ISRO’s 100th Launch

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is set to achieve milestone with its 100th launch scheduled for January 29, 2025. The GSLV-F15 NVS-02 mission will take off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. This mission represents important step in enhancing India’s capabilities in satellite navigation.

Overview of GSLV-F15 NVS-02 Mission

• The GSLV-F15 rocket will carry the NVS-02 satellite into a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit.
• This satellite is the second in the NVS series, which is part of India’s Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC) programme.
• NavIC is designed to provide accurate Position, Velocity, and Timing (PVT) services to users in India and surrounding regions.

Significance of NavIC

• NavIC is India’s independent regional navigation satellite system.
• Its primary service area extends approximately 1,500 km beyond Indian borders.
• NavIC offers two types of services – Standard Positioning Service (SPS) and Restricted Service (RS).
• SPS provides a positioning accuracy of better than 20 metres and timing accuracy of better than 40 nanoseconds.

NVS Satellite Series

The NVS series aims to enhance the existing NavIC constellation. Five second-generation satellites, NVS-01 through NVS-05, are planned to ensure service continuity. The first satellite, NVS-01, was launched on May 29, 2023, featuring an indigenous atomic clock.

Technical Specifications of NVS-02

• NVS-02 is equipped with navigation payloads operating in L1, L5, and S bands, along with a ranging payload in C-band.
• It is built on the standard I-2K bus platform, with a lift-off mass of 2,250 kg and a power handling capability of approximately 3 kW.
• The satellite will be positioned at 111.75ºE, replacing the existing IRNSS-1E satellite.

Development and Integration

NVS-02 was designed and developed at the U. R. Rao Satellite Centre (URSC) with contributions from various satellite-based work centres. The satellite uses a combination of indigenous and procured atomic clocks to ensure accurate time estimation.

Future Prospects

The successful launch of NVS-02 will further solidify India’s position in satellite navigation. The NVS series is expected to enhance the reliability and accuracy of NavIC services, catering to both civilian and strategic applications.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Critically analyse the role of NavIC in enhancing India’s strategic capabilities in satellite navigation.
2. What are the key features of the GSLV-F15 rocket? How does it contribute to India’s space missions?
3. Estimate the potential impact of indigenous atomic clocks on satellite navigation systems.
4. With suitable examples, discuss the significance of regional navigation satellite systems in global geopolitics.

Answer Hints:

1. Critically analyse the role of NavIC in enhancing India’s strategic capabilities in satellite navigation.

1. NavIC provides accurate Position, Velocity, and Timing (PVT) services, crucial for military operations and strategic planning.
2. It enhances India’s self-reliance in navigation, reducing dependence on foreign systems like GPS.
3. NavIC covers a region extending 1,500 km beyond India, aiding regional security and cooperation.
4. The system supports both civilian applications (transport, agriculture) and defense needs (missile guidance, reconnaissance).
5. NavIC’s two service types (SPS and RS) allow for versatile applications in various sectors, enhancing national security.

2. What are the key features of the GSLV-F15 rocket? How does it contribute to India’s space missions?

1. GSLV-F15 is equipped with an indigenous cryogenic stage, enhancing payload capacity and efficiency.
2. The rocket is designed to launch heavier satellites into Geosynchronous Transfer Orbits, expanding India’s satellite capabilities.
3. It incorporates advanced technology for improved reliability and performance in space missions.
4. GSLV-F15 supports strategic missions, including defense and communication satellites, boosting national security.
5. Its successful launches demonstrate India’s growing expertise in space technology and capability to compete globally.

3. Estimate the potential impact of indigenous atomic clocks on satellite navigation systems.

1. Indigenous atomic clocks enhance the precision of time estimation, crucial for accurate navigation signals.
2. They reduce reliance on foreign technology, ensuring national security and technology independence.
3. Improved timing accuracy leads to better positioning services, enhancing user experience in navigation.
4. Indigenous development encourages innovation and expertise in satellite technology within India.
5. Atomic clocks enable advanced functionalities in satellite systems, supporting diverse applications beyond navigation.

4. With suitable examples, discuss the significance of regional navigation satellite systems in global geopolitics.

1. Regional systems like NavIC provide countries with independent navigation capabilities, enhancing sovereignty and security.
2. They reduce reliance on global systems (e.g., GPS), which may be vulnerable to geopolitical tensions.
3. Examples include China’s BeiDou, which supports regional influence and military operations in Asia-Pacific.
4. Regional systems can encourage cooperation among neighboring countries, enhancing collective security and economic ties.
5. They play a role in disaster management and humanitarian assistance, showcasing soft power in geopolitics.