Thiruvananthapuram: Former ISRO scientist Nambi Narayanan expressed his excitement over India’s successful satellite docking as part of the Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) project. He stated that this achievement, marking India as the fourth nation to successfully complete such a mission, is a significant milestone for future space missions.
"My reaction is happiness. It is something we all have been dreaming of for years. It is something that has been achieved by only three nations- China, the US, and Russia- and now we are the fourth nation to do this. It was a pre-requirement for future missions of ISRO, particularly the Chandrayaan-4 and Gaganyaan missions, which are being planned for 2028 or so," Narayanan told ANI. He emphasized that docking technology would be vital for upcoming space missions, and India has now perfected this crucial capability.
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ISRO’s historic achievement, future implications
On Thursday morning, ISRO announced the successful docking of two satellites, making India the fourth country to achieve this feat. Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his congratulations, calling it a "stepping stone for future space missions." The success of the SpaDeX project is seen as essential for upcoming ISRO missions, such as Chandrayaan-4 and Gaganyaan, planned for 2028.
Union Minister Jitendra Singh praised the achievement, stating that it will pave the way for ambitious future projects, including the Bharatiya Antriksha Station and Chandrayaan-4. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also highlighted the pride this achievement brings to the country.
Experts weigh in on SpaDeX’s success
Former ISRO scientist Mylswamy Annadurai said that the docking process will play a critical role in upcoming missions like Chandrayaan-4. He also pointed out that this success will benefit the Indian space station program and help in managing space debris.
V Narayanan, Secretary of the Department of Space (DOS) and Chairman of ISRO, congratulated the team for their precision in completing the docking process. ISRO confirmed that control of the two satellites as a single object post-docking has been successful, marking another critical achievement in India's space program.
The SpaDeX project’s successful docking was the result of precise maneuvering, reducing the distance between the two satellites from 15 meters to a 3-meter hold point. This accuracy allowed for the successful spacecraft capture, showcasing India's growing capabilities in space exploration.
Agency
Published: 16 Jan 2025, 02:53 pm IST
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