 3-meter close-in as a "trial attempt" and that the spacecraft were later moved back to a safe distance. The docking process will be done after further data analysis, ISRO added, without specifying the date and time for docking.
ISRO's PSLV rocket launched the SpaDeX satellites on December 30th, placing them 470 km above the Earth. While the satellites remained at the same altitude, they gradually grew apart by a little more than 10 km. Then ISRO commenced the process of sequentially reducing the distance between the satellites. After one instance of the satellites travelling further away from each other, ISRO managed to bring them as close as 230 metres by evening on Saturday, January 11.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m5t2xeve-l51ku247-ifhe7sz8">
SpaDeX Docking Update: SpaDeX satellites holding position at 15m, capturing stunning photos and videos of each other! 🛰️🛰️ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SPADEX?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SPADEX</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ISRO?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ISRO</a> <a href="https://t.co/RICiEVP6qB">pic.twitter.com/RICiEVP6qB</a>
&mdash; ISRO (@isro) <a href="https://twitter.com/isro/status/1878242788351115462?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2025</a></blockquote>
In the early hours of Sunday, the satellites began to approach each other for docking - 105meters, 15meters and then finally, as close as 3meters.&nbsp;
<h2>What is the objective of space docking?</h2>
The primary objective of the SpaDeX mission is to develop and demonstrate the technology needed for rendezvous, docking, and undocking of two small spacecraft - SDX01, which is the Chaser, and SDX02, the Target. Each satellite weighs 220kg and is fitted with cameras, sensors and thrusters that will enable precise docking.&nbsp;
After the primary mission of docking is accomplished, the two satellites will then separate (undock) and start operating as two different satellites, operating their respective payloads for the expected mission life of up to two years.
ISRO Chairman Dr S. Somanath earlier told WION that the twin satellites could attempt more docking and undocking, depending on the mission requirement and the availability of fuel on both.&nbsp;
<h2>Why is space docking so complicated?</h2>
When a chaser spacecraft is approaching the target spacecraft, the relative velocity between the two (the difference in velocity between the two) and the distance between the two must be controlled very carefully. If the relative velocity is too high, the docking attempt can fail, causing damage or collisions. If it is too low, it may take too long to complete the approach, which could lead to fuel inefficiencies or mission delays.
When the spacecraft dock, their relative velocity must be near-zero. This means that the two spacecraft must be moving at the same velocity and in the same direction at the time of docking to ensure a smooth mechanical connection without any impact forces. This requires careful coordination and manoeuvring, all done fully autonomously.
Initially, the satellites were over 10 km apart from each other. Gradually, the satellites began to autonomously reduce the distance between themselves. The inter-satellite distance had been lowered to 5 km, 1.5 km, 500m and so on.
WION had earlier reported that SpaDeX is ISRO's most complicated mission yet in orbit around the Earth. ISRO's twin SpaDeX satellites being of small size (and carrying commensurate fuel) also add to the complexity of the mission. It is widely regarded that docking larger satellites with larger quantities of fuel is relatively simpler.

In the early hours of Sunday, the SpaDeX satellites began to approach each other for docking - 105 meters, 15 meters and then finally, as close as 3 meters. 

By 7 am, Sunday, January 12, ISRO's Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) twin satellites travelling at speeds of more than 28,000kmph, came within three meters of each other in a precisely controlled and coordinated manner in a trial docking attempt. India is working towards becoming the fifth nation after the US, Russia, Europe, and China, to perform space docking- a process that involves mechanically attaching two spacecrafts fully autonomously. Space docking is an enabling technology that helps perform sophisticated missions to return lunar samples and facilitates space station building. ISRO referred to the 3-meter close-in as a "trial attempt" and that the spacecraft were later moved back to a safe distance. The docking process will be done after further data analysis, ISRO added, without specifying the date and time for docking. ISRO's PSLV rocket launched the SpaDeX satellites on December 30th, placing them 470 km above the Earth. While the satellites remained at the same altitude, they gradually grew apart by a little more than 10 km. Then ISRO commenced the process of sequentially reducing the distance between the satellites. After one instance of the satellites travelling further away from each other, ISRO managed to bring them as close as 230 metres by evening on Saturday, January 11. SpaDeX Docking Update: SpaDeX satellites holding position at 15m, capturing stunning photos and videos of each other! 🛰️🛰️ #SPADEX #ISRO pic.twitter.com/RICiEVP6qB — ISRO (@isro) January 12, 2025 In the early hours of Sunday, the satellites began to approach each other for docking - 105meters, 15meters and then finally, as close as 3meters. What is the objective of space docking? The primary objective of the SpaDeX mission is to develop and demonstrate the technology needed for rendezvous, docking, and undocking of two small spacecraft - SDX01, which is the Chaser, and SDX02, the Target. Each satellite weighs 220kg and is fitted with cameras, sensors and thrusters that will enable precise docking. After the primary mission of docking is accomplished, the two satellites will then separate (undock) and start operating as two different satellites, operating their respective payloads for the expected mission life of up to two years. ISRO Chairman Dr S. Somanath earlier told WION that the twin satellites could attempt more docking and undocking, depending on the mission requirement and the availability of fuel on both. Why is space docking so complicated? When a chaser spacecraft is approaching the target spacecraft, the relative velocity between the two (the difference in velocity between the two) and the distance between the two must be controlled very carefully. If the relative velocity is too high, the docking attempt can fail, causing damage or collisions. If it is too low, it may take too long to complete the approach, which could lead to fuel inefficiencies or mission delays. When the spacecraft dock, their relative velocity must be near-zero. This means that the two spacecraft must be moving at the same velocity and in the same direction at the time of docking to ensure a smooth mechanical connection without any impact forces. This requires careful coordination and manoeuvring, all done fully autonomously. Initially, the satellites were over 10 km apart from each other. Gradually, the satellites began to autonomously reduce the distance between themselves. The inter-satellite distance had been lowered to 5 km, 1.5 km, 500m and so on. WION had earlier reported that SpaDeX is ISRO's most complicated mission yet in orbit around the Earth. ISRO's twin SpaDeX satellites being of small size (and carrying commensurate fuel) also add to the complexity of the mission. It is widely regarded that docking larger satellites with larger quantities of fuel is relatively simpler.

ISRO SPADEX satellites came 3 metres close; final docking later

Indian space agency ISRO has said that the twin SPADEX satellites are now moving closer to each other, in preparation for initialisation of docking. &ldquo;The drift has been arrested and spacecraft put in a slow drift course to move closer to each other. By tomorrow, it is expected to reach initialisation conditions,&rdquo; ISRO said. As per Switzerland-based firm S2a systems, the satellites are at a distance of 4.6 km from each other, as of evening, Thursday, 9th January, and have grown closer than they were this morning.&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m5pg7uon-6359eqf9-spgporgy">
Today&rsquo;s SpaDeX pass over Australia. Recorded on 2025-01-09, 11:46:09 UTC. Estimated distance between the two spacecraft near max elevation was about 4.6 km. Two light curves generated last night during the pass over South America between 02:19 and 02:17 UTC indicate that attitude&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/9iNZVTJXdE">pic.twitter.com/9iNZVTJXdE</a>
&mdash; s2a systems (@s2a_systems) <a href="https://twitter.com/s2a_systems/status/1877342140939825286?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 9, 2025</a></blockquote>
<h2> Docking attempts postponed twice</h2>
 The SPADEX satellites were meant to complete autonomous docking in the morning hours of 9th Jan, Thursday. However, on Wednesday night, as one of the twin satellites initiated the drift to move closer from 500 m to 225 m, the drift between satellites was found to be more than desired, therefore leading to temporary postponement. Early on Thursday, private firms Digantara and s2a systems tracked the satellites when they were almost 6.5 km apart.
This is the second postponement of the docking. Earlier this week, the docking was postponed as ISRO wanted to perform a software test and on-ground simulation.
Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/legislation-introduced-in-us-house-to-terminate-designation-of-pakistan-as-major-non-nato-ally-8605071" rel="dofollow">Legislation introduced in US House to end Pakistan's designation as major non-NATO ally</a><o:p></o:p>
<h2>Why is space docking so complicated?</h2>
 When a chaser spacecraft is approaching the target spacecraft, the relative velocity between the two (the difference in velocity between the two) and the distance between the two must be controlled very carefully. If the relative velocity is too high, the docking attempt can fail, causing damage or collisions. If it is too low, it may take too long to complete the approach, which could lead to fuel inefficiencies or mission delays.
When the spacecraft dock, their relative velocity must be near-zero. This means that the two spacecraft must be moving at the same velocity and in the same direction at the time of docking to ensure a smooth mechanical connection without any impact forces. This requires careful coordination and manoeuvring, all done fully autonomously.
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Initially, the satellites were over 10 km apart from each other. Gradually, the satellites began to autonomously reduce the distance between themselves. The inter-satellite distance had been lowered to 5 km, 1.5 km, 500 m.
WION had earlier reported that SPADEX is ISRO&rsquo;s most complicated mission yet in orbit around the earth. ISRO&rsquo;s twin SPADEX satellites being of small size (and carrying commensurate fuel) also add to the complexity of the mission. It is widely regarded that docking larger satellites with larger quantities of fuel is relatively simpler.
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As this is India&rsquo;s maiden docking mission, ISRO is predominantly relying upon the natural drift of the satellites to bring them closer, which is why it is a time consuming process. It must be noted that SPADEX was launched on 30th December and docking was expected at least a week later. In contrast, large cargo-carrying or human-carrying spacecrafts dock with the International space station in eight hours after being launched into space. This is done by firing the on-board engines of the spacecraft and syncing up in close proximity with the space station, leading to docking.

India News | Trending: Initially, the satellites were over 10 km apart from each other. Gradually, they began to reduce the distance and the inter-satellite distance had been lowered to 5 km, 1.5 km, 500 m.

Indian space agency ISRO has said that the twin SPADEX satellites are now moving closer to each other, in preparation for initialisation of docking. “The drift has been arrested and spacecraft put in a slow drift course to move closer to each other. By tomorrow, it is expected to reach initialisation conditions,” ISRO said. As per Switzerland-based firm S2a systems, the satellites are at a distance of 4.6 km from each other, as of evening, Thursday, 9th January, and have grown closer than they were this morning. Today’s SpaDeX pass over Australia. Recorded on 2025-01-09, 11:46:09 UTC. Estimated distance between the two spacecraft near max elevation was about 4.6 km. Two light curves generated last night during the pass over South America between 02:19 and 02:17 UTC indicate that attitude… pic.twitter.com/9iNZVTJXdE — s2a systems (@s2a_systems) January 9, 2025 Docking attempts postponed twice The SPADEX satellites were meant to complete autonomous docking in the morning hours of 9th Jan, Thursday. However, on Wednesday night, as one of the twin satellites initiated the drift to move closer from 500 m to 225 m, the drift between satellites was found to be more than desired, therefore leading to temporary postponement. Early on Thursday, private firms Digantara and s2a systems tracked the satellites when they were almost 6.5 km apart. This is the second postponement of the docking. Earlier this week, the docking was postponed as ISRO wanted to perform a software test and on-ground simulation. Also Read | Legislation introduced in US House to end Pakistan's designation as major non-NATO ally Why is space docking so complicated? When a chaser spacecraft is approaching the target spacecraft, the relative velocity between the two (the difference in velocity between the two) and the distance between the two must be controlled very carefully. If the relative velocity is too high, the docking attempt can fail, causing damage or collisions. If it is too low, it may take too long to complete the approach, which could lead to fuel inefficiencies or mission delays. When the spacecraft dock, their relative velocity must be near-zero. This means that the two spacecraft must be moving at the same velocity and in the same direction at the time of docking to ensure a smooth mechanical connection without any impact forces. This requires careful coordination and manoeuvring, all done fully autonomously. Also Read | UK woman hospitalised with severe heatstroke after using sauna. Here's what happened Initially, the satellites were over 10 km apart from each other. Gradually, the satellites began to autonomously reduce the distance between themselves. The inter-satellite distance had been lowered to 5 km, 1.5 km, 500 m. WION had earlier reported that SPADEX is ISRO’s most complicated mission yet in orbit around the earth. ISRO’s twin SPADEX satellites being of small size (and carrying commensurate fuel) also add to the complexity of the mission. It is widely regarded that docking larger satellites with larger quantities of fuel is relatively simpler. Also Read | Prince William wishes ‘remarkable’ Kate Middleton on her birthday: ‘So proud of you’ As this is India’s maiden docking mission, ISRO is predominantly relying upon the natural drift of the satellites to bring them closer, which is why it is a time consuming process. It must be noted that SPADEX was launched on 30th December and docking was expected at least a week later. In contrast, large cargo-carrying or human-carrying spacecrafts dock with the International space station in eight hours after being launched into space. This is done by firing the on-board engines of the spacecraft and syncing up in close proximity with the space station, leading to docking.

