India's Recently Launched Navigation Satellite Encounters Orbit Issue Due to Thruster Malfunction
The space journey for ISRO's NVS-2 satellite, launched on January 29, took a turn for the unfortunate when it failed to fire its thrusters, causing it to be stuck in an unplanned elliptical orbit. The satellite, meant to replace the first-gen Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System, was initially on track, but its failure to ignite the necessary thrusters halted its journey to a geostationary orbit.
ISRO, in a statement, confirmed the satellite's status, assuring that all systems were functioning, and it was in a healthy elliptical orbit. Experts are now strategizing options to salvage the situation, considering alternative mission strategies.
One potential solution is utilizing alternative thrusters, if available. However, the presence of functional backup thrusters isn't clear at present. Another strategy involves a modified mission profile, utilizing the satellite's current orbit for navigation, albeit with limited functionality compared to its intended performance.
While aerobraking is typically used to adjust orbits by harnessing atmospheric drag, there's no confirmation if this method is being considered for NVS-2's recovery. Alternatively, if recovery seems improbable, passivation and de-orbiting could be an option. This would entail stabilizing the satellite's orbit and ensuring a controlled re-entry to avoid space debris.
Lastly, ISRO is also exploring alternate mission strategies for NVS-2 in its current elliptical orbit. This could involve repurposing the satellite for different applications, such as limited navigation services or scientific research.
A dedicated committee is actively working on these recovery strategies, aiming to maximize the satellite's utility despite the setback. India, with its growing space ambitions, still has nine launches planned for this year, with a target to break its own records. Despite this mishap, its space agency presses on with future plans, including building an orbital space station by 2035 and landing astronauts on the Moon by 2040.
Sources:[1] SpaceNews[2] Space.com[3] The Hindu[4] The Economic Times[5] NASA
- The failure of NVS-2's thrusters in the space journey has led ISRO experts to consider alternative mission strategies for its future utilization.
- The satellite's current elliptical orbit has opened up possibilities for using NVS-2 for limited navigation services or scientific research, as proposed by ISRO.
- The presence of functional backup thrusters could potentially allow for a modified mission profile, enabling the satellite to provide navigation services, albeit with reduced functionality.
- If the situation cannot be salvaged, ISRO might opt for passivating the satellite and ensuring a controlled re-entry to avoid creating space debris.
