ISRO's GSLV-F18 successfully places NVS-03 satellite into orbit to strengthen NavIC

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Friday successfully launched its GSLV-F18 rocket carrying the 2,250-kg next-generation navigation satellite NVS-03, placing it in its intended Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO).

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday congratulated ISRO scientists and engineers, saying the mission would strengthen India's indigenous navigation system NavIC and advance the country's self-reliance in critical technologies.

"Congratulations to our scientists and engineers at ISRO on the successful launch of GSLV-F18 carrying NVS-03. This mission marks an important step in strengthening NavIC, our indigenous satellite navigation system. Equipped with enhanced capabilities, NVS-03 will further our pursuit of self-reliance in critical technologies and support navigation services that benefit our people. The dedication and ingenuity of our space scientists continue to make our nation proud," Modi wrote in a post on X.


The rocket lifted off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota at 11:51 pm on Friday. ISRO confirmed that the satellite had separated from the launch vehicle and entered its intended orbit.

NVS-03 is the third satellite in ISRO's next-generation navigation satellite series. The series aims to maintain and upgrade navigation services under the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS), also known as NavIC.

What is NavIC and how does it work?

NavIC is India's independent satellite-based navigation system, developed as an alternative to global networks such as the United States' Global Positioning System (GPS), Russia's GLONASS and China's BeiDou.

It provides positioning, navigation and timing services across India's landmass and an area extending 1,500 km beyond its borders.

The NVS satellite series is intended to maintain and upgrade the constellation as older navigation satellites age and need replacement.

The GSLV-F18 mission was the 20th flight of India's Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV).

NVS-03 strengthens NavIC with indigenous atomic clock

The satellite carries an indigenous atomic clock along with procured atomic clocks. These clocks are essential for maintaining the precise timing needed by satellite-based navigation systems.

NVS-03 also introduces the L1 navigation signal to NavIC, in addition to the existing L5 and S-band signals. This is expected to expand the system's capabilities and improve its compatibility with navigation receivers.

ISRO Chairman V Narayanan said the successful launch had restored the NavIC constellation to its minimum operational configuration of four satellites.

Addressing the gathering after the launch, Narayanan said the 2,250-kg satellite had been precisely injected into its intended elliptical orbit by the GSLV-F18 rocket.

He also pointed to the 56-day gap between successive GSLV missions, describing it as the shortest turnaround time achieved so far.

Narayanan said NavIC was a strategic national asset that gave India independent access to positioning, navigation and timing services.

Seven satellites planned for India's navigation system

Explaining the coverage planned under NavIC, Narayanan said the system was designed to provide navigation services across India and up to 1,500 km beyond the country's borders.

"India has got a navigation programme. And as per the programme, we are supposed to provide navigation services for India plus 1,500 kilometres from the Indian border, called the Regional Navigation Service. For that, seven satellites are supposed to be in orbit," he said.

He said NVS-03 was the fourth satellite launched under the programme. The full constellation needs to be completed before the navigation service can be integrated with mobile systems for wider public use.

Speaking to ANI, Narayanan said two indigenous atomic clocks were already functioning in orbit, while NVS-03 carried the third.

The addition of these clocks is part of India's efforts to strengthen its independent navigation infrastructure and reduce reliance on foreign satellite navigation systems.