India has conquered another milestone by successfully launching of its 2nd Generation navigation satellites (NVS-01) into orbit on a 12-year mission.

After a 19-minute journey, the NVS-01 satellite was successfully placed in a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit. Around 10:42 am, the three-stage GSLV rocket, which is 51.7 meters tall and weighs 420 tons, was launched from Sriharikota.

The NVS-01 satellite is of 2,232 kg weight and it is an important part of the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS), also known as the Indian Satellite Navigation System (NavIC).

NavIC sometimes also known as the Indian “GPS,” comprises of Nine satellites with seven of them are currently in orbit and two acting as backups. Its satellites series aims to expand the capabilities of NavIC.

The NVS-01 satellite is equipped with two solar arrays of 2.4kW power and lithium-ion battery for use during eclipses. A greater range of services can be offered because to this satellite series’ operation on the L1, L5, and S bands.

The L1 band provides Position, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) services for civilians and other Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signals.

According to a senior ISRO official, the satellite also has extremely secure codes for strategic signals in the L5 and S bands.

Eight first-generation NavIC satellites are now operating in orbit, four of which are used for navigation services and the others for communication. Each satellite houses three atomic clocks, playing significant role in providing accurate positional data.