SPADEX satellites moving closer in prep for docking process: ISRO

Indian Space Agency ISRO's twin SpaDeX satellites which were 500 meters apart and closing in on Wednesday night, have now drifted apart and are at a 13-fold distance, and are approximately 6.5 km away, as per private firms tracking the mission. Sharing their tracking data from the morning hours of January 9, Thursday, Indian private firm Digantara said that they tracked the SpaDeX A and B satellites as being 6.5 km apart. Likewise, Switzerland-based s2a systems tracked the twin satellites as they were 6.7 km apart.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/isros-spadex-docking-mission-postponed-for-second-time-satellites-safe-8602897" rel="dofollow">ISRO's SPADEX docking mission postponed for second time; satellites safe</a>
While ISRO mentioned that the satellites' drift was "more than expected" and that they are safe, the distance between them has not been specified at the time of writing.&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m5p2inri-rm3emgda-2eylcqae">
Tonight&rsquo;s SpaDeX from South America at 2025-01-09, 00:44:42 UTC. Estimated distance between the two spacecraft near max elevation: about 6.7 km. <a href="https://t.co/Avmu7Qky2s">pic.twitter.com/Avmu7Qky2s</a>
&mdash; s2a systems (@s2a_systems) <a href="https://twitter.com/s2a_systems/status/1877163316650401795?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 9, 2025</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m5p2j0q3-ler09s09-kanfqb8m">
Another update! Recorded at ~7:30 AM IST, <a href="https://twitter.com/isro?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@isro</a> SpaDeX A &amp; B were tracked with a separation of approx. 6.5 km at peak elevation. Stay tuned for more updates! <a href="https://t.co/lMtCBX5bqB">pic.twitter.com/lMtCBX5bqB</a>
&mdash; Digantara (@Digantarahq) <a href="https://twitter.com/Digantarahq/status/1877194601322164392?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 9, 2025</a></blockquote>
Both private firms that shared the SpaDeX distance data are specialists in providing Space Situational Awareness(SSA)- which includes understanding and monitoring of the space environment, the identification, tracking, and characterisation of objects in space, such as satellites, debris, and others. SSA is aimed at ensuring the safe, sustainable, and secure use of space.
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<h2> Two postponed docking attempts</h2>
The SpaDeX satellites were meant to complete autonomous docking in the morning hours of Jan 9, Thursday. However, on Wednesday night as one of the twin satellites initiated the drift to move closer from 500m to 225m, the drift between satellites was found to be more than expected, therefore leading to temporary postponement. This is the second postponement of the docking. Earlier this week, the docking was postponed as ISRO wanted to perform a software test and on-ground simulation. &nbsp;
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/spadex-why-isro-chose-january-7th-for-docking-experiment-8594021" rel="dofollow">SpaDeX: Docking date shifts to January 9 - A developing story</a>
<h2> Why is space docking so complicated?</h2>
When a chaser spacecraft is approaching the target spacecraft, the relative velocity between the two(the difference in velocity between the two) and the distance between the two must be controlled very carefully. If the relative velocity is too high, the docking attempt can fail, causing damage or collisions. If it is too low, it may take too long to complete the approach, which could lead to fuel inefficiencies or mission delays.
When the spacecraft dock, their relative velocity must be near zero. This means that the two spacecraft must be moving at the same velocity and in the same direction at the time of docking to ensure a smooth mechanical connection without any impact forces. This requires careful coordination and manoeuvring, all done fully autonomously.
Initially the satellites were over 10kms apart from each other. Gradually, the satellites began to autonomously reduce the distance between themselves. The inter-satellite distance had been lowered to 5 km, 1.5 km, 500m.&nbsp;
On Wednesday night, one of the twin satellites had initiated the drift to move closer from 500m to 225m, and that's when the drift between satellites was found to be more than expected, therefore leading to temporary postponement with no new docking date announced so far.
WION had earlier reported that SpaDeX is ISRO's most complicated mission yet in orbit around Earth. ISRO's twin SpaDeX satellites being of small size(and carrying commensurate fuel) also add to the complexity of the mission. It is widely regarded that docking larger satellites with larger quantities of fuel is relatively simpler.
As this is India's maiden docking mission, ISRO is predominantly relying upon the natural drift of the satellites to bring them closer, which is why it is a time-consuming process. It must be noted that SpaDeX was launched on 30th December and docking was expected at least a week later. In contrast, large cargo-carrying or human-carrying spacecraft dock with the International Space Station eight hours after being launched into space. This is done by firing the on-board engines of the spacecraft and syncing up in close proximity with the space station, leading to docking.

The SpaDeX satellites were meant to complete autonomous docking in the morning hours of Jan 9, Thursday. They have now drifted apart and are at a 13-fold distance.

Indian Space Agency ISRO's twin SpaDeX satellites which were 500 meters apart and closing in on Wednesday night, have now drifted apart and are at a 13-fold distance, and are approximately 6.5 km away, as per private firms tracking the mission. Sharing their tracking data from the morning hours of January 9, Thursday, Indian private firm Digantara said that they tracked the SpaDeX A and B satellites as being 6.5 km apart. Likewise, Switzerland-based s2a systems tracked the twin satellites as they were 6.7 km apart. Also Read: ISRO's SPADEX docking mission postponed for second time; satellites safe While ISRO mentioned that the satellites' drift was "more than expected" and that they are safe, the distance between them has not been specified at the time of writing. Tonight’s SpaDeX from South America at 2025-01-09, 00:44:42 UTC. Estimated distance between the two spacecraft near max elevation: about 6.7 km. pic.twitter.com/Avmu7Qky2s — s2a systems (@s2a_systems) January 9, 2025 Another update! Recorded at ~7:30 AM IST, @isro SpaDeX A & B were tracked with a separation of approx. 6.5 km at peak elevation. Stay tuned for more updates! pic.twitter.com/lMtCBX5bqB — Digantara (@Digantarahq) January 9, 2025 Both private firms that shared the SpaDeX distance data are specialists in providing Space Situational Awareness(SSA)- which includes understanding and monitoring of the space environment, the identification, tracking, and characterisation of objects in space, such as satellites, debris, and others. SSA is aimed at ensuring the safe, sustainable, and secure use of space. Also Read: World's first wooden satellite sent to Earth's orbit Two postponed docking attempts The SpaDeX satellites were meant to complete autonomous docking in the morning hours of Jan 9, Thursday. However, on Wednesday night as one of the twin satellites initiated the drift to move closer from 500m to 225m, the drift between satellites was found to be more than expected, therefore leading to temporary postponement. This is the second postponement of the docking. Earlier this week, the docking was postponed as ISRO wanted to perform a software test and on-ground simulation. Also Read: SpaDeX: Docking date shifts to January 9 - A developing story Why is space docking so complicated? When a chaser spacecraft is approaching the target spacecraft, the relative velocity between the two(the difference in velocity between the two) and the distance between the two must be controlled very carefully. If the relative velocity is too high, the docking attempt can fail, causing damage or collisions. If it is too low, it may take too long to complete the approach, which could lead to fuel inefficiencies or mission delays. When the spacecraft dock, their relative velocity must be near zero. This means that the two spacecraft must be moving at the same velocity and in the same direction at the time of docking to ensure a smooth mechanical connection without any impact forces. This requires careful coordination and manoeuvring, all done fully autonomously. Initially the satellites were over 10kms apart from each other. Gradually, the satellites began to autonomously reduce the distance between themselves. The inter-satellite distance had been lowered to 5 km, 1.5 km, 500m. On Wednesday night, one of the twin satellites had initiated the drift to move closer from 500m to 225m, and that's when the drift between satellites was found to be more than expected, therefore leading to temporary postponement with no new docking date announced so far. WION had earlier reported that SpaDeX is ISRO's most complicated mission yet in orbit around Earth. ISRO's twin SpaDeX satellites being of small size(and carrying commensurate fuel) also add to the complexity of the mission. It is widely regarded that docking larger satellites with larger quantities of fuel is relatively simpler. As this is India's maiden docking mission, ISRO is predominantly relying upon the natural drift of the satellites to bring them closer, which is why it is a time-consuming process. It must be noted that SpaDeX was launched on 30th December and docking was expected at least a week later. In contrast, large cargo-carrying or human-carrying spacecraft dock with the International Space Station eight hours after being launched into space. This is done by firing the on-board engines of the spacecraft and syncing up in close proximity with the space station, leading to docking.

SpaDeX satellites drift apart 13-fold, 6.5kms away from each other: Data

The Indian space agency <a href="https://www.wionews.com/web-stories/science-technology/isros-new-era-incoming-chief-v-narayanan-to-face-major-challenges-amid-gaganyaans-grand-mission-8600247">ISRO</a> has postponed the 9th January, Thursday morning's planned docking of its twin SPADEX satellites, owing to a drift or growing distance between the two satellites that are meant to gradually get closer to each other and mechanically attach themselves, all fully autonomously.&nbsp;
This is the second postponement of the docking. Earlier this week, the docking was postponed as ISRO wanted to perform a software test and on-ground simulation before proceeding with the docking.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/dr-v-narayanan-from-indias-cryogenic-engine-expert-to-isro-chief-8601762">Dr. V. Narayanan - From India's cryogenic engine expert to ISRO Chief</a>
While ISRO has assured that the satellites are safe, it will take a short while before ground-based antennas will be able to "see and speak" to the satellites. Typically, satellites that are closer to earth (SPADEX satellites are 470 km above earth) are only visible for a couple of minutes from each ground-based station, as the satellites move at speeds of over 28,000 kmph.
<h2>Why is space docking so complicated?</h2>
When a chaser spacecraft is approaching the target spacecraft, the relative velocity between the two (the difference in velocity between the two) and the distance between the two must be controlled very carefully. If the relative velocity is too high, the docking attempt can fail, causing damage or collisions. If it is too low, it may take too long to complete the approach, which could lead to fuel inefficiencies or mission delays.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/life-sprouts-in-space-isro-successfully-germinates-cowpea-seeds-under-microgravity-conditions-8593347">'Life sprouts in space'; ISRO successfully germinates cowpea seeds under microgravity conditions</a>
When the spacecraft dock, their relative velocity must be near-zero. This means that the two spacecraft must be moving at the same velocity and in the same direction at the time of docking to ensure a smooth connection without any impact forces. This requires careful coordination and manoeuvring, all done fully autonomously.
Initially, the satellites were 20 km apart from each other, and gradually, the satellites began to autonomously reduce the distance between themselves.&nbsp;
From 20 km, the inter-satellite distance had been gradually lowered to 5 km, 1.5 km, 500 m.&nbsp;
On Wednesday night, one of the twin satellites had initiated the drift to move closer from 500 m to 225 m, and that's when the drift between satellites was found to be more than expected, therefore leading to temporary postponement.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/bangladesh/india-extends-ousted-bangladesh-pm-hasinas-visa-as-dhaka-presses-for-extradition-8601765">India extends ousted Bangladesh PM Hasina&rsquo;s visa as Dhaka presses for extradition</a>
Wion had earlier reported that SPADEX is ISRO's most complicated mission yet in orbit around the earth. ISRO's twin SPADEX satellites being of small size (and carrying commensurate fuel) also adds to the complexity of the mission. It is widely regarded that docking larger satellites with larger quantities of fuel is relatively simpler.

India news: This is the second postponement of the docking. Earlier this week, the docking was postponed as ISRO wanted to perform a software test and on-ground simulation before proceeding with the docking. 

