Sriharikota: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched the PSLV-C60 mission from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, placing the target and chaser satellites into their designated orbits. The launch, initially scheduled for 9:58 PM, was delayed by two minutes due to orbital congestion caused by other satellites. The rocket lifted off at 10:00:15 PM, as confirmed by ISRO Chairman S. Somanath.
The mission marks a significant step in India’s space technology, focusing on in-orbit docking and undocking of spacecraft. PSLV-C60 carried two small satellites weighing a combined 440 kilograms, which will dock in a circular orbit 470 kilometers above the Earth. This capability is crucial for future space missions, including lunar exploration.
ISRO highlighted the importance of the mission, stating that it will pave the way for advanced spacecraft operations and further strengthen India’s position in space technology. With this achievement, India joins an elite group of nations—Russia, the United States, and China—that have developed similar docking technologies.
This mission underscores India’s commitment to advancing space research and achieving milestones critical for future manned and unmanned lunar missions.