India launches its first space docking mission

The Indian space agency launched its first space docking mission aboard an Indian-made rocket on Monday in a bid to become the fourth country to achieve this advanced technological feat.

The mission, seen as pivotal to future space endeavors, including satellite servicing and operation of the planned Indian space station, lifted off from India’s main spaceport at 11:30 p.m. EDT on Sunday (4:30 p.m. EDT). Greenwich) on board the Indian Space Research Organisation. ISRO) PSLV “backbone” rocket.

After about 15 minutes, the mission director declared the launch mission successful, once the spacecraft reached an altitude of about 480 kilometers.

ISRO Chairman S. Somanath told a press conference that the docking test itself is expected to be conducted on January 7.

Space docking technology is critical when multiple rocket launches are needed to achieve common mission objectives.