The Indian space agency ISRO has postponed the 9th January, Thursday morning's planned docking of its twin SPADEX satellites, owing to a drift or growing distance between the two satellites that are meant to gradually get closer to each other and mechanically attach themselves, all fully autonomously. This is the second postponement of the docking. Earlier this week, the docking was postponed as ISRO wanted to perform a software test and on-ground simulation before proceeding with the docking. Also read: Dr. V. Narayanan - From India's cryogenic engine expert to ISRO Chief While ISRO has assured that the satellites are safe, it will take a short while before ground-based antennas will be able to "see and speak" to the satellites. Typically, satellites that are closer to earth (SPADEX satellites are 470 km above earth) are only visible for a couple of minutes from each ground-based station, as the satellites move at speeds of over 28,000 kmph. Why is space docking so complicated? When a chaser spacecraft is approaching the target spacecraft, the relative velocity between the two (the difference in velocity between the two) and the distance between the two must be controlled very carefully. If the relative velocity is too high, the docking attempt can fail, causing damage or collisions. If it is too low, it may take too long to complete the approach, which could lead to fuel inefficiencies or mission delays. Also read: 'Life sprouts in space'; ISRO successfully germinates cowpea seeds under microgravity conditions When the spacecraft dock, their relative velocity must be near-zero. This means that the two spacecraft must be moving at the same velocity and in the same direction at the time of docking to ensure a smooth connection without any impact forces. This requires careful coordination and manoeuvring, all done fully autonomously. Initially, the satellites were 20 km apart from each other, and gradually, the satellites began to autonomously reduce the distance between themselves. From 20 km, the inter-satellite distance had been gradually lowered to 5 km, 1.5 km, 500 m. On Wednesday night, one of the twin satellites had initiated the drift to move closer from 500 m to 225 m, and that's when the drift between satellites was found to be more than expected, therefore leading to temporary postponement. Also read: India extends ousted Bangladesh PM Hasina’s visa as Dhaka presses for extradition Wion had earlier reported that SPADEX is ISRO's most complicated mission yet in orbit around the earth. ISRO's twin SPADEX satellites being of small size (and carrying commensurate fuel) also adds to the complexity of the mission. It is widely regarded that docking larger satellites with larger quantities of fuel is relatively simpler.

ISRO's SPADEX docking mission postponed for second time; satellites safe

<div class="x_elementToProof">"He is the key person in the development and successful flight testing of the first Indian cryogenic stage in GSLV-D5 vehicle. He is also the designer of CE20 Cryogenic engine. He is the Project Director of C25 Cryogenic Project of GSLV MkIII Vehicle(now known as LVM3). The Cryogenic Engine Mathematical Modelling and Simulation software developed by him is routinely used in the development of cryogenic engines and stages," that is how an ISRO-authored book on India's space journey describes Dr. V. Narayanan, presently the senior-most ISRO Director and Chairman-designate of the Indian space agency.&nbsp;</div>
<div class="x_elementToProof"></div>
<div class="x_elementToProof">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m5nsjqji-xy4x1f51-964z7c20">
Dr. V. Narayanan has been appointed <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ISRO?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ISRO</a> Chairman and Secretary, Dept of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Space?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Space</a> At present, he leads ISRO's Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre, which designs and develops liquid-fuel rocket engines.. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/india?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#india</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/isro?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#isro</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/science?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#science</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/tech?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#tech</a> <a href="https://t.co/lE3g8d81Ry">pic.twitter.com/lE3g8d81Ry</a>
&mdash; Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1876689606818619790?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2025</a></blockquote>
</div>
<div class="x_elementToProof"><a class="x_OWAAutoLink" id="LPlnk547404" data-auth="NotApplicable" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" href="https://x.com/sdhrthmp/status/1876689606818619790" title="https://x.com/sdhrthmp/status/1876689606818619790" data-linkindex="0"></a></div>
<div class="x_elementToProof"></div>
<div class="x_elementToProof">An expert in rocket engine development, Dr Narayanan specialises in the domain of cryogenic propulsion systems, which are among the most sophisticated avenues in the vast world of rocketry. Typically, cryogenic propulsion systems burn Liquid Hydrogen (a supercooled fuel that is maintained at minus 253 degrees Celsius) and Liquid Oxygen (a super supercooled fuel that is maintained at minus 183 degrees Celsius). So far, only the US, Russia, Europe, Japan, China, and India have the capability to design, develop, and produce cryogenic propulsion systems.&nbsp;</div>
<div class="x_elementToProof"></div>
<div class="x_elementToProof">Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/post/8600424" rel="dofollow">Dr V Narayanan: The rocket scientist who will now lead ISRO</a></div>
<h2 class="x_elementToProof">Education and Academic achievements&nbsp;</h2>
<div class="x_elementToProof">Dr. V. Narayanan completed his schooling at a village school in the&nbsp; Kanyakumari district of Tamil Nadu. Later, he completed his M.Tech and Ph.D. from IIT, Kharagpur, where he was awarded a Silver Medal for securing the first rank in his M.Tech programme. He has also been honoured with the Distinguished Alumni Award and the Life Fellowship Award.&nbsp;</div>
<h2 class="x_elementToProof">Professional achievements&nbsp;</h2>
<div class="x_elementToProof">As the Cryogenic Rocket Engine technology was denied to India by other spacefaring nations, Dr. V. Narayanan successfully developed the C25 Cryogenic stage (cryogenic engine and related components, structures), while serving as the Project Director of the Indigenous Cryogenic Stage. The Indigenous C25 Cryogenic stage has delivered success in all six launch missions of India's largest and heaviest LVM3 rocket, including the Chandrayaan-2 &amp; 3 moon missions. The C25 is the final stage of the three-stage LVM3 rocket, and it is the cryogenic stage that enables efficient delivery of heavier payloads to space at high velocities. He has also contributed towards the development of the cryogenic upper stage for the GSLV Mk2 rocket, which is the younger sibling of the LVM3 rocket.</div>
<div class="x_elementToProof"></div>
<div class="x_elementToProof"><iframe width="600" height="400" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wo2i8zi9x4o?feature=oembed" title="V Narayanan Appointed New Space Secretary &amp; ISRO Chief, Will Take Over From S Somanath | WION" class="publive-iframes-block publive-YouTube-block" id="PL_iframe_block-m5nsl8b8-7g4c9hwd-mdi6lg2b"></iframe></div>
<div class="x_elementToProof"></div>
<div class="x_elementToProof">During his tenure as LPSC Director, the ISRO facility delivered more than 220 propulsion systems (engines) for 40 rockets and 40 satellite missions. He is a member of the International Academy of Astronautics (IAA), and presently the National President of the Indian Society of Systems for Science &amp; Engineering (ISSE).&nbsp;</div>
<div class="x_elementToProof"></div>
<div class="x_elementToProof">Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/post/8570243" rel="dofollow">Explained: ISRO can now restart its 'CE20' Cryogenic engine in space</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<h2 class="x_elementToProof">Contributions towards Chandrayaan-3</h2>
<div>He was the Chairperson of the National Level Expert Committee which completed the analysis, pinpointed the reasons for the hard landing of Chandrayaan-2 (India's second Lunar mission and maiden Lunar landing attempt), and submitted a report with 105 recommendations for Chandrayaan-3 in record time of 30 days. Chandrayaan-3 is India's maiden lunar soft landing and made India the fourth nation to land on the moon and the first to do so near the Lunar south pole.</div>
<div></div>
<div>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/post/8068441" rel="dofollow">ISRO's C25 cryogenic stage now sports white, ditches black; What's the science behind it?</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div></div>
<div class="x_elementToProof">As the Director of ISRO's Liquid Propulsion System Centre, his teams developed and delivered the engines that propelled Chandrayaan-3 to the moon and enabled the soft landing of the Vikram lander.&nbsp;</div>
<h2 class="x_elementToProof">Contributions towards Aditya-L1</h2>
<div class="x_elementToProof">For the PSLV C57/Aditya-L1 mission, the team under him delivered the liquid-fuel engines that propel the rocket and the spacecraft. As mission readiness review committee chairman, he reviewed and cleared the mission and helped India become the fourth&nbsp;nation to successfully accomplish the study mission.</div>
<h2 class="x_elementToProof">Contributions towards Gaganyaan programme&nbsp;</h2>
<div class="x_elementToProof">He is the Chairman of the Space Transportation System Programme Management Council, guiding all the teams involved in rocket development and operationalisation. His teams have completed the development of all four liquid propulsion systems for India's astronaut-carrying rocket and the crew capsule. He heads the team that is developing the major systems for Environmental (pressure, temperature and oxygen) Control and Safety Systems, which create a safe Earth-like habitat for astronauts in the crew capsule. He is the Chairman of the National Level Human Rating Certification Board, which certifies ISRO's LVM3 rocket for their ambitious astronaut-carrying missions as part of the Gaganyaan programme.</div>
<h2 class="x_elementToProof">Ongoing and future projects</h2>
<div class="x_elementToProof">As the core designer and leader, he is contributing towards India's most powerful rocket engine, a 200-tonne thrust Semi-Cryogenic engine that burns kerosene and liquid oxygen. The Semi-cryogenic stage (engine and components) and the C32 Cryogenic stage are meant to be used, respectively, as the second and third stages of the LVM3 rocket to enable its lifting capacity and reduce its launch cost by around 30 per cent. This upgraded LVM3 rocket is to be used to place different segments of the proposed Indian space station (Bharatiya Antariksh Station) in orbit around the Earth.&nbsp;</div>
<div class="x_elementToProof"></div>
<div class="x_elementToProof"><iframe width="600" height="400" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fytjjRwUkwo?feature=oembed" title="India's Most Powerful Rocket Engine In Development | World News | WION" class="publive-iframes-block publive-YouTube-block" id="PL_iframe_block-m5nslxwz-iyyyx843-f7fkzjvo"></iframe></div>
<div class="x_elementToProof"><a class="x_OWAAutoLink" id="LPlnkOWA2c11fe79-2acb-9bbc-d8b3-48efa79a4988" data-auth="NotApplicable" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fytjjRwUkwo" title="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fytjjRwUkwo" data-linkindex="2"></a></div>
<div class="x_elementToProof"></div>
<div class="x_elementToProof">Dr Narayanan has been leading the development of a methane-liquid oxygen-powered rocket engine, related components, and the Next Generation Launch Vehicle (rocket), which will help execute India's plans to land its astronauts on the moon. His teams are also working on the engines that will propel India's fourth lunar mission, Chandrayaan-4 (meant to bring back samples from the moon's surface) and the Venus orbiter mission.&nbsp;</div>
<div></div>
<div>In a recent interview, he told WION that ISRO has carried out four ignition tests of the new semi-cryogenic engine. "In about two years, we are planning to complete the entire development of the semi-cryogenic engine," he added. Further, he also mentioned that ISRO has built a 20-tonne thrust-generating methane-liquid oxygen-powered engine and conducted seven test firings to demonstrate its capabilities. "Now, we are in the process of designing the 110-tonne thrust methane-liquid oxygen engine, which will be used in the future rocket, the Next Generation Launch vehicle," he added.&nbsp;</div>

India News | Trending: As the cryogenic rocket engine technology was denied to India by other spacefaring nations, Dr. V. Narayanan successfully developed the C25 cryogenic stage as the project director.

