SRIHARIKOTA: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) achieved another landmark milestone with the successful launch of its GSLV-F18 mission. Carrying the second-generation navigation satellite NVS-03, the GSLV rocket lifted off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota at 11:51 PM on the 30th. Designed to strengthen India’s indigenous navigation satellite system ‘NavIC’—which offers an independent alternative to foreign Global Positioning Systems (GPS)—the launch was executed seamlessly using the GSLV-F18 launch vehicle. This marked the 20th flight mission for ISRO’s dependable GSLV rocket.
Weighing 2,232 kg, the NVS-03 satellite has an operational mission life of 12 years. The performance of India’s regional navigation constellation was previously constrained due to the aging and non-operational status of earlier satellites in the NavIC series. A minimum of four operational satellites in orbit is mandatory to deliver accurate real-time positioning services. Under this 19-minute mission, the GSLV rocket injected the satellite into a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO), from where NVS-03 will maneuver into its final geostationary orbit using its onboard propulsion systems. Positioned as the third satellite in the second-generation navigation series, NVS-03 plays a crucial role in revitalizing India’s sovereign satellite navigation capabilities.
For more details: Navamalayalam.com