On January 16, 2025, the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) created history with successful docking of two satellites in space. With the success of the SpaDeX (Space Docking Experiment) mission, India becomes the fourth nation to achieve this capability, after US, Russia, and China.
On December 30, 2024 ISRO launched two satellites of 220 kilograms each and roughly the size of a large refrigerator, using the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV). The first satellite SDX01 was called the ‘Chaser’ while the second one SDX 02 was called the ‘Target’, the names denoting their functions. These were put into a 470 km circular orbit at 55o degrees inclination. They had identical velocity but were separated by 20 kms. The Chaser approached the Target with progressively reduced inter-satellite distances. On January 12, ISRO brought the two satellites to within three meters distance as a trial run before moving them back to safe distance. Today, the docking was achieved successfully.
The docking system used in the mission called Bharatiya Docking System, was indegeneously developed and allowed the satellites to move with exceptional precision at a speed of 10 millimeters per second. Post-docking the integrated control of the two satellites as a single object was achieved successfully. This was followed by retraction and rigidisation for stability.
Docking in space is an essential step towards the ambitious goals India is planning for in the next decade, including setting up its own space station, the Bhartiya Antriksh Station (BAS), bringing samples back from the moon and a manned mission to the moon.
In the last decade, under the visionary leadership of PM Narendra Modi Ji, India’s space achievements have been exemplary. In August 2023, India became the first country to land Chandrayaan-3 on the moon south pole, at the Shiva Shakti point. India also demonstrated successful landing of the Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV-TD). In addition, the participation by the private sector has grown considerably in the last decade, with space startups. In the next decade, India’s space economy, currently at $8 billion is expected to increase upto $44 billion.
Many congratulations to ISRO chairman Dr. V Narayanan Ji, former chairman Dr. V. Somnath Ji and the entire ISRO team of scientists, engineers and support staff for this historic achievement.
Women in blue create history
Speaking of creating history, Indian Women cricket team won the three match one-day series against Ireland 3-0, and in doing so created history.
In the first ODI, debutant opener Pratika Raval shined with 89 (96) while Tejal Hasabnis made 53 (46). India won the match by 6 wickets. In the second ODI, Jemimah Rodrigues made her maiden century 102 (91), with great support from the top order. India won by 116 runs.
The best was yet to come.
In the third ODI, Smriti Mandhana played captain’s knock, smashing the fastest ODI century by an Indian batter in 70 balls. In her 135 (80), she hit 12 fours and 7 sixes. Pratika got her maiden century in 100 balls and went on to make 154 (129). Pratika was also the player of the series. The two Indian openers seem to have found the right rhythm which is great news for India. Richa Ghosh, promoted at number 3, made a quickfire 59 (42).
India finished their innings at 435/5, the highest total in ODI by India. India won the match by 304 runs.
For comparison, highest total in men’s ODI by India was 418/5 against West Indies in 2011. Highlight of the match was an unbelievable knock of 219 (149) by Viru Bhai, with 25 fours and 7 sixes. It was the highest individual ODI score at the time and when he got out, every West Indian player rushed to shake hands with him.
If you are not watching the India women’s cricket matches, you are missing out big time on some world class cricket.
It is impossible for cricket fans to know the about the intense preparations that go on behind the scenes. India women’s team has done well and has broken many records under the guidance of head coach & batting coach Amol Muzumdar Ji.
The Irish team showed great spirit. Considering the fact that it was a young team with average age in mid-twenties, this was a good learning experience for them.
After winning the trophy, as per the tradition, captain Smriti Mandhana handed it over to the debutntes Sayli Satghare, Minnu Mani, Tanuja Kanwar. Not sure who is the brain behind this tradition but I think sports teams world over should follow it. It’s a great way to welcome new players in the team.
Many congratulations to the India women team, the coaches and the support staff for their historic victory!
