India launches its first space docking mission
Al Jazeera
If successful, India will become the fourth country to achieve the milestone.
India has launched its first space docking mission on an Indian-made rocket, in an attempt to become the fourth country to achieve the advanced technological feat.
The mission, called Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX), lifted off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Andhra Pradesh state at 16:30 GMT on Monday on board the Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) “workhorse” PSLV rocket.
After approximately 15 minutes, the mission director called the launch successful after the PSLV-C60 rocket reached an altitude of about 470km (292 miles).
The mission is seen as pivotal for future space endeavours, including satellite servicing and the operation of the country’s planned space station. In-space docking technology is crucial when multiple rocket launches are required to achieve shared mission objectives.
The Indian mission involves deploying two small spacecraft, each weighing about 220kg (485 pounds), into a 470-km circular orbit. It will also demonstrate the transfer of electric power between the docked spacecraft, a capability vital for applications such as in-space robotics, composite spacecraft control and payload operations following undocking.
Women, children among dead as Israel’s military again attacks civilians sheltering in so-called humanitarian safe zone.
Police searches come as aviation authorities are probing the cause of the deadliest air disaster on South Korean soil.
Here are the key developments on the 1,043rd day of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Suspected gunman in shooting rampage in town of Cetinje shoots himself in the head after being surrounded by police.
Israel’s relentless bombardment of Gaza continues as rain, cold and a lack of food worsens the crisis in the enclave.
Authorities say they are investigating the incident, in which seven people sustained minor injuries.
PA accuses network of broadcasting ‘inciting material’ and ‘stirring strife’ in the country.
Both the state governor and mayor of Honolulu pledged to crack down on illegal fireworks in the aftermath of the blast.
McConnell is set to step down as the longest-serving Senate leader. Experts say he transformed the chamber into a battlefield.
Russia’s dominance of the EU energy market ends but it will likely cause energy crisis in several EU countries.