Sriharikota, Jan 24 (UNI) The GSLV-F15 mission, marking a significant milestone in India's space exploration, is set to place the NVS-02 satellite into a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO).
The launch, which will take place from the Second Launch Pad (SLP) at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) SHAR, will be the 17th flight of India’s Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) and the 11th with an Indigenous Cryogenic Stage.
The GSLV-F15 is also notable for being the 8th operational flight to feature the indigenous cryogenic stage and will celebrate the 100th launch from India's renowned spaceport in Sriharikota. This landmark achievement further underscores India’s growing capabilities in space technology.
The payload fairing for this mission is a metallic version with a diameter of 3.4 meters, designed to protect the NVS-02 satellite during its launch and ascent into space.
At the heart of the mission is the NVS-02 satellite, which will be deployed into orbit to enhance India’s Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC) system. NavIC is India's autonomous regional navigation satellite system designed to offer precise Position, Velocity, and Timing (PVT) services. It provides services not only to users within India but also to a region extending about 1500 km beyond the Indian landmass.
NavIC offers two distinct services: the Standard Positioning Service (SPS) and the Restricted Service (RS). The SPS is capable of providing position accuracy better than 20 meters (2σ) and timing accuracy better than 40 nanoseconds (2σ) across its service area.
The NVS-02 is part of a new generation of NavIC satellites, joining the ranks of the NVS-01 launched in May 2023. NVS-02, with a lift-off mass of 2250 kg and a power handling capacity of approximately 3 kW, is designed with an advanced navigation payload covering L1, L5, and S bands. Additionally, it is equipped with a ranging payload in C-band, similar to its predecessor, NVS-01. This satellite will replace IRNSS-1E at the 111.75ºE position, significantly enhancing the accuracy and reliability of the NavIC system.
The NVS series is set to provide enhanced features through its second-generation satellites, which incorporate L1 band signals, expanding the reach of NavIC services. The successful launch and integration of these satellites will ensure the continuity and future robustness of the NavIC network.
The NVS-02 satellite, developed and integrated at the U R Satellite Centre (URSC), has undergone extensive testing, including thermovac and dynamic tests to ensure its readiness for launch. It was flagged off to SDSC-SHAR on January 5, 2025, and is currently undergoing pre-launch campaign activities. The satellite is slated for launch in January 2025, marking another significant step in India’s ambitious space programme.
The successful placement of NVS-02 into orbit will further bolster India's navigation capabilities, contributing to its growing space-based infrastructure and technological prowess.
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