India’s space program achieved another remarkable milestone as the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched the NVS-02 navigation satellite aboard the GSLV-F15 rocket. The launch, which took place at 6:23 AM IST from Sriharikota, not only reinforced India’s indigenous Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC) system but also marked ISRO’s 100th mission—an extraordinary feat in the nation’s space journey. This mission also heralded the first under the leadership of ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan, who assumed office on January 16, 2025.
A Precision-Engineered Space Mission
The GSLV-F15, standing 50.9 meters tall and equipped with an advanced indigenous cryogenic upper stage, successfully completed its mission following a rigorous 27.30-hour countdown. The rocket precisely placed the 2,250 kg NVS-02 satellite into a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO), ensuring seamless integration into the NavIC constellation.
Developed at the U R Rao Satellite Centre in Bengaluru, NVS-02 is the second satellite in the next-generation NavIC series. Designed to enhance positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) services across India and 1,500 km beyond its borders, it follows the successful deployment of NVS-01 in May 2023. A standout feature of NVS-02 is its cutting-edge navigation payload, which operates in L1, L5, and S bands, alongside an indigenous Rubidium Atomic Frequency Standard—an essential component ensuring ultra-precise navigation accuracy.
Expanding India’s Navigation Capabilities
NavIC, India’s homegrown alternative to global positioning systems, is poised to transform multiple industries. According to ISRO, its applications span terrestrial, aerial, and maritime navigation, fleet management, satellite orbit determination, precision agriculture, Internet of Things (IoT) solutions, and emergency response services. The second-generation NavIC constellation will ultimately comprise five satellites (NVS-01 to NVS-05), significantly enhancing the system’s reliability and coverage.
Following the successful launch, ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan paid homage to the organization’s pioneers, including Vikram Sarabhai, S. Somanath, and A. S. Kiran Kumar. He also highlighted ISRO’s impressive record of launching 548 satellites, including 433 for international clients, with a cumulative payload surpassing 120 tonnes.
What’s Next for ISRO?
With NVS-02 successfully deployed, ISRO is now setting its sights on future high-profile missions. The NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) mission is progressing toward launch, while preparations for the Gaganyaan G1 mission—the first uncrewed flight under India’s human spaceflight program—are in full swing. Narayanan credited the Indian government’s space sector reforms, spearheaded by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, for accelerating ISRO’s long-term vision and fostering a thriving innovation ecosystem in space technology.
As India strengthens its position in the global space race, milestones like the NVS-02 launch underscore ISRO’s commitment to technological excellence and self-reliance in satellite navigation. With an ambitious roadmap ahead, the future of Indian space exploration has never looked more promising.
