ISRO Successfully Launches NVS-03 Navigation Satellite, Plans for More Missions Ahead
ISRO has launched the NVS-03 satellite, enhancing Indias navigation capabilities, with plans for further missions including Gaganyaan.
Sriharikota, October 31 (Daily Kiran) : The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully launched the NVS-03 navigation satellite into its designated orbit using the GSLV-F18 rocket. This achievement was celebrated by ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan, who expressed satisfaction over the precise deployment of the satellite.
With the successful placement of NVS-03, Narayanan emphasized the necessity of at least four satellites for effective Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) services. He noted that with this launch, India now has four satellites in orbit. However, to ensure continuous and accurate services, a total of seven satellites are required. Two additional satellites are nearing completion, while the approval process for a third is underway. This advancement positions India among the select nations with its own navigation satellite constellation.
During the announcement, Narayanan also provided insights into upcoming missions for the current financial year, including the much-anticipated Gaganyaan project. He stated that the target is to launch five more missions, which include the uncrewed ‘Gaganyaan G’ mission. Additionally, plans are in place for at least two PSLV and two Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) launches. A private launch is also on the agenda, with a total of six launches being considered, although the goal is to complete at least five.
Narayanan highlighted the significance of the Gaganyaan mission, which aims to send Indian astronauts, referred to as Gagannauts, into space using indigenous launch vehicles. So far, ISRO has conducted over 8,000 tests in preparation. Before sending humans into space, three uncrewed missions must be completed.
He assured that the safety of the Gagannauts is of utmost importance, which is why the focus is on conducting uncrewed missions first. The Director of LPS has developed several systems, while teams at URC are conducting numerous simulation tests. The IPRC and BSSE teams have prepared the complete launch vehicle and are also contributing to the software related to the service and crew modules. The progress is promising, and under the guidance of the Prime Minister, there is confidence in achieving success soon.
