ISRO successfully launched the NVS-02 satellite on 31 January 2025 at 6:23 am from Shriharikota via GSLV-F15 rocket. This is the second satellite of the NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation) series, which will further strengthen India’s indigenous navigation system.
What is special in ISRO’s 100th Mission?
- India’s own GPS – NavIC
Till date, India was dependent on America’s GPS and Russia’s GLONASS system.
During the Kargil war of 1999, America refused to give GPS data to India, after which India started the NavIC project.
NavIC is a Swadeshi satellite navigation system, which will give strategic and technological self-reliance to India.
- Satellite made of pure indigenous technology
Designed and developed at URSC (U R Rao Satellite Centre).
Less than Atomic Clock (Rubicium Atomic Frequency Standard – RAFS), which will provide highly accurate time.
It will work in L1, L5 and S band, which will give better performance than GPS.
- Benefits of NavIC
✅ Accurate positioning up to 10 meters – Meaning if you are on the ground, then there will be an error of only 10 meters.
✅ Coverage up to 1500 km – Powerful navigation services will be available in India and the surrounding 1500 km area.
✅ Military and Civil use – Earlier it was only for defense, but now there are plans to make it available for civilians as well.
- Will India become free from GPS and Glonass?
Yes! ISRO and the government are planning to make NavIC a global navigation system.
Future Plan: ISRO has proposed to make a NavIC constellation of 24 satellites 24,000 km above the Earth, so that it will work like GPS all over the world.
- Why is our own navigation system necessary?
Foreign GPS providers may refuse to help India in situations like Kargil.
It is important to have your own navigation system for data security and surveillance.
This is a big step towards making India’s space and defense power stronger at the global level.
Conclusion:
This 100th mission of ISRO is not just another launch, but a big milestone of India’s self-reliance and space dominance. This mission will take India one more step forward towards technological and strategic independence! 🚀