ISRO’s 100th Mission: Advancing India’s Regional Navigation with NVS-02 Satellite

India’s space exploration milestones continue to grow as the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) recently completed its 100th launch with the successful deployment of the NVS-02 navigation satellite. This event marks a significant achievement in ISRO’s journey, showcasing its technological advancements and the expansion of its space capabilities. 

 ISRO’s reaction for this incredible Journey!

You are watching: ISRO’s 100th Mission: Advancing India’s Regional Navigation with NVS-02 Satellite

🌟 T-1 Day to launch! Witness the incredible journey of GSLV-F15/NVS-02 live!

📺 YouTube Link: https://t.co/SXo6F2PAHU (from 05:50 hours)🗓️ Date: 29th January 2025 | Time: 6:23 Hours (IST)

Join us as we push the boundaries of space applications! 🚀

More information at:… pic.twitter.com/jnSzJ27pFo

— ISRO (@isro) January 28, 2025

ISRO’s 100th Mission Launch

• Launch Date & Time: January 29, 2025
• Launch Vehicle: GSLV-F15
• Launch Location: Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC), Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh
• Significance: This launch marks the 100th mission from the Sriharikota launch site, a significant milestone for the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

Source: ISRO

On the launch of ISRO’s 100th Mission, Dr. Jitendra Singh, Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Science and Technology says on X.com

 #ISRO https://t.co/vQkPRA2YMI

— Dr Jitendra Singh (@DrJitendraSingh) January 29, 2025

ISRO’s Journey

• The journey began with the launch of the first mission, Satellite Launch Vehicle-3 (SLV-3 E10), on August 10, 1979.
• ISRO has achieved numerous milestones in space exploration, including launching satellites for communication, navigation, remote sensing, and scientific research.

Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC)

• SDSC, the primary launch site for ISRO, has played a crucial role in India’s space program
• The center has witnessed the launch of various rockets, including the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV), and Sounding Rockets.

Source: ISRO

GSLV-F15

• The GSLV-F15, used for this mission, is a three-stage launch vehicle with solid, liquid, and cryogenic stages.
• It is capable of launching satellites into geosynchronous transfer orbit (GTO).

Future Endeavors

• With 100 successful missions from Sriharikota, ISRO continues to pursue ambitious space projects, including:

• Gaganyaan human spaceflight program

• Chandrayaan-3 lunar mission

• These missions aim to further India’s capabilities in space exploration and technology.

Historical Context of ISRO’s Launches:

ISRO’s journey from its inaugural mission to the 100th launch reflects its evolution and expanding capabilities. 

Here’s a breakdown of the mission types and their key achievements:

Mission Type	Launch Vehicle	Number of Missions	Key Achievements
Satellite Launch Vehicle (SLV)	SLV-3	3	First successful satellite launch (RS-1)
Augmented Satellite Launch Vehicle (ASLV)	ASLV	4	See more : Optical Illusion Brain Challenge: If you have Sharp Eyes Find the Word Better among Butter in 20 Secs Early missions to place satellites in low Earth orbit
Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV)	PSLV	62	Key missions like Chandrayaan-1 and Mars Orbiter Mission
Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV)	GSLV	16	Launch of GSAT satellites for communication
Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LMV3)	LMV3	7	Chandrayaan-2 and Gaganyaan program
Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV)	SSLV	3	Compact satellite missions
Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV)	RLV	1	Development of reusable technology
Pad Abort Test (PAT)	PAT	1	Part of Gaganyaan program

Why Sriharikota? The Ideal Launch Location of 100th Mission of ISRO

The selection of Sriharikota as the launch site for India’s space endeavors is a decision rooted in strategic thinking and scientific reasoning, offering a multitude of advantages that contribute to the efficiency, safety, and success of space launches:

1. Nestled on the eastern coast of India, Sriharikota’s geographical location provides a significant advantage for launching rockets into eastward orbits. 
2. This is due to the Earth’s rotation, which imparts an eastward velocity to the launch vehicle, effectively reducing the amount of fuel required to achieve orbital velocity.

