ISRO achieved a historic milestone with its 100th rocket launch, placing the NVS-02 satellite into orbit using GSLV-F15. Since its inception in 1969, ISRO has become a reliable global launch partner, developing advanced rockets like PSLV and GSLV, and undertaking groundbreaking missions such as Chandrayaan and Aditya L1. The NVS-02 satellite enhances India's regional navigation system, NavIC, known for its precision. With ambitious plans like the Next Generation Launch Vehicle and human spaceflight, ISRO continues to excel in global space exploration.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has reached an extraordinary milestone with its 100th rocket launch. This achievement underscores India's growing prowess in space exploration and satellite deployment, making it a trusted partner for global satellite launches.
A Historic Achievement
In its first launch of 2025, ISRO's GSLV-F15 successfully placed the navigation satellite NVS-02 into orbit, marking the agency's 100th rocket launch. Dr. V. Narayanan, the newly appointed ISRO chairperson, paid tribute to the pioneers of India's space program, saying, “On behalf of the present generation of ISRO leaders, I salute all the previous generation of leaders, the past and present employees, and our family members.”
ISRO's Evolution Through the Decades
ISRO's journey began in 1962 with the Indian National Committee for Space Research and officially became the Indian Space Research Organisation in 1969. Over the decades, it has grown into a formidable institution, launching satellites for both India and other countries while undertaking groundbreaking scientific missions.
The agency has developed six generations of launch vehicles, with four currently operational. The workhorse PSLV, with its reliable track record, has carried out 62 launches, with only two unsuccessful attempts. ISRO's GSLV series, equipped with indigenously developed cryogenic engines, further solidified India's capability to launch heavier payloads. The GSLV MkIII, now known as LVM3, has been instrumental in missions like Chandrayaan-2 and Chandrayaan-3.
In addition, ISRO has developed the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) to cater to the growing demand for small satellite launches, transferring this technology to private industry for commercial purposes.
Impressive Achievements and Satellite Deployments
Over its 100 launches, ISRO has placed 548 satellites into orbit, weighing a total of 120 tonnes. This includes 433 foreign satellites, demonstrating India's reliability as a global launch partner. ISRO has deployed communication satellites, earth observation satellites, navigation systems, and experimental satellites. Its scientific missions, such as AstroSat, Mars Orbiter Mission, Chandrayaan series, and the Aditya L1 solar mission, have contributed significantly to global research.
Future Ambitions
ISRO's vision for the future includes ambitious projects like the Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV), which will be capable of carrying payloads of up to 30,000 kg to low Earth orbit. The NGLV will feature a reusable first stage, designed for 15–20 uses, to make launches more cost-effective. A third launch pad, approved with a budget of ₹3,984.86 crores, will support these next-generation missions, including human spaceflight and heavy commercial launches.
Other upcoming missions include a sample return mission from the Moon, a Venus exploration mission, and the establishment of an Indian space station. The Gaganyaan mission, which aims to send humans into space, will use a modified, human-rated version of the LVM3.
The NVS-02 Satellite and NavIC System
The NVS-02 satellite, launched as part of the 100th mission, is a key component of India's Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC) system. NavIC is a regional positioning system consisting of seven satellites that provide location data across India and up to 1,500 kilometers beyond. The NVS-02 satellite introduces new features, including the indigenously developed atomic clock and a third frequency (L1 band), enabling wider adoption of NavIC signals in devices like personal trackers.
NavIC offers high positioning accuracy, even in challenging terrains like valleys and forests, surpassing the American GPS in regional performance. While India currently operates a regional navigation system, global expansion of NavIC's coverage has been a topic of discussion.
India's Position in Global Navigation
India stands out as the only nation with a regional navigation system, joining the ranks of global systems like the American GPS, Russian GLONASS, European Galileo, and Chinese BeiDou. Japan's Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZSS) complements GPS in the region, but India's NavIC remains unique for its independent regional capabilities.
ISRO's 100th launch is a moment of pride for India, reflecting decades of dedication, innovation, and excellence in space exploration. With a robust foundation and ambitious plans for the future, ISRO is poised to scale even greater heights, contributing to scientific discovery and global collaboration in space.
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