India launches 1st space docking mission

India’s space agency on Monday launched its first space docking mission on an Indian-made rocket in an attempt to become the fourth country to achieve a breakthrough technological achievement.

The mission, seen as key to future space efforts, including satellite servicing and operation of India’s planned space station, lifted off from India’s main spaceport at 11:30 p.m. ET (16:30 GMT) on Sunday aboard the Indian Space Research Organization (GMT). ISRO) “workforce” PSLV rocket.

About 15 minutes later, the mission director declared the launch mission a success after the spacecraft reached an altitude of about 480 kilometers.

ISRO chief S. Somanath said at a press conference that the docking test itself is expected to take place on January 7.

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