The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully launched its 100th satellite, GSLV-F15, carrying the NVS-02 satellite as part of India’s Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC) program. The launch took place at 6:23 AM from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. This mission marks ISRO’s first launch of the year and was led by the newly appointed Chairman V. Narayanan, making it his debut mission in office.
A Landmark Achievement in Space Technology
The successful launch of GSLV-F15 with NVS-02 highlights India’s advancements in rocket technology and space-based navigation. Following the launch, Chairman V. Narayanan expressed his satisfaction, stating:
“The satellite has been precisely injected into the required Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO). This mission marks the 100th launch, a significant milestone. All vehicle systems are functioning normally.”
Watch the Launch Video
The launch of GSLV-F15 carrying NVS-02 is a major step in India’s space exploration journey, which began with its first launch in 1979. Speaking about the mission, S. Unnikrishnan Nair, Director of the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, assured its robustness, stating:
“Like every mission, we have ensured the best possible precision and reliability. We are confident of its success.”
About GSLV-F15 and the NVS-02 Satellite
GSLV-F15 (Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle-F15) is the successor to GSLV-F12, which successfully deployed NVS-01 in 2023 as the first satellite in the second-generation NavIC series. The NVS-02 satellite, weighing nearly 2,000 kg, was placed into the Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit approximately 19 minutes after liftoff.
This mission reinforces ISRO’s commitment to enhancing India’s navigation and space capabilities, marking yet another milestone in its impressive space journey.