SOURCE: PTI

A GSLV rocket carrying navigation satellite NVS-02 lifted off from this spaceport on Wednesday, marking ISRO’s 100th mission. The mission was also the first for the space agency’s Chairman V Narayanan, who assumed office recently. It is ISRO’s maiden venture this year.
As the 27.30 hour countdown concluded, the 50.9 metre tall rocket, emanating thick fumes on its tail, lifted off majestically from the second launch pad here at a prefixed time of 6.23 am on Wednesday.
The GTO allows satellites to be positioned into geostationary orbits, where they can maintain a fixed position relative to the Earth’s surface. This is crucial for communication and weather satellites that need to monitor specific areas continuously.
The NavIC system, India’s homegrown GPS, aims to provide accurate Position, Velocity, and Timing (PVT) services across India and up to 1,500 kilometres beyond its borders. To ensure continuous service and improved features, five second-generation NavIC satellites — NVS-01 to NVS-05 — are planned to enhance the existing constellation. These satellites incorporate L1 band communication, which broadens NavIC’s compatibility and usability for diverse applications. India launched NVS-01 satellite on May 29, 2023.