GSLV-F15 NV-S02 Mission

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is gearing up for the 100th launch from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, which is scheduled to take place on January 29, 2025 with the launch of the GSLV-F15 NVS-02 mission.

Details about the Launch

• Date
  • The launch date has been set on 29th of January at Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh
• Vehicle
  • It will utilize a GSLV F15 and is well provided with an indigeneous cryogenic stage for the same mission.
• Objective
  • To place the NVS02 satellite into a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO).

Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO)

A GTO is an elliptical orbit through which the satellite passes from geosynchronous transfer orbit into the geosynchronous orbit.

• How it Works?
  • Satellites are placed in GTO for intermediary purposes towards the GSO. The GTO orbit has both apogee, which is a point distant from Earth and a perigee as the nearest to Earth.
  • At apogee, the satellite will rotate parallel to Earth’s equator and will fire its rocket engine to reach a circular orbit.
• Why it is Used?
  • The manufacturers of launch vehicles tend to boast of how much payload they can put into a GTO.
  • Satellites in geosynchronous orbits are helpful in communications as they can cover large portions of Earth.
• Related Missions
  • GTOSat: A mission that investigates acceleration and loss mechanisms of relativistic electrons in the Earth’s outer radiation belts.

About the NVS02 Satellite

• Purpose
  • NVS02 is part of the Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC) system.
• Series
  • This satellite is the second in the NVS series designed to enhance India;s regional navigation capabilities.
• Improve Features
  • It is one of the five follow on second generation NavIC satellites NVS01 to NVS05 dedicated toward improving and ensuring continuity of navigation services

NavIC Indias Regional Navigation Satellite System

• Service
  • Provides accurate Position Velocity and Timing (PVT) services.
• Covers
  • India and an area of about 1500 km beyond the Indian landmass.
• Services
  • Standard Positioning Service (SPS)
    • Provides position accuracy better than 20 meters and timing accuracy better than 40 nanoseconds.
  • Restricted Service (RS)
    • More security and encryption is provided along with the navigation service to the authorized users.

Importance of the Mission

• Milestone
  • It marks ISROs 100th launch from the Sriharikota spaceport that reflects decades of achievements in space travel.
• Strategic Advantage
  • The NavIC system will further the self reliance of India in navigation technology not relying on other foreign systems such as GPS.
• Continuity of Service
  • It enhances the NavIC constellation to provide uninterrupted navigation services to users in India and the neighboring regions.

Proba-3 Mission