India successfully docks with another country in space for the first time.

(CLO) On January 16, India became the fourth country in the world to successfully conduct a space docking test, marking a significant step forward in the country's space ambitions.

"The docking of the spacecraft has been successfully completed! A historic moment," the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) said on X.

The Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX), launched by ISRO on December 30th from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, was successful as the two satellites, Target and Chaser, each weighing approximately 220 kg, successfully docked in orbit. After a complex process, they successfully separated, confirming India's ability to dock in space.

This achievement not only demonstrates India's advanced technological capabilities but also expands the country's role in the global space market, which is expected to reach a value of $400 billion in the future.

India launched its first space docking mission on December 30, 2024. Photo: ISRO

This technology is significant not only for satellite maintenance but also for other crucial missions such as operating space stations, building national space stations, and conducting interplanetary missions.

Astrophysicist Jayant Murthy shared: "To achieve ambitious missions, we need critical technology. Many missions, such as building space stations, require assembly in space. This cannot be done without space connectivity."

Although the mission was postponed twice in early January due to technical problems and drift between satellites, this final success proved ISRO's perseverance.

The satellites have demonstrated the ability to transfer electrical energy between them, a crucial element for operating space robots, controlling spacecraft, and supporting future missions.

Indian Space Minister Jitendra Singh said that docking technology will help India realize major plans such as sending citizens to the moon, building a space station, and bringing samples from the moon back to Earth.

This is a key part of India's space strategy under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has set ambitious goals for the space sector.

In 2023, India joined the "club" of nations that have landed spacecraft on the Moon, becoming the fourth country to successfully complete this mission. More recently, the Chandrayaan-3 mission collected samples from the Moon, helping scientists study the formation of this celestial body.

Looking ahead, India also aims to send astronauts to the moon by 2040, build a space station by 2035, and develop missions to Venus and other celestial bodies.

Alongside advances in space research and exploration, India is also accelerating the commercialization of its space industry, allowing private companies to participate in satellite manufacturing and launching small satellites into Earth orbit at reasonable costs. The Indian government aims to increase its space market share to $44 billion by 2040, compared to the current $8 billion.

SpaDeX is part of India's long-term plan to help the country solidify its position as one of the world's leading space powers.

Ngoc Anh (according to ISRO, Reuters, CNN)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/an-do-lan-dau-tien-ghep-noi-thanh-cong-trong-khong-gian-post330671.html