"He is the key person in the development and successful flight testing of the first Indian cryogenic stage in GSLV-D5 vehicle. He is also the designer of CE20 Cryogenic engine. He is the Project Director of C25 Cryogenic Project of GSLV MkIII Vehicle(now known as LVM3). The Cryogenic Engine Mathematical Modelling and Simulation software developed by him is routinely used in the development of cryogenic engines and stages," that is how an ISRO-authored book on India's space journey describes Dr. V. Narayanan, presently the senior-most ISRO Director and Chairman-designate of the Indian space agency. Dr. V. Narayanan has been appointed #ISRO Chairman and Secretary, Dept of #Space At present, he leads ISRO's Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre, which designs and develops liquid-fuel rocket engines.. #india #isro #science #tech pic.twitter.com/lE3g8d81Ry — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) January 7, 2025 An expert in rocket engine development, Dr Narayanan specialises in the domain of cryogenic propulsion systems, which are among the most sophisticated avenues in the vast world of rocketry. Typically, cryogenic propulsion systems burn Liquid Hydrogen (a supercooled fuel that is maintained at minus 253 degrees Celsius) and Liquid Oxygen (a super supercooled fuel that is maintained at minus 183 degrees Celsius). So far, only the US, Russia, Europe, Japan, China, and India have the capability to design, develop, and produce cryogenic propulsion systems. Also Read | Dr V Narayanan: The rocket scientist who will now lead ISRO Education and Academic achievements Dr. V. Narayanan completed his schooling at a village school in the Kanyakumari district of Tamil Nadu. Later, he completed his M.Tech and Ph.D. from IIT, Kharagpur, where he was awarded a Silver Medal for securing the first rank in his M.Tech programme. He has also been honoured with the Distinguished Alumni Award and the Life Fellowship Award. Professional achievements As the Cryogenic Rocket Engine technology was denied to India by other spacefaring nations, Dr. V. Narayanan successfully developed the C25 Cryogenic stage (cryogenic engine and related components, structures), while serving as the Project Director of the Indigenous Cryogenic Stage. The Indigenous C25 Cryogenic stage has delivered success in all six launch missions of India's largest and heaviest LVM3 rocket, including the Chandrayaan-2 & 3 moon missions. The C25 is the final stage of the three-stage LVM3 rocket, and it is the cryogenic stage that enables efficient delivery of heavier payloads to space at high velocities. He has also contributed towards the development of the cryogenic upper stage for the GSLV Mk2 rocket, which is the younger sibling of the LVM3 rocket. During his tenure as LPSC Director, the ISRO facility delivered more than 220 propulsion systems (engines) for 40 rockets and 40 satellite missions. He is a member of the International Academy of Astronautics (IAA), and presently the National President of the Indian Society of Systems for Science & Engineering (ISSE). Also Read | Explained: ISRO can now restart its 'CE20' Cryogenic engine in space Contributions towards Chandrayaan-3 He was the Chairperson of the National Level Expert Committee which completed the analysis, pinpointed the reasons for the hard landing of Chandrayaan-2 (India's second Lunar mission and maiden Lunar landing attempt), and submitted a report with 105 recommendations for Chandrayaan-3 in record time of 30 days. Chandrayaan-3 is India's maiden lunar soft landing and made India the fourth nation to land on the moon and the first to do so near the Lunar south pole. Also Read | ISRO's C25 cryogenic stage now sports white, ditches black; What's the science behind it? As the Director of ISRO's Liquid Propulsion System Centre, his teams developed and delivered the engines that propelled Chandrayaan-3 to the moon and enabled the soft landing of the Vikram lander. Contributions towards Aditya-L1 For the PSLV C57/Aditya-L1 mission, the team under him delivered the liquid-fuel engines that propel the rocket and the spacecraft. As mission readiness review committee chairman, he reviewed and cleared the mission and helped India become the fourth nation to successfully accomplish the study mission. Contributions towards Gaganyaan programme He is the Chairman of the Space Transportation System Programme Management Council, guiding all the teams involved in rocket development and operationalisation. His teams have completed the development of all four liquid propulsion systems for India's astronaut-carrying rocket and the crew capsule. He heads the team that is developing the major systems for Environmental (pressure, temperature and oxygen) Control and Safety Systems, which create a safe Earth-like habitat for astronauts in the crew capsule. He is the Chairman of the National Level Human Rating Certification Board, which certifies ISRO's LVM3 rocket for their ambitious astronaut-carrying missions as part of the Gaganyaan programme. Ongoing and future projects As the core designer and leader, he is contributing towards India's most powerful rocket engine, a 200-tonne thrust Semi-Cryogenic engine that burns kerosene and liquid oxygen. The Semi-cryogenic stage (engine and components) and the C32 Cryogenic stage are meant to be used, respectively, as the second and third stages of the LVM3 rocket to enable its lifting capacity and reduce its launch cost by around 30 per cent. This upgraded LVM3 rocket is to be used to place different segments of the proposed Indian space station (Bharatiya Antariksh Station) in orbit around the Earth. Dr Narayanan has been leading the development of a methane-liquid oxygen-powered rocket engine, related components, and the Next Generation Launch Vehicle (rocket), which will help execute India's plans to land its astronauts on the moon. His teams are also working on the engines that will propel India's fourth lunar mission, Chandrayaan-4 (meant to bring back samples from the moon's surface) and the Venus orbiter mission. In a recent interview, he told WION that ISRO has carried out four ignition tests of the new semi-cryogenic engine. "In about two years, we are planning to complete the entire development of the semi-cryogenic engine," he added. Further, he also mentioned that ISRO has built a 20-tonne thrust-generating methane-liquid oxygen-powered engine and conducted seven test firings to demonstrate its capabilities. "Now, we are in the process of designing the 110-tonne thrust methane-liquid oxygen engine, which will be used in the future rocket, the Next Generation Launch vehicle," he added.

Dr. V. Narayanan - From India's cryogenic engine expert to ISRO Chief

Dr V Narayanan will take over as the next chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and Secretary of the Department of Space. He will replace legendary S. Somnath on January 14, the last day of the latter's term.
An official order was issued by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet on Tuesday (Jan 7), stating that Narayanan will serve for the next two years or until further notice. He is currently the director of the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) in Valiamala, Thiruvananthapuram, and a unit in Bengaluru.
The official appointment order reads:
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m5nc463i-f1phi2sj-smhzrnok">
Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved the appointment of V Narayanan, Director, Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre, Valiamala as Secretary, Department of Space and Chairman, Space Commission for a period of two years with effect from January 14 <a href="https://t.co/DNQ8XzNydy">pic.twitter.com/DNQ8XzNydy</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1876706258448773246?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2025</a></blockquote>
Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/isro-chairman-dr-s-somanath-recalls-his-early-days-at-isro-what-it-takes-to-be-a-space-scientist-472764" rel="dofollow"> ISRO Chairman Dr. S. Somanath recalls his early days at ISRO, what it takes to be a space scientist</a>
<h2 dir="ltr">Meet Dr V Narayanan: The new ISRO chairman </h2>
<ul>
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V Narayanan completed his schooling, DME (First Rank), and AMIE in Mechanical Engineering. He later pursued an M.Tech. (First Rank) in Cryogenic Engineering, followed by his Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering. After completing his DME, he worked at TI Diamond Chain Ltd, Madras Rubber Factory, BHEL Trichy, and BHEL Ranipet. 
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
He is a scientist with nearly four decades of experience in rocket and spacecraft propulsion. He joined ISRO in 1984 and has worked in various important roles.&nbsp;Dr Narayanan became the Director of the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC), one of ISRO&rsquo;s major centres. 
<figure class="image"><img alt="Dr V Narayanan" src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/01/08/KqZeKH4kUuF26TCb2E7g.jpg" style="width: 1280px;">
<figcaption>Dr V Narayanan Photograph: (X)</figcaption>
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In the early years of his career, he worked in the solid propulsion area of sounding rockets and contributed to the development of the Augmented Satellite Launch Vehicle (ASLV) and Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC).
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
He contributed to process control, process planning, and the realisation of ablative nozzle systems, composite motor cases, and composite igniter cases.&nbsp;
</li>
</ul>
Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/village-boy-to-isro-chief-to-iit-phd-inspirational-journey-of-dr-s-somanath-742486" rel="dofollow"> Village boy to ISRO chief to IIT PhD: The inspirational journey of Dr S Somanath</a>
<h2 dir="ltr" role="presentation">Key achievements:&nbsp; </h2>
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
Dr V Narayanan has made significant contributions, such as designing the indigenous Cryogenic Upper Stage (CUS) for GSLV Mk-II and the powerful C25 Cryogenic Stage for GSLV Mk-III. Other significant missions that benefited from these technologies were Chandrayaan-2 and Chandrayaan-3. Importantly, India became a self-reliant nation with respect to advanced propulsion systems even as international technologies were denied to it.&nbsp; 
<figure class="image"><img alt="Chandrayan 3 and Chandrayan 2 mission" src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/01/08/RlnYYLWMZqshB5ctTUaZ.jpg" style="width: 1280px;"><canvas class="qb-highlighter__canvas" width="225" height="18" style="display: none; top: 2px !important; left: 425px !important;"></canvas>
<figcaption data-qb-tmp-id="lt-151649" spellcheck="false" data-gramm="false">Chandrayan 3 and Chandrayan 2 mission Photograph: (ANI)</figcaption>
</figure>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">He also chaired key bodies, such as the Project Management Council-Space Transportation System (PMC-STS) and the National Level Human Rated Certification Board (HRCB) for Gaganyaan, India&rsquo;s planned human spaceflight mission. </li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">He has been honoured with a total of 25 awards and is a member of various national and international bodies. He has published multiple technical papers, including 1,200 internal ISRO reports and 50 journal and conference papers.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
(With inputs from agencies)
&nbsp;
&nbsp;

SCIENCE & TECH | India News: V Narayanan is a scientist with nearly four decades of experience. He joined ISRO in 1984 and has worked in various important roles during his career.

Dr V Narayanan will take over as the next chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and Secretary of the Department of Space. He will replace legendary S. Somnath on January 14, the last day of the latter's term. An official order was issued by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet on Tuesday (Jan 7), stating that Narayanan will serve for the next two years or until further notice. He is currently the director of the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) in Valiamala, Thiruvananthapuram, and a unit in Bengaluru. The official appointment order reads: Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved the appointment of V Narayanan, Director, Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre, Valiamala as Secretary, Department of Space and Chairman, Space Commission for a period of two years with effect from January 14 pic.twitter.com/DNQ8XzNydy — ANI (@ANI) January 7, 2025 Also Read: ISRO Chairman Dr. S. Somanath recalls his early days at ISRO, what it takes to be a space scientist Meet Dr V Narayanan: The new ISRO chairman V Narayanan completed his schooling, DME (First Rank), and AMIE in Mechanical Engineering. He later pursued an M.Tech. (First Rank) in Cryogenic Engineering, followed by his Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering. After completing his DME, he worked at TI Diamond Chain Ltd, Madras Rubber Factory, BHEL Trichy, and BHEL Ranipet. He is a scientist with nearly four decades of experience in rocket and spacecraft propulsion. He joined ISRO in 1984 and has worked in various important roles. Dr Narayanan became the Director of the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC), one of ISRO’s major centres. Dr V Narayanan Photograph: (X) In the early years of his career, he worked in the solid propulsion area of sounding rockets and contributed to the development of the Augmented Satellite Launch Vehicle (ASLV) and Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC). He contributed to process control, process planning, and the realisation of ablative nozzle systems, composite motor cases, and composite igniter cases. Also Read: Village boy to ISRO chief to IIT PhD: The inspirational journey of Dr S Somanath Key achievements: Dr V Narayanan has made significant contributions, such as designing the indigenous Cryogenic Upper Stage (CUS) for GSLV Mk-II and the powerful C25 Cryogenic Stage for GSLV Mk-III. Other significant missions that benefited from these technologies were Chandrayaan-2 and Chandrayaan-3. Importantly, India became a self-reliant nation with respect to advanced propulsion systems even as international technologies were denied to it. Chandrayan 3 and Chandrayan 2 mission Photograph: (ANI) He also chaired key bodies, such as the Project Management Council-Space Transportation System (PMC-STS) and the National Level Human Rated Certification Board (HRCB) for Gaganyaan, India’s planned human spaceflight mission. He has been honoured with a total of 25 awards and is a member of various national and international bodies. He has published multiple technical papers, including 1,200 internal ISRO reports and 50 journal and conference papers. (With inputs from agencies)

