Andhra Pradesh: ISRO successfully launched its landmark 100th mission on January 29, 2025, at 6:23 AM IST from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. The mission involved the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV-F15) carrying the NVS-02 satellite, part of India’s Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC) program.
The NVS-02 satellite, weighing approximately 2,250 kg, is designed to enhance India’s regional navigation capabilities. It will provide accurate positioning data across India and extend services up to 1,500 kilometers beyond its borders45. This mission marks a significant milestone for ISRO, showcasing advancements in indigenous technology, including an improved atomic clock for precise timekeeping.
Chairman V Narayanan emphasized the importance of this achievement, noting that ISRO has successfully launched 548 satellites over its history, including 433 foreign satellites. The GSLV-F15 is the 17th flight of the GSLV series and features an indigenous cryogenic upper stage, which enhances payload capacity and efficiency.
The NVS-02 satellite will replace the IRNSS-1E satellite and is equipped with navigation payloads in L1, L5, and S bands810. This mission not only reinforces India’s position in space technology but also reduces reliance on foreign navigation systems like GPS.
As ISRO continues to innovate and expand its capabilities, the successful launch of the NVS-02 satellite represents a pivotal step in enhancing national security and providing reliable navigation services for civilian and military applications alike.
