Sriharikota (Andhra Pradesh):
ISRO is preparing for a major milestone as it plans the 100th launch from the Sriharikota spaceport, scheduled for January. This milestone will be achieved with a Geosynchronous Launch Vehicle (GSLV) mission, according to ISRO Chairman S. Somanath.

The 99th launch from Sriharikota took place on Monday, with the successful PSLV-C60 mission that placed two spacecraft into a circular orbit for the Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX).

"All of you witnessed the majestic lift-off and successful launch of the SpaDeX mission, which marks the 99th vehicle launch from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre. This is a significant number for us, and we are now preparing for the 100th launch early next year," Mr. Somanath said.

As Secretary of the Department of Space, Mr. Somanath addressed reporters after the PSLV-C60 mission's success, which deployed the Space Docking Experiment spacecraft A and B into orbit.

Looking ahead, he highlighted upcoming missions, stating, "In 2025, we will have numerous missions starting with the GSLV launching the NVS-02 navigation satellite in January." He noted ISRO's success in May 2023, when the GSLV-F12 rocket deployed the NVS-01 navigation satellite weighing 2,232 kg into a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO). NVS-01 was the first of the second-generation satellites envisioned for India's Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC) services.

Regarding Monday's PSLV-C60 mission, Mr. Somanath expressed optimism about future advancements in Space Docking Experiments. "This mission is significant for India's space sector reforms and the expansion of space activities. We anticipate more SpaDeX missions, including complex docking system experiments, in the coming days," he said.

He also explained the reason behind rescheduling the PSLV-C60 rocket launch from 9:58 pm to 10:00 pm on December 30. "Our scientists conduct conjunction studies to ensure a satellite being launched doesn’t come too close to another in the same orbit. If a close proximity is identified, we adjust the timing, either delaying or advancing the launch, to maintain safe distances between satellites," Mr. Somanath explained.

The adjustment ensures the maximum possible separation between the newly launched satellite and others already in orbit, he added.