Space Docking
India becomes the 4th country (after the US, Russia, and China) to successfully demonstrate in-space docking capability .
Mission : PSLV-C60/SpaDeX (Space Docking Experiment) launched on December 31, 2023 , from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota.
- PM Modi highlighted it as a "significant stepping stone" for India’s space ambitions.
What is Space Docking?
- Space docking is the process of joining two spacecraft together in orbit. It is a critical operation for space missions involving crew transfers, resupply missions, and space station operations.
Examples
- Apollo-Soyuz Test Project (1975) – First international docking between the U.S. and Soviet Union.
- ISS Dockings – Regular docking of SpaceX Dragon, Russian Soyuz, and other spacecraft.
- Lunar Gateway (Future Mission) – A planned space station orbiting the Moon requiring frequent dockings.
Indigenous "Bharatiya Docking System" developed by ISRO
In a walkthrough of the SpaDeX docking process, ISRO said manoeuvres from the 15 m to the 3m hold point were completed. Docking was initiated with precision, leading to successful spacecraft capture.
Strategic Significance
- Future Missions :
- Bharatiya Antariksh Station (India’s planned space station).
- Chandrayaan-4 (lunar sample return mission).
- Gaganyaan (India’s human spaceflight pr ogram).
- Enables in-orbit servicing, space logistics, and crew transfer missions .
Practice Questions for Mains
- Q. “Space docking capability is a game-changer for India’s space economy.” Critically analyze this statement in the context of ISRO’s recent achievements.
