On January 29, 2025, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) celebrated a remarkable achievement with the successful launch of its GSLV-F15 rocket, marking its 100th mission. With this launch, ISRO not only commemorated its legacy but also set ambitious goals for the future of India's space exploration.
The historic mission, conducted from the Sriharikota spaceport, successfully placed the NVS-02 navigation satellite, weighing 2,250 kg, in geosynchronous transfer orbit. This significant satellite is part of India’s Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC) system, which is poised to improve navigation accuracy for both civilian and military applications across the Indian subcontinent and beyond.
Dr. V Narayanan, who assumed chairmanship just weeks prior, expressed his pride at the accomplishment and extended his gratitude to everyone involved with ISRO's success. “On behalf of the present generation of ISRO leaders, I salute all the previous generation of leaders, the past and present employees, and our family members,” he said during the celebratory moment at the Mission Control Center.
The significance of this 100th launch cannot be understated, as it symbolizes the culmination of nearly half a century of relentless effort and advancement. ISRO began its remarkable voyage with the launch of its first Satellite Launch Vehicle (SLV) back in 1979, and today, it has developed six generations of launch vehicles. The GSLV, with its indigenous cryogenic upper stage, has been pivotal to ISRO's evolution as it has allowed the agency to venture beyond mere satellite launches to interplanetary missions.
Among its notable achievements over the years, ISRO has successfully launched 548 satellites, including those for international clients, and placed over 120 tonnes of payloads safely in orbit. Particularly impressive is the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), which has completed 62 launches, showcasing unmatched reliability and becoming ISRO's most trusted vehicle for satellite deployment.
The NVS-02 satellite will serve multiple applications including terrestrial, aerial, and maritime navigation, as well as precision agriculture and IoT-based functionalities. Dr. Narayanan emphasized the importance of this launch for strengthening the NavIC system, noting, “This mission is the 100th launch from our launchpads, which is a very significant milestone for India.”
Political leaders across the nation celebrated ISRO's success as well. Telegram Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy hailed the launch as “a proud moment for the country” and underscored the dedication of the entire ISRO team toward making this mission a success. Meanwhile, Andhra Pradesh Governor S Abdul Nazeer commended the flawless execution of the GSLV-F15 launch.
The ambitious vision for ISRO remains to reach 100 launches over the next five years, showcasing the agency's determination to expand its presence and capabilities within the global space industry. Notable upcoming missions include Gaganyaan, which aims to send the first Indian crew to space, and the Chandrayaan-4 mission, targeting lunar exploration.
Marking this significant milestone also highlights the contributions of organizations like Ananth Technologies and MTAR Technologies, which provided mission-critical components for the NVS-02 satellite and GSLV-F15 respectively. Their efforts showcase the importance of partnerships within India’s thriving space sector.
With this launch, ISRO continues to inspire future generations, fortifying India’s position as a global player and innovator in space exploration. The palpable excitement surrounding the 100th launch and the prospects of future missions has reaffirmed ISRO's commitment to push the boundaries of what is possible.
Going forward, ISRO is set to redefine its capabilities and continue its legacy of excellence, as the nation strives to achieve remarkable breakthroughs on both national and international fronts.