NavIC, or the Navigation with Indian Constellation system, is particularly significant for applications such as navigation, agriculture, disaster management, fleet tracking and more
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is set to launch the NVS-02 satellite aboard the GSLV-F15 rocket on Wednesday (January 29, 2025), from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in Sriharikota. This mission aims to enhance India's Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC) system, which provides accurate positioning, velocity, and timing (PVT) services across India and up to 1,500 kilometers beyond its borders.
Sharing an update on social media on Monday (January 27, 2025), ISRO said the NVS-02 satellite would be launched at 6:23 Hours IST on Wednesday.
NavIC, India’s autonomous regional navigation satellite system, is designed to meet both civilian and military navigation requirements. According to ISRO, the system offers two types of services:
Standard Positioning Service (SPS): Provides location accuracy better than 20 meters and timing accuracy better than 40 nanoseconds within the core service area.
Restricted Service (RS): A secure service reserved for authorized users, including the military.
NavIC ensures precise PVT services and is particularly significant for applications such as navigation, agriculture, disaster management, fleet tracking, and mobile location services. The system currently relies on a constellation of first-generation satellites, and ISRO is now working to deploy second-generation satellites to enhance and expand its capabilities.
NVS-02: A Significant Technological Leap
NVS-02 is the second satellite in the NVS series, following the launch of NVS-01 on May 29, 2023. Designed, developed, and integrated at ISRO's U R Satellite Centre (URSC), NVS-02 represents a significant technological leap. It is configured with advanced payloads operating in the L1, L5, and S bands to provide high-accuracy navigation services. Additionally, it features a Rubidium Atomic Frequency Standard (RAFS) for precise timekeeping.
With a lift-off mass of 2,250 kg and a power-handling capacity of approximately 3 kW, NVS-02 is based on ISRO’s standard I-2K bus platform. It will replace the IRNSS-1E satellite at the 111.75ºE orbital position, further strengthening the NavIC constellation.
The NVS-02 satellite will improve the reliability and accuracy of the NavIC system, broadening its usability for diverse applications. Incorporating the L1 band signals, NVS-02 makes NavIC compatible with a wider range of devices, enhancing its appeal in both civilian and commercial sectors.
For the first time, the NVS series integrates a mix of indigenous and procured atomic clocks, which ensure accurate time estimation—a critical component for navigation and timing services, ISRO said on January 24, 2025.
Before its deployment, the NVS-02 satellite underwent rigorous testing to ensure its resilience and functionality. During November and December 2024, it was subjected to a thermo-vacuum test to simulate space conditions and a dynamic test to validate its structural integrity under the stresses of launch.
On December 27, 2024, a comprehensive Pre-shipment Review (PSR) confirmed the satellite’s readiness for the mission. Subsequently, NVS-02 was transported to the SDSC launch site on January 5, 2025. Final pre-launch preparations are currently underway for its scheduled launch.
Strengthening India’s Navigation Ecosystem
The deployment of NVS-02 marks another milestone in India’s efforts to bolster its navigation ecosystem. NavIC plays a pivotal role in supporting national security, economic growth, and technological innovation. By offering indigenous navigation capabilities, NavIC reduces India's reliance on global navigation satellite systems like GPS, ensuring greater autonomy and resilience.
The NavIC system is also crucial for international collaborations and export opportunities. Its ability to provide accurate PVT services in the South Asian region positions India as a leader in satellite navigation technology.
The NVS series includes five second-generation satellites—NVS-01 to NVS-05—designed to enhance NavIC's operational capabilities and ensure continuity of service. These satellites will extend NavIC’s lifespan while incorporating advanced features to meet evolving user demands.
With NVS-02, NavIC is set to expand its reach and usability, paving the way for greater applications in navigation, timing, and communication across sectors.
The launch of NVS-02 aboard GSLV-F15 is a significant step in enhancing India’s independent regional navigation system, NavIC. As ISRO prepares for the January 29, 2025 launch, the satellite’s advanced features promise to boost navigation accuracy and reliability, further cementing India’s position as a leader in space technology and navigation services.
Sharing an update on social media on Monday (January 27, 2025), ISRO said the NVS-02 satellite would be launched at 6:23 Hours IST on Wednesday.
NavIC, India’s autonomous regional navigation satellite system, is designed to meet both civilian and military navigation requirements. According to ISRO, the system offers two types of services:
Standard Positioning Service (SPS): Provides location accuracy better than 20 meters and timing accuracy better than 40 nanoseconds within the core service area.
Restricted Service (RS): A secure service reserved for authorized users, including the military.
NavIC ensures precise PVT services and is particularly significant for applications such as navigation, agriculture, disaster management, fleet tracking, and mobile location services. The system currently relies on a constellation of first-generation satellites, and ISRO is now working to deploy second-generation satellites to enhance and expand its capabilities.
NVS-02: A Significant Technological Leap
NVS-02 is the second satellite in the NVS series, following the launch of NVS-01 on May 29, 2023. Designed, developed, and integrated at ISRO's U R Satellite Centre (URSC), NVS-02 represents a significant technological leap. It is configured with advanced payloads operating in the L1, L5, and S bands to provide high-accuracy navigation services. Additionally, it features a Rubidium Atomic Frequency Standard (RAFS) for precise timekeeping.
With a lift-off mass of 2,250 kg and a power-handling capacity of approximately 3 kW, NVS-02 is based on ISRO’s standard I-2K bus platform. It will replace the IRNSS-1E satellite at the 111.75ºE orbital position, further strengthening the NavIC constellation.
The NVS-02 satellite will improve the reliability and accuracy of the NavIC system, broadening its usability for diverse applications. Incorporating the L1 band signals, NVS-02 makes NavIC compatible with a wider range of devices, enhancing its appeal in both civilian and commercial sectors.
For the first time, the NVS series integrates a mix of indigenous and procured atomic clocks, which ensure accurate time estimation—a critical component for navigation and timing services, ISRO said on January 24, 2025.
Before its deployment, the NVS-02 satellite underwent rigorous testing to ensure its resilience and functionality. During November and December 2024, it was subjected to a thermo-vacuum test to simulate space conditions and a dynamic test to validate its structural integrity under the stresses of launch.
On December 27, 2024, a comprehensive Pre-shipment Review (PSR) confirmed the satellite’s readiness for the mission. Subsequently, NVS-02 was transported to the SDSC launch site on January 5, 2025. Final pre-launch preparations are currently underway for its scheduled launch.
Strengthening India’s Navigation Ecosystem
The deployment of NVS-02 marks another milestone in India’s efforts to bolster its navigation ecosystem. NavIC plays a pivotal role in supporting national security, economic growth, and technological innovation. By offering indigenous navigation capabilities, NavIC reduces India's reliance on global navigation satellite systems like GPS, ensuring greater autonomy and resilience.
The NavIC system is also crucial for international collaborations and export opportunities. Its ability to provide accurate PVT services in the South Asian region positions India as a leader in satellite navigation technology.
The NVS series includes five second-generation satellites—NVS-01 to NVS-05—designed to enhance NavIC's operational capabilities and ensure continuity of service. These satellites will extend NavIC’s lifespan while incorporating advanced features to meet evolving user demands.
With NVS-02, NavIC is set to expand its reach and usability, paving the way for greater applications in navigation, timing, and communication across sectors.
The launch of NVS-02 aboard GSLV-F15 is a significant step in enhancing India’s independent regional navigation system, NavIC. As ISRO prepares for the January 29, 2025 launch, the satellite’s advanced features promise to boost navigation accuracy and reliability, further cementing India’s position as a leader in space technology and navigation services.