Navigation system delay? ISRO’s NVS-02 mission faces technical glitch, recovery plans underway

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) encountered a major hurdle in its efforts to position the NVS-02 satellite into its designated orbit after launching it last Wednesday from the Satish Dhawan Space Center in Sriharikota. The satellite, which is part of India's Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC) system, was intended to strengthen the country’s independent navigation capabilities, reducing reliance on the Global Positioning System (GPS). However, ISRO confirmed on Sunday that the thrusters onboard failed to fire, preventing the planned orbital adjustment.

Technical malfunction delays orbit raising

According to an official update on the GSLV-F15 mission, ISRO stated: "The orbit-raising operations towards positioning the satellite to the designated orbital slot could not be carried out as the valves for admitting the oxidizer to fire the thrusters for orbit raising did not open."

As a result, NVS-02 remains in an elliptical Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO), which is not suitable for navigation purposes. Despite this, ISRO confirmed that the satellite systems remain healthy and that communication with ground stations is intact. "The satellite is currently in an elliptical orbit. Alternate mission strategies for utilizing the satellite for navigation in this orbit are being worked out," ISRO stated.

Successful launch despite setback

The launch carried out aboard a GSLV-Mk 2 rocket, was technically successful, with all rocket stages performing flawlessly. The satellite was precisely placed into orbit, and its solar panels deployed successfully, ensuring normal power generation.

What is the NVS-02 Satellite?

The NVS-02 (Navigation Satellite-02) is a critical component of NavIC, India’s indigenous regional navigation satellite system. Designed to provide accurate Position, Velocity, and Timing (PVT) services, NavIC covers India and surrounding regions extending 1,500 km beyond the Indian landmass.

NavIC offers two key services: Standard Positioning Service (SPS) – Available for all users and Restricted Service (RS) – Encrypted service for authorized users, including defense applications. NavIC provides a position accuracy of better than 20 meters and timing accuracy of better than 40 nanoseconds.

Future of NVS-02 and ISRO’s Contingency Plan

The NVS-02 satellite is the fifth operational satellite in the NavIC constellation, with the first launched in 2013. Its immediate predecessor, NVS-01, was deployed on May 29, 2023.

As ISRO works on alternative mission strategies to salvage the satellite for navigation use, the incident highlights the complexities of orbital maneuvers and the challenges of space-based navigation technology.