Which nation became the fourth nation to successfully dock two satellites in space in January 2025?

Correct option is D

Correct Answer: (d) India
Explanation:
· In January 2025, India became the world’s fourth country to achieve satellite-to-satellite docking successfully.
· The mission demonstrated India’s increasing capability in orbital servicing, space repair, and refuelling, important for long-duration operations.
· Prior to this, the United States, Russia and China had achieved docking milestones.
· ISRO used advanced autonomous navigation, sensors and precision propulsion to carry out the docking.
· The achievement is significant for India’s ambitions in crewed flight (Gaganyaan), a possible national space station and deep-space missions.
Information Booster:
· Satellite docking enables refuelling, repair, debris mitigation and extended satellite life.
· ISRO’s earlier major milestones include PSLV, GSLV, Chandrayaan and Mangalyaan.
Additional Knowledge:
· China performed docking in its Tiangong programme.
· US docking achievements date back to Apollo rendezvous and later ISS operations.
· Russia’s Soyuz and Progress have long history of docking operations.