SRIHARIKOTA, India (Diya TV) — The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) marked a milestone on Wednesday, successfully launching its 100th mission. A GSLV-F15 rocket carrying the NVS-02 satellite lifted off from the Sriharikota launch center at 6:23 a.m., marking a major achievement for India’s growing space program.
ISRO chief V. Narayanan, who took office earlier this month, celebrated the milestone, calling it “a very significant moment for India.” The NVS-02 satellite is part of the NavIC constellation. It will enhance India’s capabilities in terrestrial, aerial, and maritime navigation, as well as precision agriculture.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the space agency on X, formerly Twitter. He described this achievement as the epitome of the dedication and vision of scientists and engineers from India. ISRO’s expansion plans include new launch sites – one in the Tuticorin district in Tamil Nadu, and a third launch pad in Sriharikota.
ISRO’s journey, spanning decades, has seen the development of rockets capable of launching satellites for both India and other countries. The agency’s accomplishments, including placing 548 satellites into orbit, underscore its growing role in the global space economy, valued at $8 billion. The government’s investment in space technology is expected to push the industry towards a $100 billion valuation by 2040.
ISRO looks ahead to more ambitious goals, such as the Gaganyaan mission, sending an Indian astronaut into space, and even establishing a space station by 2035. Veterans at ISRO still hold out hope that the sense of innovation within the organization will sustain its position at the top rung of world space leaders.
