NEW DELHI: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is gearing up for its 100th launch from Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SHAR) in Sriharikota, with the GSLV-F15 mission set to put the indigenous navigation satellite NVS-02, part of the ‘Navigation with Indian Constellation’ (NavIC), into a geosynchronous transfer orbit in space.
NVS-02, the second satellite in the NVS series, is configured with navigation payload in L1, L5 and S bands, in addition to ranging payload in C-band like its predecessor NVS-01. It is configured on standard I-2K bus platform, with a lift-off mass of 2,250 kg and power-handling capability of 3 kW. It will be placed at 111.75ºE, replacing IRNSS-1E.
The NVS-02 uses a combination of indigenous and procured atomic clocks for precise time estimation. The NVS-01, the first of the second-generation navigation satellites, was launched onboard GSLV-F12 on May 29, 2023. For the first time, an indigenous atomic clock was flown into space aboard the NVS-01.
The NavIC is India’s independent regional navigation satellite system designed to provide accurate position, velocity and timing service to users in India as well as the region, extending about 1,500 km beyond the Indian landmass, which is its primary service area.
The NavIC is providing two types of services, Standard Positioning Service (SPS) and Restricted Service (RS), for strategic users.
Five second-generation NavIC satellites, NVS-01/02/03/04/05, are envisaged to augment NavIC base layer constellation with enhanced features for ensuring continuity of services. The NVS series of satellites incorporate L1 band signals additionally to widen the services.
NVS-02 was designed, developed and integrated at UR Satellite Centre in Bengaluru. The satellite was flagged off to SDSC-SHAR, on January 5. The satellite has reached the SHAR and the pre-launch campaign activities are in progress for a scheduled launch on January 29.
GSLV-F15 is the 17th flight of India’s Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) and 11th flight with indigenous cryo stage. It is the eighth operational flight of the GSLV with an indigenous cryogenic stage and 100th launch from the spaceport at Sriharikota.