NVS-01: ISRO successfully places next-gen navigational satellite into orbit

India successfully put into orbit the first of its second-generation navigation satellite, NVS-01 today in a copybook style. The 2,232 kg NVS-01 satellite -- part of Indian satellite navigation system NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation) or originally called Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS)-- was carried by Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV). This was GSLV's 15th flight.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Monday (May 29) successfully launched a second generation navigation satellite, using a GSLV rocket with a cryogenic upper stage to do the job. Credit: IANS Photo

NVS-01 would augment the country's regional navigation system, providing accurate and real-time navigation. Credit: PTI Photo

At the end of a 27.5 hour countdown, the 51.7 metre tall, 3-stage Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle lifted off at a prefixed time of 10.42 am from the second launch pad at this spaceport, situated about 130 km from Chennai. Credit: IANS Photo

The second generation navigation satellite series dubbed as a significant launch would ensure the continuity of NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation) services -- an Indian regional satellite navigation system, similar to the GPS, providing accurate and real-time navigation. Credit: IANS Photo

Signals from NavIC are designed to provide user position accurate to better than 20 metres and timing accuracy better than 50 nanoseconds. Credit: IANS Photo