The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has kicked off the countdown for its monumental 100th mission, set to launch on January 29, 2025, from Sriharikota. This mission, significant both for ISRO and India, involves the launch of the NVS-02 navigation satellite, a vital addition to India’s Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC) system.
At 6:23 AM on the 29th, ISRO’s GSLV-F15 rocket will carry the NVS-02 satellite into space, marking the milestone under the leadership of ISRO Chairman, V. Narayanan, who assumed office on January 13, 2025. This launch is not only a technological achievement but also a testament to the space agency’s growth over the years.
The NVS-02 satellite weighs approximately 2,250 kg and will be the second in the NavIC series of second-generation satellites. The NavIC system provides precise positioning and timing services within India and surrounding regions, extending its reach to 1,500 kilometers beyond Indian borders. The successful deployment of NVS-02 will enhance the system’s accuracy and its capabilities, crucial for applications such as fleet management, agriculture, and disaster response.
The satellite launch is the 17th flight of ISRO’s Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) and is expected to build on the success of the previous NVS-01 satellite, which launched in May 2023. The NavIC series is essential for strengthening India’s self-reliance in satellite-based navigation and positioning, which has become critical for defense, transportation, and various civilian sectors.
This mission is a celebration of ISRO’s ongoing technological advancements. The 100th mission represents not just a numerical milestone, but the culmination of years of planning, research, and execution by hundreds of scientists, engineers, and technicians at ISRO. The countdown, lasting 27.5 hours, began on January 27, 2025, as the GSLV rocket was moved to the launch pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.
ISRO’s accomplishments extend beyond the upcoming launch, having made a mark in global space exploration. With notable missions like the Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan), the Chandrayaan lunar explorations, and the ongoing Gaganyaan human spaceflight program, ISRO continues to earn recognition for its affordable, reliable, and cutting-edge space missions.
As India gears up for this milestone event, the launch of the NVS-02 satellite will be yet another contribution to the nation’s growing space portfolio, enhancing its global presence and self-sufficiency in satellite technology.