ISRO's navigation satellite mission faced unexpected setbacks after the NVS-02 satellite failed to perform its orbit-raising maneuvers, marking the Indian Space Research Organization's (ISRO) 100th mission. Launched on January 29, 2025, from the Shriharikota spaceport, the NVS-02 is integral to India's Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC) program, aimed at boosting the nation’s navigation capabilities.
While the launch of GSLV-F15 was triumphant, establishing successful communication with the ground station and deploying solar panels as intended, problems arose shortly thereafter. ISRO reported, "The orbit raising operations toward positioning the satellite to the designated orbital slot could not be carried out as the valves for admitting the oxidizer to fire the thrusters for orbit raising did not open," as stated by the agency.
This failure of the thrusters to ignite prevented the necessary adjustments for placing the satellite precisely within its intended orbit. Although complications emerged, ISRO remains optimistic: "The satellite systems are healthy and the satellite is currently in elliptical orbit. Alternate mission strategies for utilizing the satellite for navigation in elliptical orbit are being worked out," the agency added.
The satellite now resides in an elliptical Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO), which presents significant challenges to its intended navigation performance. Functional navigation satellites usually require near-circular orbits to operate optimally, and with the valve malfunction, ISRO has been tasked with determining how the satellite can contribute to navigation tasks from its current position.
The NVS-02 satellite, weighing 2,250 kilograms, is part of the second-generation NavIC constellation, which was conceived following the lessons learned during the Kargil conflict of 1999. India recognized its dependence on foreign navigation capabilities and initiated the development of its own regional satellite system, prompting the establishment of NavIC.
Since its inception, ISRO has launched 11 satellites under the NavIC program; unfortunately, half faced technical issues. This track record of challenges highlights the challenges faced by ISRO as it strives to strengthen India's indigenous satellite navigation system. Nevertheless, the importance of NVS-02's mission cannot be overstated, as it aims to provide users with precise position, velocity, and timing data within India and surrounding regions.
The mission symbolizes more than just technological achievement; it marks progress toward self-reliance for India's space exploration endeavors. On the occasion of ISRO’s milestone launch, Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the agency, stating, "Congratulations to @isro on the historic 100th launch!" expressing admiration for the dedication and vision demonstrated by Indian scientists and engineers.
Despite the challenges, ISRO is poised to explore various strategies to repurpose the NVS-02 mission, ensuring the satellite remains functional and beneficial to the country’s navigation system. This resilience reflects ISRO's long-standing commitment to overcome obstacles and innovate for continued progress.
Overall, the NVS-02 satellite mission may face immediate hurdles, but ISRO’s plans to maximize its utility demonstrate the organization's determination and ingenuity as it charts the future of India’s space ventures.