ISRO's NVS-02 satellite in orbital trouble: What went wrong with latest launch?

NVS-02 Satellite Faces Trouble After Successful Launch (Image: ISRO)

India's NVS-02 satellite, launched with great hope from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, has encountered an unexpected issue. Despite the initial success, the satellite is currently stranded in an elliptical orbit, instead of its intended near-circular orbit.

Satellite Encounters Critical Valve Failure

The NVS-02 satellite is experiencing a critical issue. A faulty valve is hindering the oxidizer flow to the Liquid Apogee Motor (LAM). This malfunction has prevented the satellite from executing necessary orbit-raising manoeuvres.

NVS-02, the next-gen satellite in the Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC) series! (Image: ISRO)

The satellite was initially deployed into a geosynchronous transfer orbit (GTO) by the GSLV rocket. The fault occurred after the deployment, leaving the satellite in an elliptical orbit rather than reaching its intended orbit for optimal navigation.

Alternative Solutions in the Works

ISRO engineers are now exploring ways to maximise the satellite’s utility in its current orbit. While the issue has halted orbit adjustments, the satellite’s systems are still fully functional. Communication, control, and power systems are working normally.

ISRO is working on alternative strategies to use the satellite for navigation in its current elliptical orbit. The NVS-02 is the second satellite in India’s NavIC system, designed to provide precise positioning and timing data across India and surrounding areas.