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ISRO Creates History with 100th Launch from Sriharikota

Published on March 9, 2025
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2 Min read time

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The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has once again showcased its prowess in space exploration with the successful launch of the NVS-02 satellite. The historic event, which took place from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, marked ISRO’s 100th mission from this launch facility, cementing India’s status as a leading force in space technology and satellite navigation.

A Landmark Achievement

The launch of NVS-02 is a significant milestone, not only because of its contribution to India’s Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC) system but also because it symbolizes a century of successful launches from Sriharikota. This achievement highlights ISRO’s consistency in pushing the boundaries of space exploration and satellite technology.

NVS-02 was carried into space aboard the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV-F12). This second-generation satellite is set to enhance the NavIC system, which provides accurate position information services to users across India and surrounding regions. The mission’s success is expected to significantly improve India’s navigation capabilities, benefiting multiple sectors, including transportation, military operations, disaster management, and precision agriculture.

Advancing India’s Navigation System

NVS-02 is part of ISRO’s efforts to upgrade the NavIC system, which currently comprises a constellation of satellites that provide positioning services similar to GPS but with enhanced regional accuracy. Unlike GPS, which is controlled by the United States, NavIC is an indigenous system designed to meet India’s strategic and commercial navigation needs.

One of the key advancements in NVS-02 is its extended lifespan, ensuring long-term operational efficiency. The satellite also features an indigenous atomic clock, a crucial component that enhances timing accuracy for navigation and communication applications. Additionally, it introduces a new civilian frequency band, L1, which will improve accessibility for low-power devices such as smartphones, making NavIC more user-friendly for the general public.

The Road to 100 Launches

Sriharikota has been the launchpad for some of India’s most iconic space missions, from the Chandrayaan and Mangalyaan projects to multiple communication and remote sensing satellites. The completion of 100 successful launches from this site is a testament to ISRO’s commitment to research, innovation, and excellence in space exploration.

Each mission launched from Sriharikota has played a crucial role in India’s growing influence in the global space sector. This latest achievement places ISRO among the top space agencies worldwide, demonstrating its ability to carry out complex missions with high precision and reliability.

Impact and Future Prospects

The successful deployment of NVS-02 paves the way for future advancements in India’s satellite navigation infrastructure. ISRO has already announced plans to launch additional second-generation NavIC satellites, further strengthening the system’s accuracy and dependability. These enhancements will significantly benefit India’s strategic operations, including defense, aviation, maritime navigation, and scientific research.

Furthermore, ISRO’s success with the 100th launch reinforces India’s credibility as a spacefaring nation. It opens new doors for international collaborations, commercial satellite launches, and deep-space exploration projects.

Conclusion

The launch of NVS-02 is not just another successful mission for ISRO; it is a landmark moment in India’s space journey. As the organization continues to innovate and expand its technological horizons, it remains at the forefront of global space exploration. This historic 100th launch from Sriharikota is a reflection of India’s ambition, scientific excellence, and commitment to self-reliance in space technology. With more missions in the pipeline, ISRO’s journey to the stars is far from over—it’s only just beginning.

Authored by, Amay Mathur | Senior Editor

Amay Mathur is a business news reporter at Chegg.com. He previously worked for PCMag, Business Insider, The Messenger, and ZDNET as a reporter and copyeditor. His areas of coverage encompass tech, business, strategy, finance, and even space. He is a Columbia University graduate.

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