ISRO achieved a significant milestone with the successful launch of the GSLV-F15 rocket carrying the NVS-02 satellite at 6:23 AM from Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. This historic event marks ISRO’s 100th rocket mission, underscoring its legacy of innovation and excellence in space exploration. Adding to the significance, this launch is also the first under the leadership of Chairman V. Narayanan, who recently assumed office. As ISRO’s inaugural mission of the year, it sets the stage for another chapter of groundbreaking advancements in India’s space endeavors.
The satellite was accurately placed into the designated Geostationary Transfer Orbit (GTO), marking a momentous achievement. “This mission represents the 100th successful launch, a remarkable milestone in our journey,” stated Mr. Narayanan in his post-launch address, highlighting the precision and significance of this accomplishment.
“The mission has received confirmation: all vehicle systems are functioning optimally, and the data is now in.”
On August 10, 1979, the Satellite Launch Vehicle (SLV) made history as the first major rocket to soar from Sriharikota, marking a significant milestone for India’s space program. Fast forward nearly 46 years, and the Department of Space has achieved an impressive century of rocket launches. Throughout this journey, all major launches at Sriharikota have been carried out by the Indian government, cementing the country’s position as a growing powerhouse in the global space race.
On Tuesday, S. Unnikrishnan Nair, the Director of the prestigious Vikram Sarabhai Space Center in Thiruvananthapuram, confidently affirmed that the upcoming rocket launch is just as strong and reliable as its predecessors. He emphasized that each launch is meticulously engineered for maximum robustness, with the team applying their expertise to ensure the highest likelihood of success. Nair’s statement reflects the unwavering commitment and diligence of India’s premier space research facility in pushing the boundaries of space exploration.
Often referred to as the “naughty boy” of ISRO, this rocket has certainly earned its reputation for causing the space agency its fair share of challenges. With a history of 16 launches, 6 of which ended in failure, it has accumulated a notable 37% failure rate, making it one of the less reliable members of ISRO’s rocket fleet. In stark contrast, India’s newest powerhouse, the GSLV Mk III (commonly known as the “Bahubali” rocket), has achieved a flawless track record, boasting a 100% success rate.
India has once again proven its remarkable expertise in advanced technology with a rocket from the same family, showcasing its mastery in crafting cryogenic engines. This achievement comes after two decades of relentless effort, a period marked by India’s determination to overcome the challenges posed when Russia, under pressure from the USA, denied the transfer of this crucial technology.
India’s Space Research Organization (ISRO) has marked a significant milestone with the successful launch of GSLV-F15, which is the 17th flight of the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) and the 11th to feature an indigenous cryogenic stage. Notably, it also stands as the 8th operational mission utilizing this homegrown cryogenic technology and celebrates the 100th launch from the renowned Sriharikota Spaceport. The payload fairing of GSLV-F15 is crafted from durable metal and boasts a diameter of 3.4 meters, highlighting ISRO’s commitment to advancing its space capabilities with cutting-edge technology.
The GSLV-F15 rocket, equipped with an indigenous Cryogenic stage, is set to launch the NVS-02 satellite into a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit. This milestone mission will take place at the Second Launch Pad (SLP) of the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, marking a significant achievement in India’s space exploration efforts.
India’s homegrown satellite system, Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC), offers precise Position, Velocity, and Timing (PVT) services. This advanced regional navigation network not only serves users across India but also extends its coverage up to 1500 kilometers beyond the country’s borders, ensuring accurate navigation and timing for a wide geographical area.
NavIC offers two distinct services: the Standard Positioning Service (SPS) and the Restricted Service (RS). The SPS is designed to deliver exceptional positioning accuracy, offering precise location data within a 20-meter radius, while also ensuring time synchronization with an impressive accuracy of less than 40 nanoseconds across its coverage area.
NavIC, India’s homegrown navigation system, emerged as a direct response to the country’s bitter experience during the 1999 Kargil conflict with Pakistan. During this intense military standoff, India was denied access to precise Global Positioning System (GPS) data, highlighting a critical vulnerability. In the wake of this, Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee made a landmark pledge to create an indigenous alternative—an advanced, swadeshi navigation system designed to bolster India’s strategic autonomy.
With its landmark 100th launch, ISRO is poised to leave behind the early hurdles faced by its navigation satellites and rockets, aiming to mark this milestone with unparalleled success and flair.