Dr V Narayanan: The rocket scientist who will now lead ISRO

<div class="x_elementToProof">Since the launch of the mission on 30th December 2024 (last Monday), the Indian space agency ISRO has been working towards carrying out the complicated Space Docking Experiment, a process of mechanically attaching two satellites that are travelling around the earth at speeds of 28,000 kmph. On Monday, 6th&nbsp;January, ISRO announced the docking of its twin SPADEX (Space Docking Experiment) satellites is being pushed to 9th&nbsp;January, Thursday, from the initial expected date Tuesday, 7th&nbsp;January. ISRO said that the docking process requires further validation through ground simulations based on an abort scenario identified.</div>
<div class="x_elementToProof"></div>
<div class="x_elementToProof">"While performing precise autonomous docking of two satellites, there are many scenarios where the on-board system has to decide and abort the docking process (based on the real-time measurements). These are tested and validated using simulation. Today, we saw a new case that has to be handled. The updated algorithm has to be tested before being implemented in the satellite," ISRO Chief Dr. S. Somanath explained to WION.</div>
<div class="x_elementToProof"></div>
<h2 class="x_elementToProof">Why does SPADEX need longer than a week for docking?</h2>
<div class="x_elementToProof">Typically, when a spacecraft (carrying either crew or cargo) is launched from earth, depending on the approach taken, it takes around six hours or thirty-six hours for the craft to dock (mechanically connect) with the international space station. The former approach is known as the fast-track approach, while the latter is known as the traditional approach. However, India's space docking experiment (SPADEX) to mechanically attach two satellites in space requires slightly longer than a week. So far, the US, Russia, Europe, and China have performed and mastered space docking technology, and India is to soon join this elite list. India's SPADEX satellites were launched on December 30th&nbsp;2024, and they are expected to dock by January 10th.</div>
<div class="x_elementToProof"></div>
<div class="x_elementToProof">"The foreign spacecraft that dock in less than eight hours or in a day are heavy ones that weigh several tonnes and carry massive quantities of fuel. Those crafts are built to carry lots of fuel that help them fire their thrusters and manoeuvre in such a way that they can align with the space station and dock in a very limited period of time. In our case, performing docking rapidly is not the goal. Our goal is to test the homegrown docking technology for the first time in space. We are relying on the natural drift of the two docking satellites and consuming minimal fuel, as our satellites weigh just about 220 kg and carry only a commensurate amount of fuel," M. Sankaran, Director of ISRO's UR Rao Satellite Centre, explained to WION.</div>
<div class="x_elementToProof"></div>
<div class="x_elementToProof">Docking is a process that is traditionally used to transfer goods or astronauts between a spacecraft and the International Space Station. Docking is a technology that has various applications; it is critical for performing sample return missions from the moon and other celestial bodies, and it can be used to transfer fuel from one space vehicle to another. Docking can also be used to de-orbit a craft that is circling the earth. Various commercial entities are exploring methods to extend the life of satellites by refuelling via docking, providing in-orbit servicing, etc.</div>
<div class="x_elementToProof"></div>
<div class="x_elementToProof">ISRO Chief Dr. S. Somanath added that ISRO will attempt even more sophisticated space docking missions in the future. He emphasised that the future Indian docking missions would be more complex and the satellites would be bigger in size and mass. India needs to master docking technology to accomplish future missions such as Chandrayaan-4 (lunar sample return) and the proposed Bharatiya Antariksh Station (Indian Space Station). Space stations are built by launching and assembling (docking) large components in space.&nbsp;</div>
<div class="x_elementToProof"></div>
<h2 class="x_elementToProof">How is ISRO executing SPADEX?</h2>
<div>The primary objective of the SPADEX mission is to develop and demonstrate the technology needed for rendezvous, docking, and undocking of two small spacecraft: SDX01, which is the Chaser, and SDX02, the Target. Each satellite weighs 220 kg and will be hurled into a circular orbit that is 470 km above the earth's surface.&nbsp;</div>
<div></div>
<div class="x_elementToProof">At the time of ejection, the final stage of the PSLV rocket gave a small relative velocity between the Target and Chaser spacecraft at the time of separation from the launch vehicle. Simply put, the target satellite will be travelling slightly faster than the chaser. This incremental velocity will allow the Target spacecraft to build a distance of 10-20 km with the Chaser.</div>
<div></div>
<div class="x_elementToProof">Gradually, the satellites will autonomously reduce the distance between themselves by adjusting their respective velocities. From 20 km, the inter-satellite distance would be lowered to 5 km, 1.5 km, 500 m, 225 m, 15 m, and 3 m, ultimately leading to the docking of the two spacecraft. After successful docking and unification, electrical power transfer between the two satellites will be demonstrated. Electrical power transfer is crucial for carrying out in-space robotics, control of the unified spacecraft, etc.&nbsp;</div>
<div></div>
<div>After the primary mission of docking is accomplished, the two satellites will then separate (undock) and start operating as two different satellites, operating their respective payloads for the expected mission life of up to two years.</div>
<div></div>
<div class="x_elementToProof">ISRO Chairman Dr. S. Somanath told WION that the twin satellites could attempt more docking and undocking, depending on the mission requirement and the availability of fuel on both crafts. As small satellites weighing around 220 kg each, the SPADEX satellites carry very limited fuel when compared to their larger counterparts.</div>
<div class="x_elementToProof"></div>
<h2>Payloads being carried by SPADEX satellites</h2>
<div>SDX01, the Chaser, carries a High-Resolution Camera (HRC) with photo and video capabilities. This is a miniature version of the surveillance camera developed by ISRO's Space Applications Centre (SAC).</div>
<div></div>
<div>SDX02, the Target carries a Multi-Spectral Payload (MMX) used for natural resource monitoring and vegetation studies. It also carries a Radiation Monitor, which will measure radiation doses encountered in space, which will help suitably plan and execute India's homegrown Gaganyaan astronaut missions.&nbsp;</div>
<div></div>
<h2>Why is Space docking so complicated?&nbsp;</h2>
<div>When a chaser spacecraft is approaching the target spacecraft, the relative velocity between the two (the difference in velocity between the two) must be controlled very carefully. If the relative velocity is too high, the docking attempt can fail, causing damage or collisions. If it is too low, it may take too long to complete the approach, which could lead to fuel inefficiencies or mission delays.</div>
<div></div>
<div>When the spacecraft dock, their relative velocity must be near-zero. This means that the two spacecraft must be moving at the same velocity and in the same direction at the time of docking to ensure a smooth connection without any impact forces. This requires careful coordination and manoeuvring, all done fully autonomously.</div>

India News | Science & Tech: India's space docking experiment to mechanically attach two satellites in space requires slightly longer than a week. The US, Russia, Europe, and China have mastered space docking.

Since the launch of the mission on 30th December 2024 (last Monday), the Indian space agency ISRO has been working towards carrying out the complicated Space Docking Experiment, a process of mechanically attaching two satellites that are travelling around the earth at speeds of 28,000 kmph. On Monday, 6th January, ISRO announced the docking of its twin SPADEX (Space Docking Experiment) satellites is being pushed to 9th January, Thursday, from the initial expected date Tuesday, 7th January. ISRO said that the docking process requires further validation through ground simulations based on an abort scenario identified. "While performing precise autonomous docking of two satellites, there are many scenarios where the on-board system has to decide and abort the docking process (based on the real-time measurements). These are tested and validated using simulation. Today, we saw a new case that has to be handled. The updated algorithm has to be tested before being implemented in the satellite," ISRO Chief Dr. S. Somanath explained to WION. Why does SPADEX need longer than a week for docking? Typically, when a spacecraft (carrying either crew or cargo) is launched from earth, depending on the approach taken, it takes around six hours or thirty-six hours for the craft to dock (mechanically connect) with the international space station. The former approach is known as the fast-track approach, while the latter is known as the traditional approach. However, India's space docking experiment (SPADEX) to mechanically attach two satellites in space requires slightly longer than a week. So far, the US, Russia, Europe, and China have performed and mastered space docking technology, and India is to soon join this elite list. India's SPADEX satellites were launched on December 30th 2024, and they are expected to dock by January 10th. "The foreign spacecraft that dock in less than eight hours or in a day are heavy ones that weigh several tonnes and carry massive quantities of fuel. Those crafts are built to carry lots of fuel that help them fire their thrusters and manoeuvre in such a way that they can align with the space station and dock in a very limited period of time. In our case, performing docking rapidly is not the goal. Our goal is to test the homegrown docking technology for the first time in space. We are relying on the natural drift of the two docking satellites and consuming minimal fuel, as our satellites weigh just about 220 kg and carry only a commensurate amount of fuel," M. Sankaran, Director of ISRO's UR Rao Satellite Centre, explained to WION. Docking is a process that is traditionally used to transfer goods or astronauts between a spacecraft and the International Space Station. Docking is a technology that has various applications; it is critical for performing sample return missions from the moon and other celestial bodies, and it can be used to transfer fuel from one space vehicle to another. Docking can also be used to de-orbit a craft that is circling the earth. Various commercial entities are exploring methods to extend the life of satellites by refuelling via docking, providing in-orbit servicing, etc. ISRO Chief Dr. S. Somanath added that ISRO will attempt even more sophisticated space docking missions in the future. He emphasised that the future Indian docking missions would be more complex and the satellites would be bigger in size and mass. India needs to master docking technology to accomplish future missions such as Chandrayaan-4 (lunar sample return) and the proposed Bharatiya Antariksh Station (Indian Space Station). Space stations are built by launching and assembling (docking) large components in space. How is ISRO executing SPADEX? The primary objective of the SPADEX mission is to develop and demonstrate the technology needed for rendezvous, docking, and undocking of two small spacecraft: SDX01, which is the Chaser, and SDX02, the Target. Each satellite weighs 220 kg and will be hurled into a circular orbit that is 470 km above the earth's surface. At the time of ejection, the final stage of the PSLV rocket gave a small relative velocity between the Target and Chaser spacecraft at the time of separation from the launch vehicle. Simply put, the target satellite will be travelling slightly faster than the chaser. This incremental velocity will allow the Target spacecraft to build a distance of 10-20 km with the Chaser. Gradually, the satellites will autonomously reduce the distance between themselves by adjusting their respective velocities. From 20 km, the inter-satellite distance would be lowered to 5 km, 1.5 km, 500 m, 225 m, 15 m, and 3 m, ultimately leading to the docking of the two spacecraft. After successful docking and unification, electrical power transfer between the two satellites will be demonstrated. Electrical power transfer is crucial for carrying out in-space robotics, control of the unified spacecraft, etc. After the primary mission of docking is accomplished, the two satellites will then separate (undock) and start operating as two different satellites, operating their respective payloads for the expected mission life of up to two years. ISRO Chairman Dr. S. Somanath told WION that the twin satellites could attempt more docking and undocking, depending on the mission requirement and the availability of fuel on both crafts. As small satellites weighing around 220 kg each, the SPADEX satellites carry very limited fuel when compared to their larger counterparts. Payloads being carried by SPADEX satellites SDX01, the Chaser, carries a High-Resolution Camera (HRC) with photo and video capabilities. This is a miniature version of the surveillance camera developed by ISRO's Space Applications Centre (SAC). SDX02, the Target carries a Multi-Spectral Payload (MMX) used for natural resource monitoring and vegetation studies. It also carries a Radiation Monitor, which will measure radiation doses encountered in space, which will help suitably plan and execute India's homegrown Gaganyaan astronaut missions. Why is Space docking so complicated? When a chaser spacecraft is approaching the target spacecraft, the relative velocity between the two (the difference in velocity between the two) must be controlled very carefully. If the relative velocity is too high, the docking attempt can fail, causing damage or collisions. If it is too low, it may take too long to complete the approach, which could lead to fuel inefficiencies or mission delays. When the spacecraft dock, their relative velocity must be near-zero. This means that the two spacecraft must be moving at the same velocity and in the same direction at the time of docking to ensure a smooth connection without any impact forces. This requires careful coordination and manoeuvring, all done fully autonomously.

Explained: Why is ISRO's SPADEX docking postponed to 9th Jan?

In a milestone achievement, the cowpea seeds the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) had sent to space onboard the PSLV-C60 POEM-4 platform, unveiled their first leaves in space.
The space agency, in a post on X, said, "Leaves have emerged! VSSC's CROPS (Compact Research Module for Orbital Plant Studies) aboard PSLV-C60 POEM-4 achieves a milestone as cowpea sprouts unveil their first leaves in space."
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m5ku46ls-e9065w5b-uedzkh6z">
Leaves have emerged! 🌱 VSSC's CROPS (Compact Research Module for Orbital Plant Studies) aboard PSLV-C60 POEM-4 achieves a milestone as cowpea sprouts unveil their first leaves in space. 🚀 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ISRO?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ISRO</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BiologyInSpace?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BiologyInSpace</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/POEM4?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#POEM4</a> <a href="https://t.co/xKWmGHoPfl">pic.twitter.com/xKWmGHoPfl</a>
&mdash; ISRO (@isro) <a href="https://twitter.com/isro/status/1876185193645834737?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 6, 2025</a></blockquote>
The seeds were sent by ISRO as a part of its Compact Research Module for Orbital Plant Studies (CROPS) experiment conducted by the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), targeted at studying plant growth in unique microgravity conditions.
This, as per the space agency, is an essential experiment for long-duration space missions.
The experiment involves growing cowpea seeds in a simulated space environment with controlled temperature that mimics the conditions plants may face during prolonged space missions.
CROPS is a multi-phase initiative aimed at enhancing ISRO's capabilities in cultivating and maintaining plant life in space environments.
A fully automated system has been designed to conduct a 5-7 day experiment, showcasing seed germination and plant growth up to the two-leaf stage in microgravity.&nbsp;
The cowpea seeds are placed in a thermally controlled, closed-box environment.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-space-agency-isro-launches-spadex-mission-8578903" rel="dofollow">Also read: Indian space agency ISRO successfully launches SpaDeX mission</a>
<h2>ISRO to launch 100th mission on-board GSLV in January</h2>
Meanwhile, ISRO announced the launch of its 100th mission from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota in January 2025.
ISRO will use its Geosynchronous Launch Vehicle (GSLV) to launch the second-generation navigation satellite NVS-02, said its Chairman, S. Somanath.&nbsp;
This milestone follows the successful launch of the PSLV-C60 mission on December 30, 2024.
It deployed two spacecraft for the Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) into a circular orbit around the Earth.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

Science & Tech | India News: CROPS is a multi-phase initiative aimed at enhancing ISRO's capabilities in cultivating and maintaining plant life in space environments.

