
CHENNAI: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has marked another significant chapter in its storied history with the successful launch of its 100th mission on Wednesday morning.
The NVS-02, part of the Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC) system, was precisely placed into the Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) by the GSLV-F15 rocket.
This mission not only signifies a numerical milestone but also the first launch under the leadership of the newly appointed ISRO Chairman, V Narayanan, who took office on January 16, 2025. Weighing approximately 2,250 kg, the satellite was designed to enhance India's navigation capabilities, supporting applications in terrestrial, aerial, and maritime navigation, precision agriculture, and more. This satellite joins its predecessor, NVS-01, launched in May 2023, in augmenting the NavIC constellation, which aims to provide accurate positioning, velocity, and timing services not just within India but extending 1,500 km beyond its borders.
The journey to ISRO's 100th mission began in 1979 with the SLV-3 E1/Rohini Technology Payload under the guidance of Prof Satish Dhawan and the late President APJ Abdul Kalam. From those early days, when rocket parts were transported on cycles and bullock carts, ISRO has evolved into a premier space agency, now capable of commercial launches for foreign clients and having successfully ventured to the Moon and Sun.
Over the years, ISRO has launched 548 satellites, including those for international customers, with a cumulative payload of 120 tonnes, of which 23 tonnes belong to 433 foreign satellites. This milestone launch reflects ISRO's growth and its strategic position in the global space sector.
Looking forward, ISRO is not resting on its laurels but pushing boundaries with the development of the Next Generation Launch Vehicle. The NGLV is envisioned as a game-changer with its massive scale and innovative technology. With a liftoff mass of 1,000 tonnes and a towering height of 91 meters, it dwarfs the current GSLV Mark III, which stands at 43 meters. The NGLV's diameter of 5 meters further distinguishes it from its predecessors, signaling a new era of heavy-lift capabilities for India.
"The propulsion system of the NGLV is advanced, utilising Liquid Oxygen and Methane for its first and second stages, while the upper stage will be powered by the C-32 cryogenic engine. This choice of propellants is not only environmentally friendly but also aligns with global trends towards sustainability in space exploration. Perhaps the most revolutionary aspect of the NGLV is its approach to reusability. Unlike all previous ISRO launch vehicles which were expendable, the NGLV's first stage is designed for recovery and reuse. This mirrors the reusability seen in SpaceX's operations but with a unique method of recovery through thrust reduction rather than traditional landing mechanisms," ISRO officials told TNIE.
Recent experiments at Mahendragiri have focused on engine restart and thrust control, essential for this reusability feature. These tests, conducted with the Vikas engine, are stepping stones towards implementing this technology on a larger scale with the NGLV.
Narayanan expressed optimism about ISRO's future, predicting that the agency could achieve another 100 launches within the next five years, showcasing a commitment to not just maintaining but accelerating India's space program. Additionally, ISRO's collaboration with NASA on the NISAR mission, which involves dual-band radar technology for detailed Earth observation, is slated for launch in the coming months, he said.