By Kashifa Wisal
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) faced a major setback after a technical glitch affected the navigation satellite launched on its 100th mission. The NVS-02 satellite, launched on February 1 aboard the GSLV-F15 rocket, encountered a significant issue over the weekend. The satellite, which was intended to be placed in a geostationary orbit, suffered a malfunction when the valves controlling the oxidizer supply for the engine’s thrusters failed to open.
At 6:23 AM on Wednesday, ISRO successfully launched the GSLV-F15 with the NVS-02 satellite from Sriharikota, marking its 100th mission. The mission also marked the first under ISRO’s new Chairman, V. Narayanan. However, experts warned the satellite, currently in a highly elliptical orbit, would struggle to perform its tasks, as it cannot reach its intended geostationary orbit.
In an official statement, ISRO explained that the satellite was unable to undergo the necessary orbit-raising operations due to this malfunction. The oxidizer is essential for firing the thrusters that would guide the satellite to its designated orbit. Despite several attempts, engineers were unable to resolve the issue, preventing the satellite from reaching its optimal circular orbit.
The NVS-02 satellite remains in a geosynchronous transfer orbit (GTO) due to issues with its liquid engine. While its systems are functioning well, ISRO is exploring alternative strategies, including using it in its current elliptical orbit for navigation.
The NVS-02 satellite, part of India’s NavIC system, serves as a regional alternative to GPS. Developed after the 1999 Kargil conflict, NavIC ensures accurate positioning over India and nearby regions. Weighing 2,250 kg, NVS-02 is the second of its generation in the constellation.
However, the system has faced challenges since its inception, with several previous NavIC satellites experiencing technical failures. Since 2013, 11 satellites have been launched under the NaviC program, but six of them have either fully or partially failed. The latest issue with NVS-02 highlights the ongoing hurdles faced by India’s navigation satellite program.
Despite the setback, ISRO remains optimistic and continues to explore potential solutions for the NVS-02 mission. The agency’s engineers are working to find ways to utilize the satellite, even if it cannot be placed in its original intended orbit.