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In a concurrent development, India’s space ambitions took a substantial leap forward with the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) successfully launching the PSLV-C60 rocket on December 30, 2024. This mission, which featured two satellites as part of the Space Docking Experiment (SPOTEX), marked India’s first demonstration of autonomous docking technology—an essential capability for future lunar missions and space station operations.
Both satellites, termed Chaser and Target, weigh approximately 220 kg and are designed to rendezvous and dock autonomously while performing various experiments. If successful, this technology could play a vital role in various future missions, including the Chandrayaan 4 lunar sample return mission planned for 2028.