In a milestone achievement, the cowpea seeds the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) had sent to space onboard the PSLV-C60 POEM-4 platform, unveiled their first leaves in space. The space agency, in a post on X, said, "Leaves have emerged! VSSC's CROPS (Compact Research Module for Orbital Plant Studies) aboard PSLV-C60 POEM-4 achieves a milestone as cowpea sprouts unveil their first leaves in space." Leaves have emerged! 🌱 VSSC's CROPS (Compact Research Module for Orbital Plant Studies) aboard PSLV-C60 POEM-4 achieves a milestone as cowpea sprouts unveil their first leaves in space. 🚀 #ISRO #BiologyInSpace #POEM4 pic.twitter.com/xKWmGHoPfl — ISRO (@isro) January 6, 2025 The seeds were sent by ISRO as a part of its Compact Research Module for Orbital Plant Studies (CROPS) experiment conducted by the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), targeted at studying plant growth in unique microgravity conditions. This, as per the space agency, is an essential experiment for long-duration space missions. The experiment involves growing cowpea seeds in a simulated space environment with controlled temperature that mimics the conditions plants may face during prolonged space missions. CROPS is a multi-phase initiative aimed at enhancing ISRO's capabilities in cultivating and maintaining plant life in space environments. A fully automated system has been designed to conduct a 5-7 day experiment, showcasing seed germination and plant growth up to the two-leaf stage in microgravity. The cowpea seeds are placed in a thermally controlled, closed-box environment. Also read: Indian space agency ISRO successfully launches SpaDeX mission ISRO to launch 100th mission on-board GSLV in January Meanwhile, ISRO announced the launch of its 100th mission from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota in January 2025. ISRO will use its Geosynchronous Launch Vehicle (GSLV) to launch the second-generation navigation satellite NVS-02, said its Chairman, S. Somanath. This milestone follows the successful launch of the PSLV-C60 mission on December 30, 2024. It deployed two spacecraft for the Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) into a circular orbit around the Earth. (With inputs from agencies)

ISRO's cowpea sprouts unveil their first leaves in space

<div dir="auto">
<div dir="auto">
<div dir="auto">
The Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX), launched by ISRO on December 30, 2024, is a groundbreaking mission set to demonstrate India's capability to dock two spacecraft in orbit.1 Originally scheduled for January 7th, 2025, ISRO has now officially communicated a revised docking date of January 9th, timings not announced.While the reason for this change remains unconfirmed, reliable sources indicate potential technical factors may be at play.
<h2>&nbsp;Why January 7th Was Initially Chosen</h2>
The initial selection of January 7th was the result of meticulous planning, taking into account several crucial elements:
<ol>
<li>Perfect Timing and Space Positioning:&nbsp;Orbital dynamics played a key role, with January 7th providing the ideal conditions for the precise maneuvers required for a safe and successful docking.</li>
<li>Ground Control Support:&nbsp;This date ensured the full preparedness and availability of ISRO's ground stations, particularly ISTRAC in Bengaluru, to provide real-time monitoring and support.</li>
<li>Sunlight and Power:&nbsp;Optimal solar orientation on January 7th guaranteed sufficient power for the satellites' systems, including sensors and communication devices.</li>
<li>Meticulous Planning:&nbsp;The date was chosen after thorough analysis, simulations, and testing, ensuring all systems were in place for a successful mission.</li>
</ol>
<h2>Update: Docking Postponed to January 9th</h2>
While the official reason for the postponement remains undisclosed, sources suggest possible technical considerations necessitated the shift to January 9th. This highlights the dynamic nature of space missions, where adjustments and adaptations are often required to ensure overall success.
<h2>A Big Leap for India in Space Technology</h2>
Despite the change in schedule, SpaDeX remains a significant milestone for India's space program. Successfully docking spacecraft in orbit is a complex feat, and this mission showcases ISRO's growing expertise.&nbsp;SpaDeX paves the way for future endeavors like in-orbit refueling and assembling space structures.2
Stay Tuned for Updates
As ISRO prepares for this historic experiment, we will continue to provide updates on the SpaDeX mission. Stay tuned as India takes a giant leap in space exploration!
</div>
</div>
</div>

India News | Science & Tech | Trending: Originally scheduled for January 7th, 2025, ISRO has now officially communicated a revised docking date of January 9th, timings not announced.

The Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX), launched by ISRO on December 30, 2024, is a groundbreaking mission set to demonstrate India's capability to dock two spacecraft in orbit.1 Originally scheduled for January 7th, 2025, ISRO has now officially communicated a revised docking date of January 9th, timings not announced.While the reason for this change remains unconfirmed, reliable sources indicate potential technical factors may be at play. Why January 7th Was Initially Chosen The initial selection of January 7th was the result of meticulous planning, taking into account several crucial elements: Perfect Timing and Space Positioning: Orbital dynamics played a key role, with January 7th providing the ideal conditions for the precise maneuvers required for a safe and successful docking. Ground Control Support: This date ensured the full preparedness and availability of ISRO's ground stations, particularly ISTRAC in Bengaluru, to provide real-time monitoring and support. Sunlight and Power: Optimal solar orientation on January 7th guaranteed sufficient power for the satellites' systems, including sensors and communication devices. Meticulous Planning: The date was chosen after thorough analysis, simulations, and testing, ensuring all systems were in place for a successful mission. Update: Docking Postponed to January 9th While the official reason for the postponement remains undisclosed, sources suggest possible technical considerations necessitated the shift to January 9th. This highlights the dynamic nature of space missions, where adjustments and adaptations are often required to ensure overall success. A Big Leap for India in Space Technology Despite the change in schedule, SpaDeX remains a significant milestone for India's space program. Successfully docking spacecraft in orbit is a complex feat, and this mission showcases ISRO's growing expertise. SpaDeX paves the way for future endeavors like in-orbit refueling and assembling space structures.2 Stay Tuned for Updates As ISRO prepares for this historic experiment, we will continue to provide updates on the SpaDeX mission. Stay tuned as India takes a giant leap in space exploration!

SpaDeX: Docking date shifts to January 9 - A developing story

In a significant development, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) said on Saturday (Jan 4) that the cowpea seeds that it had sent aboard the PSLV-C60 POEM-4 platform, have successfully germinated in microgravity conditions.&nbsp;
The announcement came just four days after the mission was launched. &nbsp; &ldquo;Life sprouts in space! VSSC&rsquo;s CROPS experiment onboard PSLV-C60 POEM-4 successfully sprouted cowpea seeds in 4 days. Leaves expected soon,&rdquo; ISRO said on X.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m5jj4am2-h5tmylw0-qz3eexsu">
Life sprouts in space! 🌱 VSSC's CROPS (Compact Research Module for Orbital Plant Studies) experiment onboard PSLV-C60 POEM-4 successfully sprouted cowpea seeds in 4 days. Leaves expected soon. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ISRO?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ISRO</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BiologyInSpace?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BiologyInSpace</a> <a href="https://t.co/QG7LU7LcRR">pic.twitter.com/QG7LU7LcRR</a>
&mdash; ISRO (@isro) <a href="https://twitter.com/isro/status/1875464259557322884?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 4, 2025</a></blockquote>
The seeds were sent by ISRO as a part of its Compact Research Module for Orbital Plant Studies (CROPS) experiment conducted by the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), targeted at studying plant growth in unique microgravity conditions.
This, as per the space agency, is an essential experiment for long-duration space missions.
The experiment involves growing cowpea seeds in a simulated space environment with controlled temperature that mimics the conditions plants may face during prolonged space missions.
CROPS is a multi-phase initiative aimed at enhancing ISRO's capabilities in cultivating and maintaining plant life in space environments.
A fully automated system has been designed to conduct a 5-7 day experiment, showcasing seed germination and plant growth up to the two-leaf stage in microgravity.&nbsp;
The cowpea seeds are placed in a thermally controlled, closed-box environment.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-space-agency-isro-launches-spadex-mission-8578903" rel="dofollow">Watch: Indian space agency ISRO successfully launches SpaDeX mission</a>
<h2>ISRO to launch 100th mission on-board GSLV in January</h2>
Meanwhile, ISRO announced the launch of its 100th mission from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota in January 2025.
&nbsp;ISRO will use its Geosynchronous Launch Vehicle (GSLV) to launch the second-generation navigation satellite NVS-02, said its Chairman, S. Somanath.&nbsp;
This milestone follows the successful launch of the PSLV-C60 mission on December 30, 2024.
It deployed two spacecraft for the Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) into a circular orbit around the Earth.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

India News, Science & Tech: CROPS is a multi-phase initiative aimed at enhancing ISRO's capabilities in cultivating and maintaining plant life in space environments.

In a significant development, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) said on Saturday (Jan 4) that the cowpea seeds that it had sent aboard the PSLV-C60 POEM-4 platform, have successfully germinated in microgravity conditions. The announcement came just four days after the mission was launched. “Life sprouts in space! VSSC’s CROPS experiment onboard PSLV-C60 POEM-4 successfully sprouted cowpea seeds in 4 days. Leaves expected soon,” ISRO said on X. Life sprouts in space! 🌱 VSSC's CROPS (Compact Research Module for Orbital Plant Studies) experiment onboard PSLV-C60 POEM-4 successfully sprouted cowpea seeds in 4 days. Leaves expected soon. #ISRO #BiologyInSpace pic.twitter.com/QG7LU7LcRR — ISRO (@isro) January 4, 2025 The seeds were sent by ISRO as a part of its Compact Research Module for Orbital Plant Studies (CROPS) experiment conducted by the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), targeted at studying plant growth in unique microgravity conditions. This, as per the space agency, is an essential experiment for long-duration space missions. The experiment involves growing cowpea seeds in a simulated space environment with controlled temperature that mimics the conditions plants may face during prolonged space missions. CROPS is a multi-phase initiative aimed at enhancing ISRO's capabilities in cultivating and maintaining plant life in space environments. A fully automated system has been designed to conduct a 5-7 day experiment, showcasing seed germination and plant growth up to the two-leaf stage in microgravity. The cowpea seeds are placed in a thermally controlled, closed-box environment. Also read: Watch: Indian space agency ISRO successfully launches SpaDeX mission ISRO to launch 100th mission on-board GSLV in January Meanwhile, ISRO announced the launch of its 100th mission from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota in January 2025. ISRO will use its Geosynchronous Launch Vehicle (GSLV) to launch the second-generation navigation satellite NVS-02, said its Chairman, S. Somanath. This milestone follows the successful launch of the PSLV-C60 mission on December 30, 2024. It deployed two spacecraft for the Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) into a circular orbit around the Earth. (With inputs from agencies)

'Life sprouts in space'; ISRO successfully germinates cowpea seeds under microgravity conditions

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has announced the launch of its 100th mission from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota in January 2025.
According to Chairman S Somanath, ISRO will use its Geosynchronous Launch Vehicle (GSLV) to launch the second-generation navigation satellite NVS-02.&nbsp;
This milestone follows the successful launch of PSLV-C60 mission on December 30, 2024.
It deployed two spacecraft for the Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) into a circular orbit around the Earth.&nbsp;
<h2>Previous Launches&nbsp;</h2>
The PSLV-C60 launch, initially scheduled for 9:58 PM, was delayed to 10:00 PM to ensure optimal separation from other satellites in orbit.&nbsp;
Earlier in May, the GSLV-F12 successfully deployed the NVS-01 satellite, marking the first of the second-generation satellites designed for the Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC) system.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-tech/nasa-introduces-new-mars-helicopter-design-following-ingenuitys-success-8580942">NASA introduces new Mars helicopter design following Ingenuity's success</a>
<h2>NVS-02</h2>
NVS-02 will be the ninth satellite in the navigation with Indian constellation. The launch will have two kinds of payloads: navigational and ranging, just like its predecessor, NVS-01.
The navigational payload will transmit signals to Earth.&nbsp;
It transmits signals by using three spectrum bands: L1, L5, and S.
It includes a Rubidium atomic clock to ensure precise timing. These clocks measure one second by counting the oscillations of rubidium-87 atoms and are accurate enough to maintain time within a one-second deviation over 100 million years. &nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/isro-successfully-launches-pslv-spadex-all-you-need-to-know-about-the-key-space-docking-mission-8579030">ISRO successfully launches PSLV SpaDex: All you need to know about the space&nbsp;docking&nbsp;mission</a>
The ranging payload features a transponder that enables navigation satellites to send time-stamped signals to ground-based receivers.
These signals are processed by end-users to determine their exact position, speed and time.
This system ensures continuous and reliable service regardless of Earth's weather conditions.
(With inputs from agencies)
&nbsp;

Science & Tech: The mission will utilise the Geosynchronous Launch Vehicle or GSLV, to deploy the navigation satellite NVS-02, enhancing India's navigation capabilities.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has announced the launch of its 100th mission from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota in January 2025. According to Chairman S Somanath, ISRO will use its Geosynchronous Launch Vehicle (GSLV) to launch the second-generation navigation satellite NVS-02. This milestone follows the successful launch of PSLV-C60 mission on December 30, 2024. It deployed two spacecraft for the Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) into a circular orbit around the Earth. Previous Launches The PSLV-C60 launch, initially scheduled for 9:58 PM, was delayed to 10:00 PM to ensure optimal separation from other satellites in orbit. Earlier in May, the GSLV-F12 successfully deployed the NVS-01 satellite, marking the first of the second-generation satellites designed for the Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC) system. Also read: NASA introduces new Mars helicopter design following Ingenuity's success NVS-02 NVS-02 will be the ninth satellite in the navigation with Indian constellation. The launch will have two kinds of payloads: navigational and ranging, just like its predecessor, NVS-01. The navigational payload will transmit signals to Earth. It transmits signals by using three spectrum bands: L1, L5, and S. It includes a Rubidium atomic clock to ensure precise timing. These clocks measure one second by counting the oscillations of rubidium-87 atoms and are accurate enough to maintain time within a one-second deviation over 100 million years. Also read: ISRO successfully launches PSLV SpaDex: All you need to know about the space docking mission The ranging payload features a transponder that enables navigation satellites to send time-stamped signals to ground-based receivers. These signals are processed by end-users to determine their exact position, speed and time. This system ensures continuous and reliable service regardless of Earth's weather conditions. (With inputs from agencies)

