GSLV-F15 Launches NVS-02 Satellite: Milestone Achievement for India’s Space Program

Deccan Freedom News

India’s Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV-F15) achieved a significant milestone with its 17th flight and 100th launch from the Sriharikota Spaceport. This mission marked the 8th operational flight of GSLV with an indigenous cryogenic stage and the 11th flight overall using the indigenous cryogenic technology.

The GSLV-F15 launched the NVS-02 satellite into Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) from the Second Launch Pad (SLP) at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre. The payload fairing of the GSLV-F15 was a 3.4-meter metallic version, ensuring the safe deployment of the NVS-02 satellite.

NVS-02 is part of India’s ambitious Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC), an independent regional navigation satellite system designed to provide precise positioning, velocity, and timing services. It is capable of providing Standard Positioning Service (SPS) with a position accuracy of better than 20 meters and timing accuracy of better than 40 nanoseconds.

The NVS series, including the second-generation satellites like NVS-01 and NVS-02, aims to enhance the NavIC constellation with better features and continuity of services. NVS-02, with a lift-off mass of 2250 kg, was designed and developed at URSC, incorporating a mix of indigenous and procured atomic clocks for precise time estimation.

This successful launch of GSLV-F15 reinforces India’s leadership in space exploration and navigation services, expanding the reach and reliability of NavIC for users in India and beyond, extending approximately 1500 km beyond the Indian subcontinent.