1. The vast expanse of uninhabited land and sea surrounding Sriharikota creates a substantial safety zone, crucial for mitigating risks associated with rocket launches. 
2. This isolation minimizes potential damage to life and property in the unlikely event of a launch failure.

1. Sriharikota’s proximity to the equator offers a distinct advantage in terms of launch efficiency. 
2. The Earth’s rotational velocity is highest at the equator, and launching from a location close to the equator allows rockets to harness this velocity, thereby reducing the energy and fuel required to reach orbit. 
3. This translates to significant cost savings and enhanced payload capacity.

Atmospheric Conditions: 

1. The atmospheric conditions at Sriharikota are generally favorable for rocket launches, with relatively low wind speeds and clear skies for most of the year.
2. This minimizes the chances of launch delays due to adverse weather conditions.

Infrastructure and Expertise: 

1. Over the years, Sriharikota has developed a robust infrastructure to support space launch activities, including launch pads, control centers, and tracking facilities. 
2. Additionally, the presence of skilled scientists, engineers, and technicians ensures the smooth execution of launch operations.

Accessibility: 

1. Sriharikota is well-connected by road and rail networks, facilitating the transportation of launch vehicles, payloads, and personnel to the launch site.
2. This accessibility streamlines logistical operations and reduces turnaround time between launches.

The combination of these factors makes Sriharikota an ideal location for launching rockets and spacecraft, contributing significantly to India’s growing prominence in the global space arena.

Notable ISRO’s landmark Missions

ISRO’s remarkable journey includes several landmark missions:

• Chandrayaan-1 (2008): India’s first lunar mission, launched via PSLV-C11.
• Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan) (2013): India’s first interplanetary mission, launched via PSLV-C25.
• Chandrayaan-2 (2019): India’s second lunar mission, launched via GSLV Mk III.
• Chandrayaan-3 (2023): India’s successful landing on the Moon’s South Pole via LVM3-M4.

Record-Breaking Missions:

• PSLV-C37 (2017): Launched 104 satellites in a single mission, setting a world record at the time.

What are the Challenges Faced by ISRO during the Mission?

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While ISRO has enjoyed significant successes, its journey has also been marked by setbacks that highlight the inherent challenges of space exploration:

A. Technical Challenges:

• Launch Vehicle Failures:
• GSLV-F02/INSAT-4C (2006): This mission experienced a partial failure due to an underperformance of the cryogenic upper stage, resulting in the satellite being placed in a lower-than-intended orbit.
• GSLV-D3/GSAT-4 (2010): This mission failed due to a malfunction in the cryogenic upper stage, leading to the loss of the satellite.
• GSLV-F10/EOS-03 (2021): The launch failed due to a technical anomaly in the cryogenic stage, preventing the satellite from reaching orbit.
• Cryogenic Engine Development: Developing reliable cryogenic engines has been a major hurdle for ISRO, as evidenced by the failures mentioned above. Cryogenic engines are complex and require advanced technology, and ISRO has been working diligently to master their development.

B. Financial Constraints:

• Budget Limitations: Compared to space agencies in other developed nations, ISRO operates with a significantly smaller budget. This can limit the scope and scale of its missions, as well as its ability to invest in cutting-edge technology and infrastructure.

C. International Competition:

• Global Space Race: The space sector is becoming increasingly competitive, with both established and emerging space agencies vying for leadership. This can make it challenging for ISRO to secure international collaborations and commercial contracts.

D. Other Challenges:

• Brain Drain: The allure of better opportunities and higher salaries abroad can lead to the loss of talented scientists and engineers from ISRO.
• Regulatory Hurdles: Navigating complex regulatory frameworks and obtaining necessary approvals for space missions can be time-consuming and challenging.

Overcoming Challenges and Forging Ahead:

Despite these challenges, ISRO has consistently demonstrated resilience and innovation. It has learned from its failures, iteratively improved its technology, and achieved remarkable successes, including:

• Chandrayaan and Mangalyaan Missions: These missions showcased ISRO’s capabilities in lunar and interplanetary exploration, respectively.
• Record-Breaking Satellite Launches: ISRO has set new records for launching multiple satellites in a single mission, demonstrating its efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
• Indigenous Technology Development: ISRO has made significant strides in developing indigenous technology, reducing its dependence on foreign suppliers and enhancing its self-reliance.

