ISRO Achieves Historic 100th Launch with GSLV F-15 Rocket, Successfully Deploys NVS-02 NavIC Satellite into Precise Orbit

In a landmark achievement, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched its Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) F-15 rocket on January 29, 2025, at 06:23 hrs from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. This mission marked ISRO's 100th launch, a significant milestone in India's space exploration journey. The GSLV F-15 carried the NVS-02 navigation satellite, part of India's Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC) system, into a precise Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO).

A Historic Milestone for ISRO

The GSLV F-15 mission was the 17th flight of India's GSLV and the 11th using the indigenous Cryogenic Upper Stage (CUS). This launch also marked the 8th operational flight of the GSLV equipped with the indigenous Cryogenic engine. The payload fairing of the GSLV F-15, with a diameter of 3.4 meters, was a metallic version, showcasing ISRO's continued innovation in rocket design.

NavIC: India's Own Navigation System

The NVS-02 satellite is a crucial component of India's NavIC system, which aims to provide accurate Position, Velocity, and Timing (PVT) services to users across India and the surrounding region, extending up to 1,500 km beyond the Indian landmass. NavIC offers two types of services: the Standard Positioning Service (SPS) and the Restricted Service (RS). The SPS provides a position accuracy of better than 20 meters and a timing accuracy of better than 40 nanoseconds over the primary service area.

Second-Generation NavIC Satellites

The NVS-02 is the second satellite in the second-generation NavIC series, following the successful launch of NVS-01 on May 29, 2023. The NVS series is designed to enhance the NavIC constellation with advanced features, ensuring the continuity and reliability of navigation services. One of the key advancements in the NVS series is the inclusion of L1 band signals, which will expand the range of services provided by NavIC.

Advanced Features of NVS-02

The NVS-02 satellite is configured with navigation payloads in the L1, L5, and S bands, along with a ranging payload in the C-band. It is built on the standard I-2K bus platform, with a lift-off mass of 2,250 kg and a power handling capability of approximately 3 kW. The satellite will be positioned at 111.75ºE, replacing the IRNSS-1E satellite. Notably, NVS-02 utilizes a combination of indigenous and procured atomic clocks to ensure precise time estimation, a critical factor for accurate navigation.

Indigenous Technology at the Forefront

The successful launch of NVS-02 underscores ISRO's commitment to developing and deploying indigenous technology. The use of an indigenous Cryogenic stage in the GSLV F-15 rocket and the incorporation of indigenous atomic clocks in the NVS series satellites highlight India's growing self-reliance in space technology.

ISRO's 100th launch is a testament to the organization's relentless pursuit of excellence in space exploration and technology. The successful deployment of the NVS-02 satellite not only strengthens India's NavIC system but also reinforces the country's position as a global leader in space technology. As ISRO continues to push the boundaries of innovation, the future of India's space program looks brighter than ever.

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