New Delhi: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has made history with the successful launch of the NVS-02 satellite, marking its 100th rocket launch from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. This achievement highlights India’s steady progress in space exploration, positioning ISRO among the most reliable launch agencies in the world.

Since its establishment in 1969, ISRO has developed a series of advanced launch vehicles, evolving into a key global player in satellite launches. The agency has deployed over 548 satellites, including 433 for foreign clients, contributing to global communications, navigation, earth observation, and scientific research.

The journey began with the Satellite Launch Vehicle (SLV) series, capable of carrying small payloads to low earth orbit. This was followed by the Augmented Satellite Launch Vehicle (ASLV), which improved payload capacity but had limited operational flights. The game-changer came with the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), which has completed 62 missions and remains ISRO’s most trusted workhorse, with an exceptional success rate. The PSLV can carry nearly 2,000 kg to low earth orbit and has been instrumental in launching multiple satellites for both India and international customers.

Advancing further, ISRO developed the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV), initially relying on Russian cryogenic engines before India successfully developed its own. The GSLV MkIII, now renamed LVM3, is the country’s most powerful launch vehicle, capable of carrying nearly 8,500 kg to low earth orbit. It has been used for high-profile missions, including Chandrayaan-2, Chandrayaan-3, and is set to launch India’s first human spaceflight under the Gaganyaan mission.

To cater to the growing demand for small satellite launches, ISRO also introduced the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV), designed for commercial operations by private industry.

As ISRO looks to the future, work is underway on the Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV), which will be significantly larger and capable of carrying up to 30,000 kg to low earth orbit. Standing at 91 metres tall, nearly twice the height of LVM3, the NGLV will feature a reusable first stage to make launches more cost-effective.

With upcoming missions including a lunar sample return, a Venus exploration mission, an Indian space station, and a potential human landing on the moon, ISRO continues to push the boundaries of space exploration, reinforcing India’s status as a leading spacefaring nation.

BI Bureau