The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched its 100th rocket from Sriharikota’s Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC), marking a historic milestone. On Wednesday, the navigation satellite NVS-02 was deployed atop the GSLV-F15 launch vehicle, marking a historic occasion.
The 17th mission of the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) blasted off from the second launch pad at 6:23 a.m. Nineteen minutes later, the domestic cryogenic-stage rocket delivered the 2,250 kg NVS-02 satellite to its planned Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO).
This is ISRO’s first mission of 2025, and the first under the leadership of new chairman Dr. V. Narayanan. Narayanan expressed his joy following the successful launch, describing it as a key milestone in India’s space adventure.
The NVS-02 satellite is part of the Navigation using Indian Constellations (NavIC) program. It will improve navigational capabilities by offering accurate location, velocity, and timing services. It also includes India’s second indigenous atomic clock, which is a significant step forward for the ‘Make in India’ effort.
Since 1979, ISRO has launched 99 rockets, with PSLV leading the way. Future plans include extending SDSC and launching small satellites from the Kulasekarapattinam spaceport. ISRO’s continuing breakthroughs increase India’s influence in global space exploration.
