India's space endeavours are set to reach a historic milestone as the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) prepares for its 100th mission. Scheduled for launch at 6.23 am on January 29 from Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SHAR), the NVS-02 satellite will ride atop the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle GSLV-MKII to boost India's indigenous navigation system, NavIC. This momentous occasion marks a significant achievement in India's spacefaring and underscores the nation's commitment to self-reliance in critical technologies.
NavIC, short for Navigation with Indian Constellation, is India's regional navigation satellite system (GNSS), akin to the widely-used GPS. While currently focused on providing precise positioning and timing information for the Indian region and its surrounding areas, NavIC has ambitions to expand its reach globally in future phases. This homegrown system is crucial for a wide range of applications, from everyday navigation and tracking to supporting critical military and strategic operations.
“NavIC relies on a constellation of satellites orbiting Earth, transmitting signals that enable receivers on the ground to determine their exact location. This technology has become indispensable in modern life, powering everything from mapping apps on smartphones to guiding aircraft and ships with pinpoint accuracy. NVS-02 represents the second satellite in the new generation of NavIC satellites, building upon the advancements of its predecessor, NVS-01, launched in May 2023. These second-generation satellites incorporate cutting-edge technology to enhance the accuracy, reliability, and security of NavIC, particularly within the Indian region and its surrounding areas,” explained space expert Girish Linganna.
NVS 02 transmits signals in three frequency bands: L1, L5, and S. This multi-frequency capability enhances accuracy and allows NavIC to interoperate with other global navigation systems.
It also has the highly precise Rubidium atomic clock developed in India. This ensures accurate timekeeping, which is fundamental for precise positioning and navigation. Besides, NVS-02 incorporates a robust encryption system to safeguard navigation signals from unauthorised access and potential interference. Like its predecessor, NVS-02 carries two main payloads—a navigation payload that transmits navigation signals in L1, L5, and S bands, incorporating an indigenous Rubidium atomic clock for precise timing. It also includes a transponder to facilitate accurate distance measurements between the satellite and ground stations. The NVS-02 weighs approximately 2,232 kg and will be placed in a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO). The satellite is designed to operate for at least 12 years.
“The NavIC is more than just a navigation system; it's a strategic asset for India. It reduces India's dependence on foreign navigation systems like GPS, ensuring access to critical positioning and timing data even in times of conflict or geopolitical tensions. At the same time, it also plays a vital role in defense applications, providing secure and accurate navigation for military operations, missile guidance, and troop movement. NavIC supports various sectors of the Indian economy, including transportation, agriculture, disaster management, and scientific research,” said Linganna.
Its predecessor, NVS-01 had marked a significant step in the evolution of NavIC. It carried an indigenous Rubidium atomic clock and L1 band signals, enhancing the system's performance and compatibility. NVS-01 demonstrated India's growing self-reliance in space technology and its commitment to providing essential navigation services for both civilian and military purposes. NVS-02 builds upon the foundation laid by NVS-01, incorporating further advancements to enhance NavIC's capabilities. The addition of L5 and S band signals, along with potential improvements in the atomic clock and security features, will make NavIC a more robust and versatile navigation system.
