ISRO Gears Up For 100th Launch, Set To Deploy NVS-02 Satellite

In a significant milestone for India’s space program, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is preparing for its 100th launch from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SHAR) in Sriharikota.

The GSLV-F15 mission, scheduled for January 29 at 6:23 AM, will deploy the NVS-02 satellite, further advancing India’s indigenous Navigation with the Indian Constellation (NavIC) system.

ISRO Celebrates A Milestone With GSLV-F15 Launch

The GSLV-F15 mission marks the 17th flight of the GSLV rocket and the 11th to feature an indigenous cryogenic stage. Notably, this is the eighth operational flight of the GSLV with a fully indigenous cryogenic stage, underscoring ISRO’s technological expertise.

The launch will take place from the Second Launch Pad (SLP) at Sriharikota, using a 3.4-meter metallic payload fairing. The primary objective of the mission is to position the NVS-02 satellite into a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO).

Advancing India’s Indigenous Navigation Capabilities

The NVS-02 satellite is part of India’s indigenous regional navigation satellite system, NavIC, designed to provide precise Position, Velocity, and Timing (PVT) services across India.

NavIC offers two types of services: Standard Positioning Service (SPS), which ensures position accuracy of better than 20 meters, and Restricted Service (RS), which provides additional specialized navigation capabilities.

ISRO’s Statement Highlights Details Of NVS-02 Satellite

The NVS-02 satellite, developed on the standard I-2K bus platform, weighs 2,250 kg and has a power handling capability of around 3 kW. It will carry navigation payloads across the L1, L5, and S bands and a ranging payload in the C-band. Positioned at 111.75ºE, the satellite will replace the IRNSS-1E satellite.

ISRO’s statement highlights that the NVS-02 satellite combines both indigenous and procured atomic clocks for precise time estimation. Developed at the UR Satellite Centre (URSC), the satellite underwent extensive testing, including thermovac and dynamic tests.

The NVS-02 satellite is the second in the NVS series, following the successful launch of NVS-01 on May 29, 2023.

ISRO Takes Step Forward For India’s Space Programme

The upcoming GSLV-F15 launch will not only commemorate ISRO’s 100th launch from Sriharikota but also emphasize India’s growing capabilities in space exploration. It reflects the nation’s commitment to advancing indigenous technologies and building a self-reliant space program.

As India continues to make strides in space, the successful deployment of the NVS-02 satellite will further strengthen the NavIC system, providing India with greater autonomy and precision in satellite navigation.

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