The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) achieved yet another milestone as its geosynchronous satellite launch vehicle (GSLV) rocket successfully carried the navigation satellite NVS-01 into orbit. This significant launch aims to ensure the continuity of Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC) services, similar to GPS, providing accurate and real-time navigation within India and a region extending to 1,500 km around the mainland.
The 51.7-meter-tall GSLV rocket lifted off from the second launch pad at Sriharikota, located approximately 130 kilometers from Chennai. Amid clear skies, the rocket took off precisely at 10:42 am, adhering to the scheduled timeline.
According to ISRO, the second-generation navigation satellite series holds immense importance in securing the continuity of NavIC services. NavIC, an Indian regional satellite navigation system, offers accurate positioning and real-time navigation services. The signals from NavIC are designed to provide user positions accurate to better than 20 meters and timing accuracy better than 50 nanoseconds.
Approximately 20 minutes after lift-off, the GSLV rocket is scheduled to place the 2,232 kg NVS-01 satellite in a geosynchronous transfer orbit (GTO) at an altitude of around 251 km. The satellite carries navigation payloads L1, L5, and S bands, along with an indigenously developed rubidium atomic clock, marking a significant achievement for ISRO.
Previously, ISRO scientists relied on imported atomic clocks, but the invention of an indigenous rubidium atomic clock allows the organisation to reach greater self-reliance in this critical technology.
ISRO created NavIC, formerly known as the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS), to meet the country’s positioning, navigation, and timing demands, catering to both civil aviation and military purposes. NavIC, which consists of a constellation of seven satellites and a network of ground stations that operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, provides two services: Standard Position Service (SPS) for civilian customers and Restricted Service for strategic users.
One notable aspect of NavIC is that its SPS signals are interoperable with signals from other global navigation satellite systems, such as GPS from the United States, Glonass from Russia, Galileo from the European Union, and BeiDou from China, enabling enhanced compatibility and functionality.
The successful mission marks the sixth operational flight of the GSLV with an indigenous cryogenic stage. ISRO expects the mission life of NVS-01 to exceed 12 years, reflecting the organisation’s commitment to providing long-term and reliable navigation services.