ISRO to launch 100th mission on-board GSLV in January

ISRO's workhorse PSLV rocket roared to life from the first launchpad of Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, lighting up the night skies as it soared to space. 
Barely 15 minutes after launch, the vehicle ejected the twin <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/isro-pslv-c60-launches-spadex-for-critical-space-docking-experiment-launches-successfully">SPADEX</a> satellites into their designated orbit 475 km above the earth's surface. "PSLV has placed the satellites in the right orbit. Panels of the satellites have been deployed successfully," ISRO Chief Dr. S.Somanath confirmed in his post-launch address. 
We are hoping to achieve docking by the 7th January forenoon, said M. Sankaran, Director of ISRO's UR Rao Satellite Centre, the facility that designs and builds the Indian space agency's spacecraft. He added that the satellites need a week's time to be in an appropriate position with respect to the sun&nbsp;to harness solar power using their onboard solar panels. 
<h2>What is SPADEX? </h2>
SPADEX stands for Space Docking Experiment, and it is a crucial technological feat that would enable India's future space missions. India hopes to build an independent space station by the year 2035, and the first module (component) of this space station is meant to be launched in 2028. Space stations are built by autonomously assembling various modules while they circle the Earth. SPADEX is India's maiden attempt at space docking, which is&nbsp;the process of coupling two satellites into a single unified entity. India's Chandrayaan-3 Lunar sample return mission will also involve highly sophisticated space docking. So far, only the US, Russia, Europe, and China have mastered space docking technology.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-space-agency-isro-launches-spadex-mission-8578903">Watch: Indian space agency ISRO launches SpaDeX mission</a>
<h2>Applications of space docking </h2>
Docking establishes a mechanical link between one orbiting spacecraft and another equally sized or larger orbiting body. When astronauts travel to the space station, the craft that carries them has to dock with the space station, following which the crew can move to the orbiting lab-cum-accommodation. Cargo is also delivered to the space station in a similar fashion. Likewise, docking can enable the transfer of fuel between two spacecrafts, thereby extending the life of the recipient craft. 
<h2>How will ISRO execute SPADEX?</h2>
The primary objective of the SPADEX mission is to develop and demonstrate the technology needed for rendezvous, docking, and undocking of two small spacecraft - SDX01, which is the Chaser, and SDX02, the Target. Each satellite weighs 220 kg, and will be hurled into a circular orbit that is 470 km above the earth's surface. 
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/isro-spadex-explainer-indias-most-sophisticated-mission-around-earth-8576199">Explainer: Why SPADEX is India's most sophisticated mission around Earth</a>
At the time of the ejection, the final stage of the PSLV rocket will be utilised to give a small relative velocity between the Target and Chaser spacecraft at the time of separation from the launch vehicle. Simply put, the target satellite will be travelling slightly faster than the chaser. This incremental velocity will allow the Target spacecraft to build a distance of 10-20 km with the Chaser.
Gradually, the satellites will autonomously reduce the distance between themselves by adjusting their respective velocities. From 20 km, the inter-satellite distance would be lowered to 5 km, 1.5 km, 500 m, 225 m, 15 m, and 3 m, ultimately leading to the docking of the two spacecraft. After successful docking and unification, electrical power transfer between the two satellites will be demonstrated. Electrical power transfer is crucial for carrying out in-space robotics, control of the unified spacecraft, etc. "Docking will be carried out between 6th January and 10th January," <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/exclusive-indian-astronauts-us-training-to-go-on-for-three-months-750880">ISRO Chairman Dr. S.Somanath</a> had told WION. 
After the primary mission of docking is accomplished, the two satellites will then separate (undock) and start operating as two different satellites, operating their respective payloads for the expected mission life of up to two years.
ISRO Chairman Dr. S. Somanath told WION that the satellites could attempt more docking and undocking, depending on the mission requirements and the availability of fuel on both crafts. As small satellites weighing around 220 kg each, the SPADEX satellites carry very limited fuel&nbsp;when compared to their larger counterparts. 
<h2>Payloads being carried by SPADEX satellites</h2>
SDX01, the Chaser, carries a High-Resolution Camera (HRC) with photo and video capabilities. This is a miniature version of the surveillance camera developed by ISRO's Space Applications Centre (SAC).
SDX02, the Target, carries a Multi-Spectral Payload (MMX) used for natural resource monitoring and vegetation studies. It also carries a Radiation Monitor, which will measure radiation doses encountered in space, which will help suitably plan and execute India's homegrown Gaganyaan astronaut missions. 
<h2>Why is space docking so complicated? </h2>
When a chaser spacecraft is approaching the target spacecraft, the relative velocity between the two (the&nbsp;difference in velocity between the two) must be controlled very carefully. If the relative velocity is too high, the docking attempt can fail, causing damage or collisions. If it is too low, it may take too long to complete the approach, which could lead to fuel inefficiencies or mission delays.
When the spacecraft docks, their relative velocity must be near zero. This means that the two spacecraft must be moving at the same velocity and in the same direction at the time of docking to ensure a smooth connection without any impact forces. This requires careful coordination and manoeuvring, all done fully autonomously.

India News: We are hoping to achieve docking by the 7th January forenoon, said M. Sankaran, Director of ISRO's UR Rao Satellite Centre, the facility that designs and builds the Indian space agency's spacecraft.

ISRO's workhorse PSLV rocket roared to life from the first launchpad of Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, lighting up the night skies as it soared to space. Barely 15 minutes after launch, the vehicle ejected the twin SPADEX satellites into their designated orbit 475 km above the earth's surface. "PSLV has placed the satellites in the right orbit. Panels of the satellites have been deployed successfully," ISRO Chief Dr. S.Somanath confirmed in his post-launch address. We are hoping to achieve docking by the 7th January forenoon, said M. Sankaran, Director of ISRO's UR Rao Satellite Centre, the facility that designs and builds the Indian space agency's spacecraft. He added that the satellites need a week's time to be in an appropriate position with respect to the sun to harness solar power using their onboard solar panels. What is SPADEX? SPADEX stands for Space Docking Experiment, and it is a crucial technological feat that would enable India's future space missions. India hopes to build an independent space station by the year 2035, and the first module (component) of this space station is meant to be launched in 2028. Space stations are built by autonomously assembling various modules while they circle the Earth. SPADEX is India's maiden attempt at space docking, which is the process of coupling two satellites into a single unified entity. India's Chandrayaan-3 Lunar sample return mission will also involve highly sophisticated space docking. So far, only the US, Russia, Europe, and China have mastered space docking technology. Also read: Watch: Indian space agency ISRO launches SpaDeX mission Applications of space docking Docking establishes a mechanical link between one orbiting spacecraft and another equally sized or larger orbiting body. When astronauts travel to the space station, the craft that carries them has to dock with the space station, following which the crew can move to the orbiting lab-cum-accommodation. Cargo is also delivered to the space station in a similar fashion. Likewise, docking can enable the transfer of fuel between two spacecrafts, thereby extending the life of the recipient craft. How will ISRO execute SPADEX? The primary objective of the SPADEX mission is to develop and demonstrate the technology needed for rendezvous, docking, and undocking of two small spacecraft - SDX01, which is the Chaser, and SDX02, the Target. Each satellite weighs 220 kg, and will be hurled into a circular orbit that is 470 km above the earth's surface. Also read: Explainer: Why SPADEX is India's most sophisticated mission around Earth At the time of the ejection, the final stage of the PSLV rocket will be utilised to give a small relative velocity between the Target and Chaser spacecraft at the time of separation from the launch vehicle. Simply put, the target satellite will be travelling slightly faster than the chaser. This incremental velocity will allow the Target spacecraft to build a distance of 10-20 km with the Chaser. Gradually, the satellites will autonomously reduce the distance between themselves by adjusting their respective velocities. From 20 km, the inter-satellite distance would be lowered to 5 km, 1.5 km, 500 m, 225 m, 15 m, and 3 m, ultimately leading to the docking of the two spacecraft. After successful docking and unification, electrical power transfer between the two satellites will be demonstrated. Electrical power transfer is crucial for carrying out in-space robotics, control of the unified spacecraft, etc. "Docking will be carried out between 6th January and 10th January," ISRO Chairman Dr. S.Somanath had told WION. After the primary mission of docking is accomplished, the two satellites will then separate (undock) and start operating as two different satellites, operating their respective payloads for the expected mission life of up to two years. ISRO Chairman Dr. S. Somanath told WION that the satellites could attempt more docking and undocking, depending on the mission requirements and the availability of fuel on both crafts. As small satellites weighing around 220 kg each, the SPADEX satellites carry very limited fuel when compared to their larger counterparts. Payloads being carried by SPADEX satellites SDX01, the Chaser, carries a High-Resolution Camera (HRC) with photo and video capabilities. This is a miniature version of the surveillance camera developed by ISRO's Space Applications Centre (SAC). SDX02, the Target, carries a Multi-Spectral Payload (MMX) used for natural resource monitoring and vegetation studies. It also carries a Radiation Monitor, which will measure radiation doses encountered in space, which will help suitably plan and execute India's homegrown Gaganyaan astronaut missions. Why is space docking so complicated? When a chaser spacecraft is approaching the target spacecraft, the relative velocity between the two (the difference in velocity between the two) must be controlled very carefully. If the relative velocity is too high, the docking attempt can fail, causing damage or collisions. If it is too low, it may take too long to complete the approach, which could lead to fuel inefficiencies or mission delays. When the spacecraft docks, their relative velocity must be near zero. This means that the two spacecraft must be moving at the same velocity and in the same direction at the time of docking to ensure a smooth connection without any impact forces. This requires careful coordination and manoeuvring, all done fully autonomously.

ISRO successfully launches PSLV SpaDex: All you need to know about the space docking mission

India's space agency, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), launched its year-end mission: the "Space Docking Experiment" also known as SpaDex, successfully on Monday (Dec 30).
The mission, on the PSLV-C60 rocket, was launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.&nbsp;
In a post on X, ISRO said that the mission was launched at 10 pm IST. In a subsequent post, ISRO added, "Successful separation of SpaDeX satellites marks another milestone in India&rsquo;s space journey."
<h2>A look at the SpaDex mission</h2>
As per the ISRO, the primary objective of the SpaDeX mission is to develop and demonstrate the technology needed for rendezvous, docking, and undocking of two small spacecraft (SDX01, which is the Chaser, and SDX02, the Target, nominally) in a low-Earth circular orbit.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launches PSLV-C60 with <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SpaDeX?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SpaDeX</a> and innovative payloads from Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. READ: <a href="https://t.co/YriHwWifZS">https://t.co/YriHwWifZS</a> Source: ANI/ISRO <a href="https://t.co/IM1DjtbGSc">pic.twitter.com/IM1DjtbGSc</a>
&mdash; WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1873769789518426197?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 30, 2024</a></blockquote>

<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

In a statement issued earlier, ISRO said, "In addition, SpaDeX, because of its small size and mass, is even more challenging due to the finer precision required for the rendezvous and docking manoeuvres compared to docking two large spacecraft. This mission will be a forerunner for autonomous docking needed for future lunar missions like Chandrayaan-4 without the support of GNSS from Earth."
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/isro-spadex-explainer-indias-most-sophisticated-mission-around-earth-8576199" rel="dofollow">Explainer: Why SpaDex is India's most sophisticated mission around Earth</a>
WION earlier reported that at the time of the ejection, the final stage of the PSLV rocket will be utilised to give a small relative velocity between the Target and Chaser spacecraft at the time of separation from the launch vehicle. 
Simply put, the Target satellite will be travelling slightly faster than the Chaser.&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Indian Space Research Organisation launches <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SpaDex?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SpaDex</a> mission from Andhra Pradesh's Sriharikota. The mission will demonstrate in-space docking technology, integral for future space missions.<a href="https://twitter.com/eriknjoka?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@eriknjoka</a> joined by WION's <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@sdhrthmp</a> for updates.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SpaDexLaunch?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SpaDexLaunch</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SpaceNews?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SpaceNews</a> <a href="https://t.co/6KcvUm89d7">pic.twitter.com/6KcvUm89d7</a>
&mdash; WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1873775117303734778?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 30, 2024</a></blockquote>

<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Gradually, the satellites will autonomously reduce the distance between themselves by adjusting their respective velocities.

