ISRO's Historic Century: GSLV-F15 Launches NVS-02 Satellite in Milestone Mission

In a landmark achievement, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) celebrated its 100th launch from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, propelling the NVS-02 satellite aboard the GSLV-F15 rocket.
This significant event not only marks a century of launches for the Indian space agency but also heralds the continuation of India's ambitious Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC) project.
The Launch of NVS-02
The GSLV-F15 rocket, carrying the 2,250-kilogram NVS-02 satellite, lifted off from the second launch pad at Sriharikota at precisely 6:23 AM. The satellite, part of the second-generation NavIC system, is designed to provide enhanced positioning, navigation, and timing services across India and its neighboring regions.
It aims to support various sectors including transportation, defense, and logistics, offering critical improvements in navigation accuracy and reliability.
A Historical Perspective
Nearly 46 years after ISRO's first experimental launch, which ended unsuccessfully with the Satellite Launch Vehicle-3 (SLV-3) crashing into the Bay of Bengal, this successful centennial launch underscores a journey of resilience and technological advancement.
Over the decades, ISRO has conducted numerous significant missions such as Chandrayaan, Mangalyaan, and Aditya L-1, alongside the development and operational launches of PSLV, GSLV, and SSLV rockets.
Technological Innovations and Satellite Features
The NVS-02 satellite, following its predecessor NVS-01 launched in May 2023, is equipped with advanced navigation payloads operating in three frequency bands: L1, L5, and S. It incorporates a Rubidium Atomic Frequency Standard (RAFS) for precise timekeeping, essential for accurate GPS services.
These enhancements are expected to improve applications in precision agriculture, emergency services, fleet management, and mobile location services.
Strategic Importance of NavIC
NavIC, often referred to as India's homegrown GPS, was conceived following the national security limitations experienced during the Kargil conflict in 1999. This initiative reflects India's push towards self-reliance in satellite navigation, a critical component of national security and technological sovereignty. NavIC provides two levels of service:
the Standard Positioning Service for general use and a Restricted Service for authorized users, ensuring robust and secure navigation capabilities.
Future Prospects and Challenges
The NVS-02 launch is part of ISRO's broader plan to deploy five second-generation NavIC satellites, aimed at bolstering the existing constellation and expanding service capabilities. Each satellite in this series is a step towards enhancing the overall efficacy and reach of NavIC, securing India’s position in the arena of global satellite navigation systems.
ISRO’s Leadership and Vision
Under the new leadership of Chairman V Narayanan, ISRO has successfully navigated past challenges, with the GSLV-F15 marking his first mission at the helm. The launch also provided an occasion to honor previous ISRO chairmen, acknowledging their contributions to building a formidable space program.
As ISRO celebrates this historic launch, it not only reflects on a century of space exploration and innovation but also looks forward to new horizons. The successful placement of NVS-02 into the Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) is a testament to India’s growing capabilities in space technology, setting the stage for further advancements and asserting its autonomy in satellite navigation. This milestone, achieved with the GSLV-F15, is a moment of pride and a beacon for future aspirations in India's space journey.
Lift off of GSLV F15 carrying NVS-02🚀 #ISRO #GSLVF15 #NAVIC pic.twitter.com/hdfMDVdOaH
— ISRO InSight (@ISROSight) January 29, 2025