ISRO marks milestone with 100th launch, successfully deploys NVS-02 navigation satellite into orbit

On January 29, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) achieved a historic milestone with the successful launch of its 100th rocket mission. The Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV-F15) carrying the NVS-02 satellite lifted off at 6:23 AM from the Second Launch Pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. This launch represents a significant achievement in ISRO’s long history of space exploration, highlighting its capabilities in both launch vehicle technology and satellite navigation systems.

The NVS-02 satellite is the second in the second generation of satellites developed for the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS), also known as NavIC. NavIC is India’s autonomous regional satellite navigation system, designed to provide precise Position, Velocity, and Timing (PVT) services to users across India and surrounding areas, extending up to 1,500 km beyond India’s borders. The NVS-02 satellite is equipped with an advanced atomic clock, ensuring the high-precision timing needed for reliable navigation services. It supports both the Standard Positioning Service (SPS), with an accuracy of better than 20 meters, and the Restricted Service (RS), which offers more accurate positioning for authorized users.

The GSLV-F15 mission is the 17th flight of ISRO’s Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle, and it marks the 11th flight using an indigenous cryogenic stage. The GSLV series, which initially faced performance challenges, has shown significant improvements in recent years. The GSLV-F15 successfully placed the NVS-02 satellite into a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO), a key maneuver before the satellite’s final orbit is reached. Over the next several days, the satellite will undergo orbit-raising maneuvers to reach its intended geostationary orbit.

The GSLV series, which includes rockets equipped with both solid and liquid stages, had previously earned the nickname “naughty boy” due to its earlier setbacks, with a failure rate of 37% in its first 16 launches. However, ISRO has steadily improved the GSLV's reliability, particularly after overcoming challenges related to cryogenic engine technology. In the 1990s, India faced difficulties in acquiring cryogenic technology due to restrictions placed by other countries, particularly Russia. This led ISRO to develop its own indigenous cryogenic engine, which has since become a key component of the GSLV series, significantly improving the performance and reliability of India’s space launch vehicles.

The NavIC system, which began to take shape after the 1999 Kargil conflict, was developed as a response to India’s limited access to global navigation systems like GPS. The system is designed to ensure that India has access to accurate and reliable satellite-based navigation data, especially in strategic and military applications. The NVS-02 satellite enhances the capabilities of the NavIC system, which now serves not only defense and strategic sectors but also applications in telecommunications, agriculture, transportation, and disaster management.

The GSLV-F15 mission further solidifies ISRO’s position as a key player in the global space sector. The successful launch is a culmination of decades of technological advancements, from the early days of the Satellite Launch Vehicle (SLV) in 1979 to the sophisticated GSLV-F15 rocket carrying the NVS-02 satellite. ISRO has made significant strides in mastering satellite launch technologies, cryogenic engines, and regional navigation systems, positioning India as a leader in space exploration and satellite navigation.

The 100th launch is a testament to ISRO’s resilience and growth. As the agency continues to expand its space missions, including interplanetary exploration, satellite communications, and human spaceflight, it remains committed to advancing India’s space capabilities for both domestic and global applications. With the NVS-02 launch, ISRO continues to build on its successful track record, ensuring India’s future in space exploration and satellite-based services.