Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) celebrated a major milestone on Wednesday with the successful launch of its 100th mission, deploying the NVS-02 navigation satellite into orbit using the GSLV-F15 rocket. The early morning launch was ISRO's first mission of 2025 and the maiden launch under Chairman V. Narayanan, who assumed office on January 16.
A jubilant Narayanan announced from Sriharikota’s Mission Control Center: “This mission marks the 100th launch from our spaceport, a significant milestone in India’s space journey.” The GSLV rocket precisely placed NVS-02 into the Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) after a 19-minute flight through cloudy skies.
Enhancing India's Navigation Capabilities
NVS-02 is the second satellite in NavIC’s second-generation constellation, designed to provide accurate positioning, velocity, and timing services across India and 1,500 km beyond its borders. It will aid terrestrial, aerial, and maritime navigation, precision agriculture, fleet management, and emergency services.
Developed by U R Rao Satellite Centre in Bengaluru, the 2,250-kg satellite features a Tri-band antenna and carries India’s second indigenous Atomic Clock, a critical component for precise navigation—exemplifying the Make in India initiative.
ISRO’s Remarkable Journey
Reflecting on ISRO’s legacy, Narayanan paid tribute to visionary pioneers like Prof. Vikram Sarabhai and Prof. Satish Dhawan, highlighting the agency’s evolution through six generations of launch vehicles. Since its first SLV-3 launch in 1979, ISRO has now placed 548 satellites into orbit, including 433 foreign satellites.
Upcoming missions include the NISAR satellite with NASA and the uncrewed G1 mission under Gaganyaan. “India’s space programme is accelerating, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision to position ISRO as a global leader in space technology,” Narayanan stated.
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