Union Minister of State for the Ministry of Earth Sciences, Jitendra Singh, highlighted India’s growing capabilities in space technology, particularly with the SpaDeX mission, which he described as a landmark achievement.
According to Singh, SpaDeX is an entirely indigenous mission, embodying India’s commitment to self-reliance and aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” (self-reliant India).
The mission, officially named “Bharatiya Docking Technology,” is India’s first experiment in docking technology and stands as a testament to the country’s growing expertise in space exploration.
Singh shared his excitement about the mission’s significance during a press conference, underscoring that it was one of India’s first ventures into docking technology. This technological breakthrough holds great promise for future space missions.
“The launch of SpaDeX is an important step for India in the area of docking technology. This is a completely homegrown technology, and it aligns with the vision of Prime Minister Modi’s ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat,’” Singh remarked.
As 2024 comes to a close, Singh reflected on the milestones achieved by India’s space sector over the year, noting that the launch of the SpaDeX mission follows a string of remarkable accomplishments.
He specifically highlighted India’s first solar mission, ADITYA, which reached the L1 point in space just three months after its launch in January 2024. This quick success underscored India’s growing expertise in space missions.
Singh also mentioned that the first-ever National Space Day was observed early in the year, marking another significant moment for India’s space programme under the leadership of the Modi government.
Further advancing India’s space ambitions, Singh pointed to the ongoing trials of Mission Gaganyaan, India’s first human spaceflight mission, which is slated to carry Indian astronauts into space.
The trials conducted so far have demonstrated substantial progress, with the final dress rehearsal featuring a female robot set to take place next year.
The success of Gaganyaan, which builds on the legacy of Rakesh Sharma, the first Indian in space, reflects India’s determination to further strengthen its position in space exploration.
Singh also spoke about the rising public interest in space exploration, noting that the enthusiasm generated by India’s space achievements has gone beyond space science.
This excitement has extended into other scientific fields, including biotechnology, basic sciences, cutting-edge technologies, and CSI (crime scene investigation) activities.
The public's curiosity about space exploration has led to greater awareness and engagement with various scientific pursuits, creating a ripple effect throughout the country.
Singh remarked, “The interest in space has sparked enthusiasm not only for space exploration but also for fields like biotechnology and other technologies, as space achievements have fostered awareness and curiosity across various sectors.”
The SpaDeX mission, launched on Monday by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), marked a significant milestone in India’s space programme. SpaDeX is a cost-effective technology demonstrator mission designed to showcase in-space docking technology.
The mission involves two small spacecraft—SDX01, which functions as the Chaser, and SDX02, the Target—launched by PSLV. The mission's primary objective is to develop and demonstrate the technology required for rendezvous, docking, and undocking of two spacecraft in low-Earth orbit.
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