ISRO's 100th Launch: GSLV-F15 with NVS-02 Satellite
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) marked a significant milestone with its 100th launch on January 29, 2025, at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.
Launch Details
- Vehicle and Satellite: The launch was executed using the GSLV-F15, carrying the NVS-02 satellite.
ISRO's Achievements
- ISRO has launched a total of 548 satellites over 100 missions, amounting to 120 tonnes of payload, including 23 tonnes for 433 foreign satellites.
NVS-02 Satellite and NavIC
- NavIC System: The NVS-02 is part of the Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC), which is India's regional navigation satellite system.
- Service Area: NavIC provides Position, Velocity, and Timing (PVT) service in India and a region extending 1,500 km beyond the Indian landmass.
- Accuracy: NavIC SPS offers a position accuracy better than 20 meters and timing accuracy better than 40 nanoseconds.
Second-Generation NavIC Satellites
- NVS-01 was launched on May 29, 2023, featuring an indigenous atomic clock.
- NVS-02 is equipped with navigation payloads in L1, L5, and S bands, and a C-band ranging payload.
- The satellite replaces IRNSS-1E at 111.75ºE and utilizes a combination of indigenous and procured atomic clocks.
Strategic Importance and Applications
- NavIC is evolving as the backbone of India's satellite navigation ecosystem.
- Applications span strategic uses, tracking shipping vessels, time synchronization, train tracking, and safety alert dissemination.
- The indigenous atomic clock is a testament to the "Make in India" initiative in critical technology development.