GSLV-F15 Blazes a Trail: 100th Rocket Launch Marks New Era in Space Exploration

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) celebrated a momentous achievement with the successful launch of its 100th rocket, the GSLV-F15, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre. GSLV-F!5 flawlessly placed the NVS-02 satellite into its designated Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO), marking another milestone in India's space programme.

ISRO Chairman S. Somanath, overseeing his first mission as ISRO Chief, expressed the team's contribution and gave ISRO calendar for the coming year. "This success fuels our passion for even greater challenges," he remarked. "We have a series of exciting missions lined up, pushing the boundaries of space exploration and technology."

ISRO's Upcoming Missions:

ISRO's 2025 agenda is packed with ambitious projects that promise to further solidify India's position as a major player in the global space arena.

NISAR Mission: A collaborative effort with NASA, the NISAR mission is set to launch in March 2025. This groundbreaking project, touted as the world's most expensive Earth imaging satellite, will provide invaluable data on Earth's ecosystems, natural disasters, and climate change.

Commercial Ventures: ISRO is actively expanding its commercial footprint. The upcoming LVM-3 M5: mission which will deploy, BlueBird 6 satellite for AST SpaceMobile, showcasing ISRO's commercial ventures in the international space market.

Technology Demonstration Satellite (TDS-01): This mission will validate 34 new technologies, paving the way for advancements in space technology. Notably, TDS-01 will be launched using a PSLV rocket developed by the private sector, marking a significant step towards private sector involvement in India's space program.

Earth Observation Satellites: Two additional Earth observation satellites are planned for launch; this will enhance India's remote sensing capabilities and providing crucial data for agriculture, disaster management, and environmental monitoring.

Gaganyaan Mission: Preparations are in full swing for the Gaganyaan G1 uncrewed mission, a critical recce to India's first human spaceflight. This mission will test key technologies and systems, including the deployment of Vyommitra, a humanoid robot, in preparation for future crewed missions.

Infrastructure Development: ISRO is investing in critical infrastructure projects, including the development of the Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV), Chandrayaan-4, and a Venus Orbiter Mission. Additionally, launch facilities at Sriharikota are being expanded with a third launch pad and a second launch complex.

With these impressive lineup of missions, ISRO is poised to make significant contributions to space exploration, scientific discovery, and technological advancement.