Isro’s GSLV-F12 successfully places NavIC satellite NVS-01 into orbit

The Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro)’s geosynchronous satellite launch vehicle (GSLV) rocket carrying navigation satellite NVS-01 lifted off from Sriharikota and placed it into orbit on Monday. With this, Isro aims to augment the continuity of Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC) services with the launch of the satellite.

The 51.7-metre-tall rocket lifted off from the second launch pad, located about 130 kilometres (km) from Chennai. Amid clear skies, it took off at a prefixed time of 10:42 am.

The second-generation navigation satellite series is considered a significant launch that would ensure the continuity of NavIC services — an Indian regional satellite navigation system, similar to GPS,