An Indian rocket launched from north of Chennai successfully deployed two satellites intended for space-docking tests, a technology crucial for future manned lunar missions and space station support. The chief of the Indian Space Research Organisation, Sreedhara Somanath, confirmed the success of the launch, stating that the satellites were placed in the correct orbit. With this achievement, India aims to join Russia, the United States, and China in the elite group of countries with space-docking capabilities. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced plans for a manned Moon mission by 2040.