The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is set to achieve another major milestone with its 100th launch, the GSLV-F15 mission, scheduled for January 29 at 6:23 am from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. This mission will deploy the NVS-02 satellite, further enhancing India’s Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC) system.
Marking the 17th flight of the GSLV, this mission includes the 11th use of an indigenous cryogenic stage and the eighth operational flight featuring fully indigenous technology. The rocket will launch from the Second Launch Pad (SLP) using a 3.4-meter metallic payload fairing. Its key goal is to place the NVS-02 satellite into a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO).
NavIC, India’s regional navigation satellite system, provides accurate Position, Velocity, and Timing (PVT) services, covering the country and extending 1,500 km beyond its borders. The system offers two service types: Standard Positioning Service (SPS) with accuracy better than 20 meters and Restricted Service (RS) for specialized applications.
The NVS-02 satellite is a second-generation NavIC satellite based on the I-2K bus platform, with a lift-off mass of 2,250 kg and power handling of 3 kW. It carries navigation payloads in L1, L5, and S bands, along with a C-band ranging payload. Positioned at 111.75°E, it replaces the IRNSS-1E satellite. Designed at the UR Satellite Centre (URSC), it includes indigenous and procured atomic clocks to ensure precise time estimation.
Having undergone rigorous thermovac and dynamic testing, the NVS-02 continues ISRO’s strides in space innovation. Following the May 2023 launch of NVS-01, the first second-generation satellite, this mission underscores India’s commitment to advancing indigenous technology and strengthening its navigation capabilities. The GSLV-F15 launch is a testament to ISRO’s technological prowess and dedication to self-reliance in space exploration.
