Sriharikota: ISRO achieved another milestone as their GSLV rocket successfully launched the navigation satellite NVS-01 from Sriharikota on Monday. The primary objective of this launch is to enhance the continuity of the Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC) services. With a height of 51.7 meters, the majestic rocket took off flawlessly from the second launch pad at Sriharikota, located approximately 130 km from Chennai. The lift-off occurred precisely at 10.42 am amidst clear skies.
This launch holds great significance as it marks the deployment of the second-generation navigation satellite series, ensuring the uninterrupted provision of NavIC services. NavIC is India’s regional satellite navigation system, similar to GPS, offering precise and real-time navigation within the country and an extended region of 1,500 km around the mainland.
ISRO has designed NavIC to deliver user positions with accuracy better than 20 meters and timing precision better than 50 nanoseconds. These highly accurate signals play a vital role in various sectors, including transportation, disaster management, and telecommunications, among others.
Approximately 20 minutes after lift-off, the GSLV rocket is scheduled to place the 2,232 kg satellite into a geosynchronous transfer orbit (GTO) at an altitude of around 251 km. This GTO will facilitate the satellite’s subsequent maneuvers to reach its intended operational orbit.
The successful launch of NVS-01 signifies India’s commitment to advancing its space capabilities and further strengthening its position in the field of satellite navigation. ISRO’s continued efforts in this domain contribute to the country’s technological progress and its ability to provide reliable and precise navigation services to its citizens.
The launch of NVS-01 is yet another testament to ISRO’s prowess and dedication in pushing boundaries and achieving remarkable milestones in space exploration.