The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), a pioneer in space exploration and technological advancements, is set to embark on its historic 100th mission on January 29, 2025. This momentous occasion will see the launch of the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV-F15) carrying the NVS-02 satellite from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. At dawn on January 29, 2025, the serene coastal town of Sriharikota will once again be the epicentre of a fiery spectacle.
At precisely 6:23 AM on January 29, 2025, a plume of fire and ambition will lift off from the second launch pad in the coastal town. The GSLV-F15, standing tall at 50.9 metres, represents 60 years of India’s growing mastery of space technology. It will carry the NVS-02 satellite, part of India’s homegrown NavIC navigation system, into orbit.
A Milestone for ISRO
This is ISRO’s 100th launch from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, a landmark achievement that highlights decades of successful space exploration. Each of these missions has contributed to India’s reputation as a reliable and cost-effective spacefaring nation, culminating in this historic century of launches.
It shows the progress of ISRO from carrying its equipment on bullock carts and bicycles, to the top-notch state-of-the-art technologies under utilisation and on display.
The mission also features the 11th use of an indigenous cryogenic stage, a complex technology mastered by very few countries. The ability to independently design and deploy such technology signifies ISRO’s capability to execute sophisticated satellite launches with precision.
The GSLV-F15 mission reinforces India’s standing in the global space community. By consistently launching successful missions and delivering cutting-edge payloads, ISRO continues to compete with leading space agencies, showcasing its capability to take on ambitious challenges.
The 27-Hour Countdown to Glory
The launch preparations have been meticulously planned, with the 27-hour countdown already underway. Engineers and scientists at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre are working tirelessly to ensure the success of this landmark mission. Scheduled to lift off at 6:23 AM IST, the rocket will embark on a 19-minute journey to place the 2,250-kilogram NVS-02 satellite into a Geostationary Transfer Orbit (GTO). This orbit, with an altitude range of 170 to 36,577 kilometres, is a critical step for positioning satellites in their designated geostationary orbits.
NVS-02: A Jewel in the NavIC Crown
The NVS-02 satellite is part of the NavIC program, India’s indigenous regional navigation satellite system. NavIC, an acronym for Navigation with Indian Constellation, is designed to provide reliable and accurate navigation services to users across India and neighbouring regions. It offers Standard Positioning Service (SPS), that is accessible to civilian users. SPS provides a position accuracy of better than 20 metres and a timing accuracy of better than 40 nanoseconds within its coverage area. It also features Restricted Service (RS) – a secure service meant for authorised users, including military applications.
The second-generation NavIC satellites, including NVS-02, incorporate advanced features such as L1 band signals to expand service capabilities. The NVS-02 satellite also has become a flagbearer of the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative carrying an indigenous atomic clock for precise time estimation, a critical requirement for navigation and timing applications.
India’s Strategic Autonomy
With the addition of NVS-02 to the NavIC constellation, India is fortifying its ability to chart its own course in critical domains. This satellite isn’t just a technical milestone; it’s a tool that reinforces self-reliance across sectors that shape everyday life.
In agriculture, precision navigation allows farmers to monitor fields in real time, optimise water usage, and increase productivity with data-driven decision-making. Transport systems benefit from streamlined logistics, improved route planning, and enhanced safety, whether on highways, shipping lanes, or airways.
During emergencies, NVS-02 ensures that India’s disaster response teams operate with pinpoint accuracy, whether coordinating rescue efforts or delivering essential supplies. Its reach extends beyond borders, offering critical positioning data to regions up to 1,500 kilometres from the mainland.
By deploying NVS-02, India gains more than just a navigation satellite; it gains independence in sectors that demand precision and reliability. This launch marks a tangible step towards a future where essential systems are guided by indigenous technology.
A Legacy of Excellence: GSLV and Beyond
The GSLV-F15 mission builds upon the legacy of its predecessor, the GSLV-F12, which successfully launched the NVS-01 satellite on May 29, 2023. As the 11th GSLV mission equipped with an indigenous cryogenic stage, GSLV-F15 shows ISRO’s consistent progress in mastering complex technologies.
The Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle programme has been instrumental in advancing India’s space capabilities. With each mission, ISRO has refined its technology, achieving higher payload capacities and greater orbital precision. The GSLV series is a testament to India’s commitment to developing indigenous solutions for space exploration.
From the Drawing Board to the Skies
The NVS-02 satellite is a product of collaboration and innovation, designed and developed at the U.R. Rao Satellite Centre (URSC) in Bengaluru. Weighing approximately 2,250 kilograms, the satellite is configured on ISRO’s standard I-2K bus platform, with a power handling capacity of around 3 kW.
The satellite’s navigation payload operates in the L1, L5, and S bands, while its ranging payload utilises the C band. These capabilities ensure robust and reliable navigation services, even in challenging environmental conditions.
Broadening Horizons with NavIC
The NavIC system currently consists of seven satellites in orbit, providing comprehensive coverage over India and its neighbouring regions. The addition of second-generation satellites like NVS-02 enhances the system’s accuracy, reliability, and resilience.
By incorporating L1 band signals and indigenous atomic clocks, the NVS series represents a significant upgrade over the first-generation satellites. These advancements are crucial for meeting the growing demand for precise navigation services in a wide range of applications, from IoT-based solutions to defence operations.
ISRO’s Vision for the Future
A rocket launch is usually seen as a technical achievement, a moment of precision and power. But ISRO’s 100th mission, carrying the NVS-02 satellite aboard the GSLV-F15, is a marker of intent, a declaration that India is designing its own future in space.
Each piece of this mission tells a story. The cryogenic engine speaks of years spent mastering one of the most complex aspects of propulsion. The NVS-02 satellite whispers of a future where navigation is independent, precise, and deeply Indian. And the timing, this launch, the 100th from Sriharikota, echoes with the steady drumbeat of India’s coming on the world stage.
What’s remarkable is how this mission isn’t confined to the stars. Its benefits are rooted firmly on the ground: smarter farming, safer transport, better disaster response, and enhanced national security.
ISRO’s 100th Launch: Where to Watch, How to Watch Time, Date, and Venue
For those eager to witness this historic event, ISRO will broadcast the launch live, providing a front-row seat to a milestone that exemplifies India’s scientific and technological achievements. Enthusiasts and experts alike can tune in to watch the GSLV-F15 soar into the skies, carrying with it the hopes and aspirations of a nation.
Live Telecast: You can tune in to ISRO’s Official YouTube Channel for a Live Telecast of the history in the making.
Date & Time: January 29, 2025
The time of launch is 6.23 A.M. IST (GMT 12.53 A.M.); The live telecast will begin at 5.50 A.M. IST (GMT 12.20 A.M.)
Venue: Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh
A Leap Towards Space Sovereignty
The launch of GSLV-F15 with the NVS-02 satellite marks a defining moment in India’s journey towards space sovereignty. As the 100th mission from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, it is a demonstration of ISRO’s passion for innovation, excellence, and national pride.
This mission is a symbol of India’s growing capabilities and aspirations in the realm of space exploration. From enhancing regional navigation services to reducing dependency on foreign systems, the GSLV-F15 mission is a bold step forward in achieving self-reliance and global leadership.
ISRO’s 100th launch is a milestone etched not in stone, but in the sky, with a trajectory that signals how far India has come and where it’s headed. And ironically, this milestone in the sky is going to bring hope and progress, much closer to home, i.e., on ground.