ISRO’s journey is a testament to the spirit of human endeavor and the pursuit of scientific excellence. It continues to push the boundaries of space exploration, inspiring a nation and contributing to the advancement of humanity.

NVS-02: Advancing India’s Navigation Capabilities

The NVS-02 satellite plays a crucial role in augmenting India’s regional navigation system, NavIC, which serves India and its surrounding region with precise Position, Velocity, and Timing (PVT) information.

Source: ISRO

Key Features of NVS-02:

• Launch Vehicle: GSLV-F15
• Launch Date: January 2025
• Positioning Accuracy: Better than 20 meters
• Timing Accuracy: Better than 40 nanoseconds
• Satellite Mass: 2250 kg
• Power Handling Capability: ~3 kW

Source: ISRO

Features of NVS-02 in detail:

Feature	Details
Service Area	Extends 1500 km beyond India
Service Types	Standard Positioning Service (SPS), Restricted Service (RS)
Atomic Clocks	Indigenous and procured atomic clocks for precise time estimation
Bus Platform	I-2K bus platform, designed for robust performance
Frequency Bands	L1, L5, S bands, and C-band for accurate positioning

Development Process:

• Design & Development: Created at U R Satellite Centre (URSC) with contributions from other ISRO centers.
• Testing Phases: Includes dynamic testing and thermovac tests to simulate space conditions.
• Launch Preparation: Pre-launch activities commenced in January 2025 at SDSC-SHAR.

How can NVS-02 play an important role in India’s Regional Navigational Satellites? 

The NVS-02 navigation satellite is a crucial addition to India’s Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC) system, which provides independent and reliable positioning services across the country and its surroundings. This advancement strengthens India’s autonomy in satellite-based navigation, reducing dependency on foreign GPS systems.

Important role of NVS-02 in India’s Regional Navigational Satellites:

• Improved Navigation Accuracy:

• Provides high-precision positioning services across India and up to 1500 km beyond its borders.
• Enhances real-time tracking for sectors such as transportation, maritime, aviation, and agriculture.

• Strategic and Defense Applications:

• Strengthens India’s defense infrastructure by enabling secure communication and precision targeting.
• Reduces reliance on foreign navigation systems like the US GPS, improving national security.

• Disaster Management and Emergency Response:

• Aids in disaster forecasting and relief operations, particularly in cyclone tracking, earthquake monitoring, and flood management.
• Supports emergency responders with accurate location data during crises. 

• Support for Smart Cities and Infrastructure Development:

• Facilitates accurate geospatial mapping for urban planning, road networks, and construction projects.
• Enhances smart traffic management and logistics efficiency. 

• Boosting India’s Space and Technological Prowess:

• Strengthens ISRO’s capability in indigenous satellite technology and atomic clock development.
• Encourages collaborations with private and commercial sectors for advanced navigation-based services.

What are the future of NVS-02 and NavIC

With the launch of NVS-02, ISRO is working towards:

• Expanding NavIC’s coverage to support global applications in the future.
• Upgrading existing satellites with improved atomic clocks and longer lifespan.
• Encouraging domestic and global adoption of NavIC-based navigation in consumer devices, vehicles, and industries.

Conclusion

The 100th mission of ISRO, marked by the successful launch of NVS-02, signifies India’s technological growth, self-reliance in satellite navigation, and strategic advancements in space exploration. This mission not only enhances India’s capabilities in positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) services but also reinforces its global standing as a leading space-faring nation.

As ISRO continues its ambitious space programs, including Gaganyaan, Chandrayaan, and interplanetary explorations, the success of NVS-02 stands as another testament to India’s scientific innovation and engineering excellence.

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Source: https://dinhtienhoang.edu.vn
Category: Optical Illusion