On January 29, 2025, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) achieved a major milestone with the successful launch of its 100th mission. The launch took place from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, marking a historic moment for India’s space exploration journey.
The launch, which occurred at 6:23 a.m., saw the GSLV-F15 rocket carrying the NVS-02 satellite into space. Just 19 minutes after liftoff, the satellite was successfully placed into a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO), as planned. The GSLV-F15 rocket, equipped with an indigenous cryogenic stage, performed flawlessly during the mission, demonstrating the advancements ISRO has made in developing its own cryogenic technology.
ISRO Chairman Dr. V. Narayanan expressed his pride in the achievement, stating, “I am extremely happy to announce from the spaceport of ISRO that the first launch of this year has been successfully accomplished with the GSLV-F15 precisely placing the NVS-02 satellite into the intended orbit. This mission is our 100th launch from here. This is a significant milestone for our space programme.”
The successful completion of the 100th mission is a testament to ISRO’s growing capabilities in space exploration. Over the years, the organization has achieved a series of groundbreaking feats, including missions to the Moon and Mars, satellite launches, and international collaborations. This milestone further solidifies ISRO’s position as one of the world’s leading space agencies.
The NVS-02 satellite, launched as part of the mission, is an important asset for India’s space infrastructure. It is designed to support navigation and positioning services, continuing the work of previous NVS satellites. As part of ISRO’s Indian National Satellite (INSAT) system, the NVS-02 satellite will enhance the country’s capabilities in satellite communication and navigation.
This launch further highlights ISRO’s growing expertise in launching complex missions and its expanding role in global space exploration efforts. The organization’s ability to consistently meet its launch targets, along with the success of its indigenously developed technologies, demonstrates its strong progress toward becoming a key player on the global space exploration stage.
As ISRO moves forward, the 100th mission serves as a reminder of the organization’s resilience, innovation, and determination in advancing India’s presence in space. The continued success of ISRO’s missions will likely pave the way for more ambitious space exploration goals in the years to come. With this historic achievement, ISRO remains firmly committed to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in space research and technology.