GSLV F16


The GSLV F-16 was the 18th flight of the GSLV and the 12th flight of Mk2 variant using indigenous Cryogenic Engine. It was the first GSLV flight to Sun Synchronous Polar Orbit.

Mission Overview

Pre-launch

The Preparation work for NISAR's launch started in April 2025 with the flag-off of the GS2 stage. Initially scheduled for an early 2024 launch, the mission was delayed after it was decided to apply special reflective coatings to its primary Radar reflectors, necessating it to be sent back to the US for corrections.

Launch

NISAR lifted off aboard an ISRO Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle rocket at 5:40 p.m. IST on the 30th of July 2025. ISRO ground controllers in Bengaluru began communicating with NISAR about 18 minutes after launch, at just after 8:29 a.m. EDT, and confirmed it is operating as expected. It was the GSLV rocket’s first mission to Sun-synchronous polar orbit.The satellite will enter a 90-day Checkout phase and deploy its primary Radar reflector before beginning of its operational life.

Mission Statistics

  • Mass: 420 Tonnes at Liftoff
  • * Payload weight: 2800kg
  • Overall height:
  • Propellant:
  • * Boosters: UDMH+ N2O4
  • * Stage 1: HTPB
  • * Stage 2: UDMH+ N2O4
  • * Stage 3: LOX + LH2
  • Propellant mass:
  • * Boosters:
  • * Stage 1:
  • * Stage 2:
  • * Stage 3:
  • Altitude: 743 km SSO
  • Maximum velocity:
  • Inclination:98.4°
  • Azimuth:
  • Period:
This launch vehicle is an 3-stage launch vehicle. The first stage of GSLV was derived from the PSLV's PS1. The 138 tonne solid rocket motor is augmented by 4 liquid strap-ons which is powered by a Vikas rocket engine.

Payload

The NISAR mission is a $1.5 billion Earth-Observation satellite developed incollaboration with NASA.It will deploy one of the world's most advanced radar imaging systems to monitor Earth's changing systems and natural hazards.