Historic 100th launch from Sriharikota enhances India’s Regional Navigation Satellite System, inspiring a new generation of space enthusiasts.
Sriharikota (Andhra Pradesh), January 29: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) marked a significant milestone with the successful launch of GSLV-F15 carrying the NVS-02 satellite at 6:23 AM from Sriharikota. This event represents ISRO’s 100th launch from the country’s spaceport, further solidifying India’s position as a spacefaring nation.
The GSLV-F15 is the 17th flight of India’s Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle and the 11th flight incorporating an indigenous Cryogenic Stage. It is the 8th operational flight of GSLV with this technology. The metallic payload fairing used for the mission has a diameter of 3.4 meters, ensuring robust protection during ascent.
Mission Objectives and Impact
The NVS-02 satellite was successfully placed into a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO). This launch is pivotal in updating and expanding India’s Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS), popularly known as NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation).
Speaking about the mission’s significance, Nilesh Desai, Director of Space Applications Centre (SAC)/ISRO, highlighted that the satellite improves India’s navigation constellation, increasing the total number of active satellites from four to five.
“This mission will enhance the accuracy of positioning, velocity, and timing services provided by NavIC, which is designed to cover India and a region extending 1,500 km beyond its borders,” Desai explained.
NavIC delivers two types of services:
- Standard Positioning Service (SPS): Accurate to within 20 meters.
- Restricted Service (RS): Offers enhanced precision for strategic applications.
Student Participation and Excitement
The historic launch also witnessed the participation of students from across the country, adding to the celebratory atmosphere.
- Teerth, a student from Gujarat, expressed enthusiasm about the mission:
“It’s exciting to witness ISRO’s 100th launch. The fact that India is also earning revenue by launching foreign satellites is commendable.” - Avinash from Bihar, experiencing his first live launch after years of trying, said:
“This is a proud moment. Watching the launch live is an incredible experience. Kudos to the scientists and everyone involved.”
Future Goals and Achievements
The satellite constellation for NavIC will eventually comprise seven satellites, of which five are now operational following this launch. The older satellites in the series are gradually being replaced with advanced versions, enhancing the system’s reliability and accuracy.
ISRO’s achievement underscores India’s growing capabilities in space technology, from launching cutting-edge satellites to contributing significantly to the global space industry.