ISRO Chief S Somanath announced on Monday that the Indian Space Research Organisation is on the verge of a significant milestone, with the Geosynchronous Launch Vehicle (GSLV) mission scheduled for January set to mark the 100th launch from the Sriharikota spaceport. This achievement underscores ISRO’s legacy of consistent excellence and technological innovation over the years.
This landmark event follows the successful completion of the 99th mission, conducted earlier on Monday with the PSLV-C60 launch. The mission successfully deployed two spacecraft into orbit as part of the Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX), a pioneering initiative that highlights ISRO’s growing expertise in advanced space technologies. Reflecting on this achievement, Somanath remarked, “Today’s SpaDeX launch represents the 99th mission from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre. We are now preparing for the momentous 100th launch early next year.”
The SpaDeX mission is a significant step toward developing in-space docking and undocking capabilities, technologies that are critical for future space missions such as space station assembly and deep-space exploration. As a cost-effective demonstrator, the SpaDeX mission has set the stage for more advanced experiments in orbital maneuvers and satellite servicing. Somanath expressed his optimism for the future, stating, “This is a vital milestone for our space sector reforms. We are excited about undertaking even more sophisticated docking missions in the near future.”
ISRO’s ambitious roadmap for 2025 reflects its commitment to advancing India’s space capabilities. The GSLV mission scheduled for January will launch the NVS-02 navigation satellite, building on the success of the GSLV-F12 mission in May 2023, which deployed the NVS-01 satellite. These satellites form part of the second-generation Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC) system, designed to enhance navigation services for both civilian and military applications.
Beyond navigation, ISRO is also focusing on cutting-edge scientific missions and international collaborations. The upcoming Chandrayaan-4 lunar mission, Aditya-L1 solar observatory, and several commercial satellite launches are expected to further solidify India’s position as a leader in the global space sector. ISRO’s partnership with private players under the government’s space sector reforms has also opened new avenues for innovation, contributing to the rapid expansion of India’s space ecosystem.
During the press briefing, Somanath highlighted ISRO’s rigorous planning process, noting the careful adjustments made to launch schedules to avoid satellite proximity risks in orbit. He emphasized that conjunction analysis is a critical step to ensure safe and precise operations. “If there’s any risk of satellites coming too close, we either delay or advance the launch to maintain a safe distance,” he explained. This attention to detail reflects ISRO’s unwavering commitment to safety and mission success.
As ISRO gears up for its 100th launch, it continues to inspire the nation with its achievements and ambitions. From pioneering low-cost space exploration to fostering international collaborations, ISRO has become a beacon of innovation and excellence. The milestone 100th launch not only marks a historic achievement but also sets the tone for a future filled with groundbreaking advancements in space science and exploration.