India News: The primary objective of the SpaDeX mission is to develop and demonstrate the technology needed for rendezvous, docking, and undocking of two small spacecraft

India's space agency, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), launched its year-end mission: the "Space Docking Experiment" also known as SpaDex, successfully on Monday (Dec 30). The mission, on the PSLV-C60 rocket, was launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. In a post on X, ISRO said that the mission was launched at 10 pm IST. In a subsequent post, ISRO added, "Successful separation of SpaDeX satellites marks another milestone in India’s space journey." A look at the SpaDex mission As per the ISRO, the primary objective of the SpaDeX mission is to develop and demonstrate the technology needed for rendezvous, docking, and undocking of two small spacecraft (SDX01, which is the Chaser, and SDX02, the Target, nominally) in a low-Earth circular orbit. #WATCH | Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launches PSLV-C60 with #SpaDeX and innovative payloads from Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. READ: https://t.co/YriHwWifZS Source: ANI/ISRO pic.twitter.com/IM1DjtbGSc — WION (@WIONews) December 30, 2024 In a statement issued earlier, ISRO said, "In addition, SpaDeX, because of its small size and mass, is even more challenging due to the finer precision required for the rendezvous and docking manoeuvres compared to docking two large spacecraft. This mission will be a forerunner for autonomous docking needed for future lunar missions like Chandrayaan-4 without the support of GNSS from Earth." Also read | Explainer: Why SpaDex is India's most sophisticated mission around Earth WION earlier reported that at the time of the ejection, the final stage of the PSLV rocket will be utilised to give a small relative velocity between the Target and Chaser spacecraft at the time of separation from the launch vehicle. Simply put, the Target satellite will be travelling slightly faster than the Chaser. Indian Space Research Organisation launches #SpaDex mission from Andhra Pradesh's Sriharikota. The mission will demonstrate in-space docking technology, integral for future space missions.@eriknjoka joined by WION's @sdhrthmp for updates.#SpaDexLaunch #SpaceNews pic.twitter.com/6KcvUm89d7 — WION (@WIONews) December 30, 2024 Gradually, the satellites will autonomously reduce the distance between themselves by adjusting their respective velocities.

Watch: Indian space agency ISRO successfully launches SpaDeX mission

The Indian Space agency has commenced the 25-hour countdown to the 22:00hrs, 30th December, Monday, launch of the PSLV-C60 mission that will be carrying the SPADEX (Space Docking Experiment) satellites to orbit. The countdown timer began ticking at 21:00hrs on Sunday, WION has learnt. Countdown is a critical pre-launch phase when comprehensive health checks of all rocket and satellite systems are carried out. Fuel filling in the liquid-propelled stages of the launch vehicle is also carried out during the countdown phase. In this case, the PSLV rocket's second and fourth (final) stages are liquid-propelled ones.&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m59v0o34-2nuocvg6-xcn880e7">
⚠️ Alert ⚠️ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ISRO?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ISRO</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SPADEX?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SPADEX</a> launch will be at 10:00pm tomorrow... Originally, liftoff time was announced as 9:58pm.. (I've sourced this info from those involved) Looking forward to a late night at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Sriharikota?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Sriharikota</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AndhraPradesh?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AndhraPradesh</a> tomorrow :) <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Space?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Space</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/science?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#science</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/tech?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#tech</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/news?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#news</a> <a href="https://t.co/bAUdvbgTfg">pic.twitter.com/bAUdvbgTfg</a>
&mdash; Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1873407682339828066?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 29, 2024</a></blockquote>
<h2>What is SPADEX?&nbsp;</h2>
SPADEX stands for Space Docking Experiment, and it is a crucial technological feat that would enable India's future space missions. India hopes to build an independent space station by the year 2035, and the first module (component) of this space station is meant to be launched in 2028. Space stations are built by autonomously assembling various modules while they circle the earth. SPADEX is India's maiden attempt at space docking, which is the process of coupling two satellites into a single unified entity. India's Chandrayaan-3 Lunar sample return mission will also involve highly sophisticated space docking. So far, only the US, Russia, Europe, and China have mastered space docking technology.&nbsp;
<h2>Applications of Space docking&nbsp;</h2>
Docking establishes a mechanical link between one orbiting spacecraft and another equally sized or larger orbiting body. When astronauts travel to the space station, the craft that carries them has to dock with the space station, following which the crew can move to the orbiting lab-cum-accommodation. Cargo is also delivered to the space station in a similar fashion. Likewise, docking can enable the transfer of fuel between two spacecrafts, thereby extending the life of the recipient craft.&nbsp;
<h2>How will ISRO execute SPADEX?</h2>
The primary objective of the SPADEX mission is to develop and demonstrate the technology needed for rendezvous, docking, and undocking of two small spacecraft - SDX01, which is the Chaser, and SDX02, the Target. Each satellite weighs 220 kg and will be hurled into a circular orbit that is 470 km above the earth's surface.&nbsp;
At the time of ejection, the final stage of the PSLV rocket will be utilised to give a small relative velocity between the Target and Chaser spacecraft at the time of separation from the launch vehicle. Simply put, the target satellite will be travelling slightly faster than the chaser. This incremental velocity will allow the Target spacecraft to build a distance of 10-20 km with the Chaser.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-probe-to-make-closest-approach-ever-in-human-history-to-fiery-surface-of-sun-on-christmas-eve-785998">NASA probe to make closest approach ever in human history to fiery surface of sun on Christmas Eve</a>
Gradually, the satellites will autonomously reduce the distance between themselves by adjusting their respective velocities. From 20 km, the inter-satellite distance would be lowered to 5 km, 1.5 km, 500 m, 225 m, 15 m, and 3 m, ultimately leading to the docking of the two spacecraft. After successful docking and unification, electrical power transfer between the two satellites will be demonstrated. Electrical power transfer is crucial for carrying out in-space robotics, control of the unified spacecraft, etc. "Docking will be carried out between 6th January and 10th January," ISRO Chairman Dr. S.Somanath told WION.&nbsp;
After the primary mission of docking is accomplished, the two satellites will then separate (undock) and start operating as two different satellites, operating their respective payloads for the expected mission life of up to two years.
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ISRO Chairman Dr. S. Somanath told WION that the satellites could attempt more docking and undocking, depending on the mission requirements and the availability of fuel on both crafts. As small satellites weighing around 220 kg each, the SPADEX satellites carry very limited fuel when compared to their larger counterparts.&nbsp;
<h2>Payloads being carried by SPADEX satellites</h2>
SDX01, the Chaser, carries a High-Resolution Camera (HRC) with photo and video capabilities. This is a miniature version of the surveillance camera developed by ISRO's Space Applications Centre (SAC).
SDX02, the Target carries a Multi-Spectral Payload (MMX) used for natural resource monitoring and vegetation studies. It also carries a Radiation Monitor, which will measure radiation doses encountered in space, which will help suitably plan and execute India's homegrown Gaganyaan astronaut missions.&nbsp;
<h2>Why is space docking so complicated?&nbsp;</h2>
When a chaser spacecraft is approaching the target spacecraft, the relative velocity between the two (the difference in velocity between the two) must be controlled very carefully. If the relative velocity is too high, the docking attempt can fail, causing damage or collisions. If it is too low, it may take too long to complete the approach, which could lead to fuel inefficiencies or mission delays.
When the spacecraft dock, their relative velocity must be near zero. This means that the two spacecraft must be moving at the same velocity and in the same direction at the time of docking to ensure a smooth connection without any impact forces. This requires careful coordination and manoeuvring, all done fully autonomously.

India news | The primary objective of the SPADEX mission is to develop and demonstrate the technology needed for rendezvous, docking, and undocking of two small spacecraft.

The Indian Space agency has commenced the 25-hour countdown to the 22:00hrs, 30th December, Monday, launch of the PSLV-C60 mission that will be carrying the SPADEX (Space Docking Experiment) satellites to orbit. The countdown timer began ticking at 21:00hrs on Sunday, WION has learnt. Countdown is a critical pre-launch phase when comprehensive health checks of all rocket and satellite systems are carried out. Fuel filling in the liquid-propelled stages of the launch vehicle is also carried out during the countdown phase. In this case, the PSLV rocket's second and fourth (final) stages are liquid-propelled ones. ⚠️ Alert ⚠️ #ISRO #SPADEX launch will be at 10:00pm tomorrow... Originally, liftoff time was announced as 9:58pm.. (I've sourced this info from those involved) Looking forward to a late night at #Sriharikota #AndhraPradesh tomorrow :) #Space #science #tech #news pic.twitter.com/bAUdvbgTfg — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) December 29, 2024 What is SPADEX? SPADEX stands for Space Docking Experiment, and it is a crucial technological feat that would enable India's future space missions. India hopes to build an independent space station by the year 2035, and the first module (component) of this space station is meant to be launched in 2028. Space stations are built by autonomously assembling various modules while they circle the earth. SPADEX is India's maiden attempt at space docking, which is the process of coupling two satellites into a single unified entity. India's Chandrayaan-3 Lunar sample return mission will also involve highly sophisticated space docking. So far, only the US, Russia, Europe, and China have mastered space docking technology. Applications of Space docking Docking establishes a mechanical link between one orbiting spacecraft and another equally sized or larger orbiting body. When astronauts travel to the space station, the craft that carries them has to dock with the space station, following which the crew can move to the orbiting lab-cum-accommodation. Cargo is also delivered to the space station in a similar fashion. Likewise, docking can enable the transfer of fuel between two spacecrafts, thereby extending the life of the recipient craft. How will ISRO execute SPADEX? The primary objective of the SPADEX mission is to develop and demonstrate the technology needed for rendezvous, docking, and undocking of two small spacecraft - SDX01, which is the Chaser, and SDX02, the Target. Each satellite weighs 220 kg and will be hurled into a circular orbit that is 470 km above the earth's surface. At the time of ejection, the final stage of the PSLV rocket will be utilised to give a small relative velocity between the Target and Chaser spacecraft at the time of separation from the launch vehicle. Simply put, the target satellite will be travelling slightly faster than the chaser. This incremental velocity will allow the Target spacecraft to build a distance of 10-20 km with the Chaser. Also read: NASA probe to make closest approach ever in human history to fiery surface of sun on Christmas Eve Gradually, the satellites will autonomously reduce the distance between themselves by adjusting their respective velocities. From 20 km, the inter-satellite distance would be lowered to 5 km, 1.5 km, 500 m, 225 m, 15 m, and 3 m, ultimately leading to the docking of the two spacecraft. After successful docking and unification, electrical power transfer between the two satellites will be demonstrated. Electrical power transfer is crucial for carrying out in-space robotics, control of the unified spacecraft, etc. "Docking will be carried out between 6th January and 10th January," ISRO Chairman Dr. S.Somanath told WION. After the primary mission of docking is accomplished, the two satellites will then separate (undock) and start operating as two different satellites, operating their respective payloads for the expected mission life of up to two years. Also read: Russia 'not satisfied' with Donald Trump's Ukraine peace plan: Report ISRO Chairman Dr. S. Somanath told WION that the satellites could attempt more docking and undocking, depending on the mission requirements and the availability of fuel on both crafts. As small satellites weighing around 220 kg each, the SPADEX satellites carry very limited fuel when compared to their larger counterparts. Payloads being carried by SPADEX satellites SDX01, the Chaser, carries a High-Resolution Camera (HRC) with photo and video capabilities. This is a miniature version of the surveillance camera developed by ISRO's Space Applications Centre (SAC). SDX02, the Target carries a Multi-Spectral Payload (MMX) used for natural resource monitoring and vegetation studies. It also carries a Radiation Monitor, which will measure radiation doses encountered in space, which will help suitably plan and execute India's homegrown Gaganyaan astronaut missions. Why is space docking so complicated? When a chaser spacecraft is approaching the target spacecraft, the relative velocity between the two (the difference in velocity between the two) must be controlled very carefully. If the relative velocity is too high, the docking attempt can fail, causing damage or collisions. If it is too low, it may take too long to complete the approach, which could lead to fuel inefficiencies or mission delays. When the spacecraft dock, their relative velocity must be near zero. This means that the two spacecraft must be moving at the same velocity and in the same direction at the time of docking to ensure a smooth connection without any impact forces. This requires careful coordination and manoeuvring, all done fully autonomously.

Explainer: Why SPADEX is India's most sophisticated mission around Earth

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