In PICS | ISRO successfully puts 2nd-Gen satellite NVS-01 into orbit

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Monday successfully launched a second-generation navigation satellite, using a GSLV rocket with a cryogenic upper stage to do the job.

NVS-01 would augment the country's regional navigation system, providing accurate and real-time navigation.

At the end of a 27.5-hour countdown, the 51.7 metre tall, 3-stage Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle lifted off at a prefixed time of 10.42 am from the second launch pad at this spaceport, situated about 130 km from Chennai.

The satellite series dubbed as a significant launch would ensure the continuity of Navigation with Indian Constellation services -- an Indian regional satellite navigation system, similar to the GPS, providing accurate and real-time navigation.

ISRO Chairman S Somanath congratulated the entire team for the "excellent outcome" of the mission.

"NVS-01 has been placed in precise orbit by GSLV. Congratulations to the entire ISRO team for making the mission happen," he said in his post-launch address from the Mission Control Center.

Monday's mission is the sixth operational flight of the GSLV with indigenous cryogenic stages. The mission life of NVS-01 is expected to be better than 12 years, ISRO said.