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Setback in NVS-02 Satellite’s Orbit
Context:
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has encountered an issue in performing the orbit-raising operations for the NVS-02 satellite, following its successful launch on January 29.
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- ISRO announced that the intended orbit-raising manoeuvres could not be conducted due to a valve malfunction. The oxidiser valves, responsible for firing the thrusters, did not open, preventing the satellite from reaching its designated geostationary orbit.
- The Master Control Facility in Hassan, Karnataka, was responsible for carrying out these operations, but the glitch has stalled further manoeuvres.
Current Status of NVS-02
- The satellite remains in an elliptical orbit, but all systems are healthy.
- Alternate mission strategies are being explored to use NVS-02 in its current orbit.
- The solar panels have deployed successfully, and power generation is nominal.
- Communication with the ground station is intact.
NVS-02 and Its Mission
- NVS-02 is the second satellite in the NVS (Navigation with Indian Constellation) series, designed to replace IRNSS-1E at 111.75ºE.
- Mission: The satellite, part of India’s NavIC navigation system, was launched during ISRO’s landmark 100th mission aboard GSLV-F15 from Sriharikota.
- It carries:
- Navigation payloads in L1, L5, and S bands.
- Ranging payload in C-band.
- Indigenous and imported atomic clocks (Rubidium Atomic Frequency Standard) for precise time estimation.
- Features:
- Satellite Mass: NVS-02 weighs 2,250 kg, a significant size that allows it to carry advanced payloads and technology to enhance the capabilities of the NavIC system.
- The satellite is equipped with a power handling capability of approximately 3 kW.
