ISRO's PSLV-C60 carrying SpaDeX and its payloads launches successfully on Dec 30, 2024. Photo: ISRO ISRO's PSLV-C60 carrying SpaDeX and its payloads launches successfully on Dec 30, 2024. Photo: ISRO

ISRO successfully launched its Space Docking Experiment onboard a PSLV rocket on Monday at 10 pm from Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh. The mission SpaDeX carried with two spacecraft as the primary payloads along with 24 secondary payloads.

This is major milestone for India as it sets stone for ISRO setting up its own Space Station by 2035. This is a cost-effective technology demonstrator mission for in-space docking, satellite servicing and interplanetary missions.

India now joins an elite list featuring China, Russia and the US for in-space docking.

Upon the conclusion of the 25-hour countdown, PSLV-C60 in its 62nd flight lifted-off majestically, emanating thick orange colour fumes, from the first launch pad at this spaceport.

ISRO also notified few minutes later that the primary SpaDeX spacecraft A and B, onboard PSLV-C60 successfully separated.

Also Read | ISRO To Close 2024 With PSLV-C60 SpaDeX Launch Tonight | All About The Mission, Launch Time & More

The lift-off was originally planned at 9.58 pm on Monday but ISRO authorities later rescheduled to 10 pm. However, there was no official information behind the reason for the rescheduling.

By mastering the space docking technologies, ISRO is set to enhance its operational flexibility besides expanding its mission horizons.

Apart from the SpaDeX mission, ISRO scientists have configured the fourth stage of the rocket (PS-4) as the PSLV Orbital Experimental Module-4 (POEM-4) in which 24 small payloads which comprise of 14 from ISRO and 10 from academia, would be placed in over 90 minutes after the lift-off in different orbits.

A close readingmegapanalo, however, will show that world no. 5 India are improving with each passing game. So, there's hope for a win, or two against the world no 3 Kookaburras. The bigger question though is, will Australia relent? Considering the nature of the beast, Craig Fulton certainly needs to strategise a winning formula for these remaining two matches.