Spadex launch tonight: India aims to become 4th nation to master space docking
India TodayIndia is set to make history with the groundbreaking Space Docking Experiment, a mission that will demonstrate the complex art of satellite docking in space. Scheduled for launch on December 30, 2024, this mission represents a critical milestone in India's space exploration capabilities. The mission involves launching two specially designed satellites, each weighing approximately 220 kg, using the workhorse Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle rocket. It is a strategic step towards several ambitious space objectives, including: * Preparing for the Gaganyaan human spaceflight program * Enabling Chandrayaan-4 lunar sample return missions * Developing the Bharatiya Antariksh Station, India's proposed space station35 ISRO will utilise a specially designed docking system that meets international docking standards, showcasing India's innovative approach to space technology. The SpaDeX mission represents a cost-effective and strategic approach to advancing space technology, potentially opening new avenues for satellite servicing, formation flying, and complex space infrastructure development.