ISRO Launches NVS-02, Marks 100th Mission from Sriharikota

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) marked a historic milestone with its 100th launch from Sriharikota on January 29, 2025. The GSLV-F15 rocket successfully lifted off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre at 6:23 a.m., placing the NVS-02 navigation satellite in a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit 19 minutes after launch. This mission strengthens India’s Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC) system, reinforcing India’s self-reliance in satellite-based navigation.

Key Highlights of ISRO”s Launch

Launch Details

• Launch Date: January 29, 2025
• Launch Site: Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota
• Rocket Used: Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV-F15)
• Payload: NVS-02 Satellite
• Orbit Placement: Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO)

Significance: 100th mission from Sriharikota

• ISRO”s Achievements Over 100 Launches
• Total Satellites Launched: 548 satellites
• Total Payload Weight Lifted: 120 tonnes
• Indian Satellites: 433
• Foreign Satellites: 115
• Total Foreign Payload Weight: 23 tonnes

NVS-02 and NavIC System

• Part of: Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC)
• Replaces: IRNSS-1E satellite at 111.75°E
• Payload Bands: L1, L5, S bands + C-band for ranging
• Atomic Clock: Combination of indigenous and procured atomic clocks
• Purpose: Enhancing Position, Velocity, and Timing (PVT) services

NavIC Satellite System

• India’s regional navigation satellite system
• Provides two services
• Standard Positioning Service (SPS): Accuracy better than 20 metres
• Restricted Service (RS): Secure service for strategic use
• Primary Service Area: India & 1,500 km beyond Indian landmass
• Second-Generation NavIC Satellites (NVS Series)
• NVS-01: Launched May 29, 2023 (first with an indigenous atomic clock)
• NVS-02: Launched on January 29, 2025
• Future Satellites: NVS-03, NVS-04, NVS-05

Applications of NavIC

• Strategic & Military Uses
• Shipping Vessel Tracking
• Train Tracking & Safety Alerts
• Disaster Management & Early Warning Systems
• Time Synchronization for Critical Sectors

Significance of the Indigenous Atomic Clock

• Developed under ‘Make in India’ initiative
• Key for precision timekeeping in satellite navigation
• Improves accuracy of NavIC’s services

Summary/Static	Details
Why in the news?	ISRO Launches NVS-02, Marks 100th Mission from Sriharikota
Mission Name	GSLV-F15/NVS-02
Launch Site	Sriharikota (Satish Dhawan Space Centre)
Rocket Used	GSLV-F15
Satellite	NVS-02 (NavIC Series)
Orbit Placement	Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO)
Significance	100th launch from Sriharikota
Total Satellites Launched by ISRO	548
Payload Weight Lifted	120 tonnes
NavIC Services	Standard Positioning Service (SPS) & Restricted Service (RS)
NavIC Accuracy	Position: <20m, Timing: <40 nanoseconds
Future NVS Satellites	NVS-03, NVS-04, NVS-05