Celebrating ISRO’s success, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari called the achievement “a giant leap for India in space exploration”.
Sriharikota: ISRO celebrated a major milestone on Wednesday with the successful launch of its 100th mission, with the textbook launch of a navigation satellite designed for terrestrial, aerial, and maritime navigation, as well as precision agriculture. The GSLV rocket delivered the payload into the desired orbit, marking a strong start to the agency’s 2025 space missions. This was the first launch under ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan, who took office on January 16. Following the successful mission, an elated Narayanan was warmly congratulated by fellow scientists.
“I am extremely happy to announce from the spaceport of ISRO that the first launch of this year, 2025, has been successfully accomplished, with GSLV-F15 launch vehicle precisely injecting the navigation satellite NVS-02 in the intended required (GTO) orbit,” he declared from the Mission Control Center. “This mission is the 100th launch from our launchpads, which is a very significant milestone for India,” he added.
When the 27.30-hour countdown ended, the 50.9 metre tall GSLV rocket, equipped with an indigenous cryogenic upper stage, lifted off from the second launch pad at 6:23 am on Wednesday. Thick fumes trailed behind as it lifted off into the dark, cloudy sky. After 19 minutes, the rocket successfully released its payload into the Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO).
Key features of NVS-02 satellite
The NVS-02 satellite, part of the Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC) series aims to provide accurate positioning, velocity, and timing services across India and regions up to 1,500 km beyond its borders. It will support various applications, including fleet management, location-based services, orbit determination for satellites, IoT applications, and emergency communication. NavIC’s second-generation system consists of five satellites (NVS-01 to NVS-05) designed to enhance India’s navigation capabilities. The NVS-02 satellite, developed by Bengaluru-based U R Rao Satellite Centre, weighs approximately 2,250 kg. It carries navigation payloads in L1, L5, and S bands and employs a Tri-band antenna.
Union Minister Jitendra Singh and Nitin Gadkari congratulates ISRO
Congratulating ISRO for its historic feat Union Union Minister Jitendra Singh in a post on X (formerly Twitter) said, “Congratulations ISRO for achieving the landmark milestone of 100thLaunch from #Sriharikota. It’s a privilege to be associated with the Department of Space at the historic moment of this record feat.”
#100thLaunch:
Congratulations @isro for achieving the landmark milestone of #100thLaunch from #Sriharikota.
It’s a privilege to be associated with the Department of Space at the historic moment of this record feat.
Team #ISRO, you have once again made India proud with… pic.twitter.com/lZp1eV4mmL— Dr Jitendra Singh (@DrJitendraSingh) January 29, 2025
Celebrating ISRO’s success, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari called the achievement “a giant leap for India in space exploration”. “India marks a historic milestone as GSLV-F15 successfully lifts off, carrying the NVS-02 navigation satellite into a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit. This #100thlaunch from Sriharikota, the 17th flight of GSLV, and the 11th with an Indigenous Cryogenic Stage, strengthens India’s NavIC navigation system, showcasing ISRO’s legacy of innovation and excellence in space technology.” he added in his post on X (formerly Twitter).
🚀 Celebrating @ISRO‘s 100th Launch from Sriharikota: A Giant Leap for India in Space Exploration🌌
🇮🇳 marks a historic milestone as GSLV-F15 successfully lifts off, carrying the NVS-02 navigation satellite into a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit. This #100thlaunch from… pic.twitter.com/lL1YtFJ3Jj
— Nitin Gadkari (@nitin_gadkari) January 29, 2025
(with inputs from agencies)
