The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) achieved a significant milestone with the successful launch of its geosynchronous satellite launch vehicle (GSLV) rocket, GSLV-F12. This mission resulted in the successful placement of the navigation satellite NVS-01 into orbit. The launch aims to enhance the continuity of Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC) services, providing accurate and real-time navigation in India and its surrounding region. Let’s explore the details of this remarkable achievement.
Launch Details
On Monday, 29 May, the GSLV-F12 rocket took off from Sriharikota’s second launch pad, located approximately 130 kilometers from Chennai. The rocket blasted off at 10:42 am, precisely as scheduled, under clear skies. Its mission was to deploy the NVS-01 satellite.
Continuity of NavIC Services
The successful launch of the second-generation navigation satellite, NVS-01, ensures the continuity of NavIC services. NavIC, formerly known as the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS), was developed to meet India’s positioning, navigation, and timing requirements. With a constellation of seven satellites and a network of ground stations operating around the clock, NavIC offers two services: the Standard Position Service (SPS) for civilian users and the Restricted Service for strategic users.
Enhanced Navigation Capabilities
Weighing 2,232 kg, NVS-01 carries navigation payloads in the L1, L5, and S bands. The satellite also features an indigenously developed rubidium atomic clock, a significant achievement for ISRO. The inclusion of this atomic clock, previously imported by ISRO scientists, enhances the accuracy of NavIC services.
NavIC’s Operational Capabilities
NavIC’s signals provide user position accuracy better than 20 meters and timing accuracy better than 50 nanoseconds, ensuring precise and reliable navigation services. The NavIC SPS signals are interoperable with other global navigation satellite systems such as GPS, Glonass, Galileo, and BeiDou, expanding its compatibility and usability.
GSLV-F12’s Mission Life and Significance
This mission marked the sixth operational flight of the GSLV with an indigenous cryogenic stage. The NVS-01 satellite is expected to have a mission life of over 12 years, contributing to the long-term continuity and reliability of NavIC services. The successful launch signifies ISRO’s commitment to advancing India’s space capabilities and meeting the diverse needs of both civil aviation and military sectors.
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