On January 29, 2025, at 6:23 AM IST, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched its 100th mission from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. The Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV-F15) carried the NVS-02 navigation satellite into a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO), marking a major milestone in India’s space journey and technological advancements. This achievement highlights the ISRO’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of space exploration.
The Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC) system in India has benefited greatly from the addition of the NVS-02 satellite. Designed to provide precise position, velocity, and timing information, NavIC enhances India’s self-reliant navigation capabilities, covering the country and regions extending up to 1,500 kilometres beyond its borders. This improvement is expected to benefit various sectors, including transportation, agriculture, disaster management, and defence.
The successful deployment of NVS-02 strengthens India’s ability to provide indigenous satellite-based navigation services, reducing dependence on foreign systems like GPS. This mission also reflects ISRO’s commitment to expanding the nation’s space infrastructure. Over the past decade, ISRO has rapidly grown its feathers in the unexplored universe, with significant investments in new facilities. A third launch pad is also under development in Sriharikota, and another launch site is being established in Tamil Nadu’s Tuticorin district to support an increasing number of missions.
With its 100th successful space mission, ISRO continues to demonstrate its growing expertise in space technology. India has already achieved several significant milestones in recent years, including the Chandrayaan-3 moon landing and the Aditya-L1 solar mission. The agency has ambitious plans, with 30 more missions expected by March 2025, including human spaceflight under the Gaganyaan project.
This landmark launch reaffirms India’s position as a major player in the global space industry. ISRO’s continued advancements in satellite technology and launch capabilities contribute to scientific progress and technological innovation. With its ambitious roadmap, ISRO is set to make even greater strides in space exploration, positioning India as a leading force in the field. It is not just a numerical milestone but is a reinforcement of India’s vision of self-reliance, innovation, and leadership in space science and technology to support the aspirations of establishing a robust and self-reliant space infrastructure.