ISRO Celebrates Landmark 100th Mission With Successful Launch of NVS-02 Navigation Satellite
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) made headlines this week as it marked its 100th successful mission by launching the NVS-02 navigation satellite. The milestone was achieved when the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV-F15) lifted off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) at 6:23 AM on Wednesday, January 31, 2025.
ISRO’s new chairman, V Narayanan, who took office earlier this month, celebrated this momentous occasion with the launch. His voice filled with joy as he addressed the audience at the Mission Control Center, stating, “I am extremely happy to announce from the spaceport of ISRO, […] the first launch of this year, 2025, has been successfully accomplished, with GSLV-F15 launch vehicle precisely injecting the navigation satellite NVS-02 in the intended required (GTO) orbit.”
The NVS-02 satellite is the second body in the Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC) series and aims to offer accurate position, velocity, and timing information primarily to users situated within the Indian subcontinent, extending to about 1,500 kilometers beyond India's borders. This satellite will significantly boost several applications, such as terrestrial, aerial, and maritime navigation, precision agriculture, fleet management, and Internet-of-Things (IoT) services.
Prior to this launch, ISRO had already introduced the first satellite of the series, NVS-01, on May 29, 2023, making NVS-02 part of India's broader commitment to establishing independent and reliable navigation systems.
The celebratory atmosphere was palpable among the ISRO team after the launch, with scientists and engineers embracing Narayanan, beaming with pride at the achievement. “This mission is the 100th launch from our launchpads, which is a very significant milestone for India,” he added during his address.
The GSLV-F15 rocket, standing at 50.9 meters tall and equipped with indigenous cryogenic technology, blasted off flawlessly from the second launch pad of the spaceport. The mission had been preceded by a precise 27.30-hour countdown, showcasing ISRO’s capability to execute complex space operations with precision.
Various applications driven by the NVS-02 satellite include fleet management systems and enhanced location-based services for mobile devices, aimed at improving accuracy and reliability for end-users. The navigation capabilities are expected to bolster sectors such as transportation, agriculture, and telecommunications—proof of ISRO’s effort to leverage space technology for national development.
ISRO's Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) has often been hailed as the organization’s most dependable rocket with 62 missions under its belt. The GSLV with indigenous cryogenic upper stage has conducted 17 successful missions so far, narrowly following the PSLV and paving the way for more significant milestones.
The success of the NVS-02 satellite launch fits within the larger narrative of India’s growing prowess as a space-faring nation. For many, ISRO’s achievements signify more than technology; they also symbolize national pride and the potential for economic advancement through space exploration.
Therefore, the launch of the NVS-02 satellite not only commemorates ISRO's technological capabilities but also reinforces the importance of innovation and reliability within the rapidly-evolving field of space technology.