The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) marked a historic milestone with its 100th launch from Sriharikota on January 29, 2025. The GSLV-F15 rocket successfully lifted off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre at 6:23 a.m., placing the NVS-02 navigation satellite in a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit 19 minutes after launch. This mission strengthens India’s Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC) system, reinforcing India’s self-reliance in satellite-based navigation.
NVS-02 and NavIC System
- Part of: Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC)
- Replaces: IRNSS-1E satellite at 111.75°E
- Payload Bands: L1, L5, S bands + C-band for ranging
- Atomic Clock: Combination of indigenous and procured atomic clocks
- Purpose: Enhancing Position, Velocity, and Timing (PVT) services
NavIC Satellite System
- India’s regional navigation satellite system
- Provides two services
- Standard Positioning Service (SPS): Accuracy better than 20 metres
- Restricted Service (RS): Secure service for strategic use
- Primary Service Area: India & 1,500 km beyond Indian landmass
- Second-Generation NavIC Satellites (NVS Series)
- NVS-01: Launched May 29, 2023 (first with an indigenous atomic clock)
- NVS-02: Launched on January 29, 2025
- Future Satellites: NVS-03, NVS-04, NVS-05
