ISRO will be launching five next-generation satellites featuring new payloads and an extended lifespan of 12 years. Five new satellites viz. NVS-01, NVS-02, NVS-03, NVS-04 and NVS-05 will supplement and augment the current constellation of satellites.

The new satellites will feature the L5 and S-band and introduce a new interoperable civil signal in the L1 band in the navigation payload and will use Indian Rubidium Atomic Frequency Standard (iRAFS).

This introduction of the new L1 band will help facilitate NavIC proliferation in wearable smart and IoT devices featuring a low-power navigation system. NVS-01 is a replacement for IRNSS-1G satellite and will launch on GSLV in 2023.

The GSLV Mk-II is the second and most-recent generation of GSLV (Geostationary Satellite Launch Vehicle) rockets.

The GSLV Mk-II is an upgraded variant of the GSLV Mk-I and the overall GSLV program, which began in 1990 and saw its first Mk-I launch on April 18th, 2001.

The Mk-II flew for the first time on April 15th, 2010.

The engines of the Mk-II allow it to launch up to 2,500 kg to geostationary orbit - 700 kg more than the Mk-I.

The Mk-II also uses an Indian-built Cryogenic Upper Stage instead of a Russian-made upper stage.

Like other Indian rockets, the Mk-II uses a mix of solid and liquid fueled engines. Its solid propellant first stage is aided by four strap-on liquid fueled boosters.

Image: ISRO

The Second Launch Pad was built between March 1999 and December 2003.

It was used for the first time on May 5th, 2005 and can launch three different types of rockets: the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), the Geostationary Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) Mk-II, and the GSLV Mk-III.

The pad has launched several important missions. One of them was Chandrayaan-1, India's first Moon mission and the flight that discovered water on the lunar surface.

The pad is also the one India plans to use for its upcoming human space program.

Satish Dhawan Space Centre

The Satish Dhawan Space Centre, or Sriharikota Range, is a rocket launch center operated by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

It is located in Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh and was chosen for its remote location. The center launched its first suborbital mission in 1971 and first orbital flight on August 10th, 1979.

The spaceport received its current name in 2005 when it was named in honor of Satish Dhawan, the former head of the ISRO.

The facility has two launch pads and will be the base of India's upcoming human spaceflight program.

Image credit: ISRO