ISRO Chief announces NVS-02 satellite launch in January 2025, more missions planned

ISRO successfully launches PSLV-C60, prepares for NVS-02 mission and Chandrayaan-4 docking

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) marked the successful completion of its final mission for 2024 with the launch of PSLV-C60, carrying the SpaDeX spacecraft, on Monday. The milestone sets the stage for an ambitious year ahead, with ISRO gearing up for the NVS-02 satellite launch in January 2025 aboard the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV).

PSLV-C60 mission success

The PSLV-C60 mission successfully placed two SpaDeX satellites weighing 220 kilograms into a circular orbit of 475 kilometers. This marked ISRO’s 99th launch from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, a significant achievement as the agency prepares for its 100th launch early next year.

ISRO Chairman S Somanath celebrated the milestone, saying, “For us, this is the 99th launch of any launch vehicle from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre. It’s a very significant milestone. We’re preparing for the 100th launch at the start of next year.”

NVS-02 mission in January 2025

The next major milestone for ISRO will be the launch of the NVS-02 satellite in January 2025. This mission, building on the success of the NVS-01 launch in May 2023, aims to further enhance India’s Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC) system.

NVS-01 launched aboard the GSLV-F12 rocket, featured an indigenous atomic clock, and introduced L1 band signals for broader coverage. The upcoming NVS-02 satellite will add advanced capabilities to the NavIC system, underscoring India’s progress in satellite navigation technology.

Speaking about the mission, Somanath said, “In 2025, we have many missions. To start with, we have the mission of GSLV launching the NVS-02 in the month of January.”

Chandrayaan-4 mission progress

ISRO’s focus for the new year also includes advancements in the Chandrayaan-4 mission. Somanath revealed that Chandrayaan-4 will consist of five modules launched at different times, eventually integrated into two separate modules.

Docking for the Chandrayaan-4 mission has already begun, with the final docking scheduled for January 7, 2025. Somanath highlighted this process as a critical proving ground for the mission.

He stated, “Docking will begin tomorrow, and many processes will take place, but the final docking will likely happen by January 7.”

Looking ahead

With its successful 99th launch and plans for groundbreaking missions in 2025, including Chandrayaan-4 and the GSLV mission, ISRO continues to push the boundaries of space exploration and satellite technology. The agency’s achievements underscore its pivotal role in advancing India’s space ambitions.

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