ISRO’s NVS-02 Mission Suffers Setback After Thrusters On Spacecraft Fail To Fire

The NVS-02 satellite, essential for India's space-based navigation system, aboard the GSLV-Mk 2 rocket, marking ISRO's 100th launch from the Sriharikota spaceport.

ISRO's Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV-F15) carrying navigation satellite NVS-02 lifts off, in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh/

Source : PTI

The Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) efforts to position the NVS-02 satellite in its intended orbit faced a setback on Sunday after the spacecraft's onboard thrusters failed to ignite.

Launched on January 29, the NVS-02 satellite, essential for India's space-based navigation system, aboard the GSLV-Mk 2 rocket, marking ISRO's 100th launch from the Sriharikota spaceport.  However, the orbit-raising operations to position the satellite in its designated orbital slot could not proceed because the valves controlling the oxidizer flow to ignite the thrusters failed to open, the space agency said in an update to the GSLV-F15 mission on its website.

As per PTI, the satellite is orbiting the Earth in an elliptical Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) which is considered unsuitable for the navigation system.

"The satellite systems are healthy and the satellite is currently in elliptical orbit. Alternate mission strategies for utilising the satellite for navigation in an elliptical orbit are being worked out," ISRO said, as per the new agency.

After the GSLV rocket placed the satellite in the GTO, the solar panels on board the satellite was successfully deployed and power generation was nominal. The space agency confirmed that communication with the ground station has been established.

🌍 A view like no other! Watch onboard footage from GSLV-F15 during the launch of NVS-02.

India’s space programme continues to inspire! 🚀 #GSLV #NAVIC #ISRO pic.twitter.com/KrrO3xiH1s

— ISRO (@isro) January 29, 2025

The GSLV launch was successful, with all stages performing flawlessly and the satellite reaching orbit with high precision.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had congratulated the ISRO for its 100th launch, terming it as an ‘incredible milestone’. “Congratulations to @isro on the historic 100th launch!” PM Modi wrote on X.

PM Modi added that this incredible milestone illustrates the vision, dedication and commitment of the country’s scientists and engineers.

“With the private sector joining hands, India’s space journey will continue to attain new heights,” said PM Modi.