ISRO Successfully Conducts 100th Launch with GSLV-F15 Mission
On January 29, 2025, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) achieved a significant milestone by successfully launching its 100th mission from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. The Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) Mk II, designated as GSLV-F15, lifted off at 00:53 IST, carrying the NVS-02 satellite into a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO).
The NVS-02 satellite, also known as IRNSS-1K, is part of the second generation of India’s Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC) system. Weighing approximately 2,250 kilograms, NVS-02 is designed to enhance the accuracy and coverage of India’s regional navigation services. Notably, this satellite features an indigenously developed atomic clock, a critical component for precise timekeeping essential to navigation systems.
The successful deployment of NVS-02 marks a significant advancement in India’s autonomous navigation capabilities, reducing reliance on global positioning systems operated by other nations. This achievement underscores ISRO’s commitment to advancing indigenous technology and contributing to national security and development.
ISRO Chairman Dr. S. Somanath congratulated the team for the flawless execution of the mission, highlighting the organization’s dedication to innovation and excellence in space exploration. He emphasized that this 100th launch is a testament to ISRO’s legacy of achievements and its ongoing pursuit of new frontiers in space technology.
The GSLV-F15 mission also showcased improvements in the launch vehicle’s design, including enhanced manufacturing processes, better insulation properties, and the use of lightweight materials. These advancements contribute to increased efficiency and reliability of ISRO’s launch vehicles.
As ISRO celebrates this historic milestone, it continues to prepare for future missions, including advancements in satellite communication, Earth observation, and interplanetary exploration. The organization’s ongoing efforts aim to further India’s position as a leading spacefaring nation.
