Synopsis
The ISRO NVS-02 navigation satellite has reported a technical issue after its successful launch into GTO. Despite this, satellite systems are operational, and ISRO is developing alternative strategies for navigation in its current elliptical orbit.Key Takeaways
- ISRO's NVS-02 satellite launched successfully on January 29.
- Technical glitch occurred during orbit raising operations.
- Satellite systems are functioning normally.
- ISRO is exploring alternative mission strategies.
- NVS-02 is part of India's NavIC navigation system.
New Delhi, Feb 3 (NationPress) The Indian Space Research Organization’s (ISRO) NVS-02 navigation satellite has faced a technical issue following its successful deployment into the intended Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO).
The NVS-02 navigation satellite was launched on January 29 aboard the GSLV rocket from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. This marked the 100th launch from Sriharikota and the 17th launch of the GSLV.
The launch was accomplished successfully, with the satellite being injected into the desired orbit.
“All stages of the launch vehicle operated perfectly, and the orbit was achieved with a high degree of accuracy,” ISRO announced, adding that the satellite's solar panels were deployed and power generation commenced. Communication with the ground station was also established.
However, a technical issue occurred during the orbit raising operations, according to ISRO's latest update.
“The orbit raising operations to position the satellite in its designated orbital slot could not proceed as the valves for admitting the oxidizer to fire the thrusters for orbit raising did not open,” the national space agency reported.
Nevertheless, ISRO confirmed that the satellite systems are functioning normally and that it is currently in an elliptical orbit.
ISRO stated that it is devising alternative mission strategies to utilize the satellite for navigation purposes in its elliptical orbit.
Radha Krishna Kavuluru, a former ISRO scientist, explained that satellites are initially launched into a GTO, where they undergo a series of engine burns (using onboard thrusters) to attain a Geostationary Orbit (GEO), a circular orbit positioned 36,000 km above the Earth’s equator.
While ISRO is exploring other solutions, the utility of NVS-02 may be diminished if it cannot reach GEO.
“The satellite’s effectiveness may be jeopardized if it fails to achieve GEO. At a perigee of 200 km, NVS-02 is at risk for orbital decay due to orbital perturbations and atmospheric drag,” Kavuluru commented on the social media platform X.
The NVS-02 is part of the second generation of satellites for the Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC) system, which is India’s own navigation framework.
This navigation satellite system is designed to deliver precise Position, Velocity, and Timing (PVT) services to users in India and regions extending approximately 1500 km beyond the Indian landmass.