Sriharikota (Andhra Pradesh): The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has announced plans to launch the NVS-02 satellite aboard the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) in January 2025, marking a significant milestone as its 100th mission. ISRO Chairman S Somanath shared the details following the successful launch of PSLV-C60 carrying the SpaDeX mission and other payloads.
Discussing ISRO’s roadmap for the new year, Somanath stated, “In 2025 we have many missions, to start with, we have the mission of GSLV launching the NVS-02 in the month of January…”
This follows the successful launch of NVS-01 on May 29, 2023, aboard the GSLV-F12 rocket. The 2,232-kg satellite featured an indigenous atomic clock and enhanced NavIC capabilities, including L1 band signals for expanded service coverage. The NVS-02 mission aims to build on this progress, further strengthening India’s regional navigation system with advanced features.
Chandrayaan-4 Docking Milestone
Somanath also highlighted developments in the Chandrayaan-4 mission, particularly the importance of docking. “Chandrayaan-4 has multiple modules, five in total, which will be launched at different times and integrated into two separate modules. These modules need to reach orbit and then dock both in Earth orbit and Moon orbit. Docking is essential for Chandrayaan-4. This mission aims to go to the Moon, land there, return to Earth, and complete the journey successfully,” he explained.
He confirmed that docking operations would begin soon, with the final docking expected by January 7, 2025. “This is one of the proving grounds for Chandrayaan-4,” he added.
Celebrating ISRO’s 99th Launch
Reflecting on the agency’s achievements, Somanath celebrated ISRO’s 99th launch, saying, “It’s a very significant milestone. We’re preparing for the 100th launch at the start of next year. In this 99th launch, PSLV-C60 successfully placed two SpaDeX satellites weighing 220 kilograms into a circular orbit of 475 kilometres.”
SpaDeX Mission: Advancing Docking Technology
The SpaDeX mission is a cost-effective technology demonstration project aimed at mastering in-space docking capabilities. The mission involves two small spacecraft—SDX01 (the Chaser) and SDX02 (the Target)—demonstrating rendezvous, docking, and undocking in low-Earth orbit. This technology is critical for long-term missions such as Chandrayaan-4, the planned Indian space station, and the manned Gaganyaan mission.
Dr. Jitendra Singh, Minister of State for Science and Technology, praised ISRO’s achievements on social media, noting, “India becomes the fourth country to join the select league of nations pursuing space docking, with its indigenously developed ‘Bharatiya Docking System.’ This is a humble tribute to PM Narendra Modi’s mantra of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat,’ heading towards a ‘Viksit Bharat.’”
The SpaDeX mission’s success is another step forward for ISRO as it continues to push the boundaries of space exploration and technology.