India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded the scientists and engineers from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) after the successful placement of the next-generation navigation satellite, NVS-03, in orbit. Lifting off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, the launch mission represents a vital step in building up India’s indigenous satellite navigation system, NavIC.
PM Modi welcomes move for technological independence
Congratulating the space agency through his social media handle on X, Prime Minister Modi pointed out that the latest success will help advance the country’s mission for technological independence.
“Congratulations to our scientists and engineers at ISRO on the successful launch of GSLV-F18 carrying NVS-03,” Modi wrote. “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.”
NVS-03 enhances NavIC constellation capabilities
The 2,250 kg NVS-03 satellite was successfully placed in orbit from the GSLV-F18 launch vehicle and precisely injected into its desired elliptical Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO).
As a third satellite in the next-generation fleet of ISRO, NVS-03 is essential to maintain the continuity of operations for IRNSS.
Domestic atomic clock: NVS-03 is equipped with the indigenous atomic clock in addition to secondary atomic clocks, being an important milestone in developing the domestic capability for precision timekeeping.
Extended signal frequency: NVS-03 has the L1 civilian navigation signal apart from already existing signals, such as L5 and S-bands, making it more compatible with civilian navigation systems.
Coverage area: NavIC offers the service of providing position and time in the region covering Indian landmass and an area up to 1,500 kilometers beyond the geopolitical boundaries of India.
ISRO Chairman reveals details about the restored constellation
ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan has stated that the successful launch restores the NavIC constellation to the minimum operational number of four satellites.
“India has got a navigation programme. 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,” ISRO chairman V. Narayanan told reporters.
Narayanan noted that NVS-03 is the fourth active satellite currently deployed under the next-gen programme, adding that the full seven-satellite constellation must be established before navigation services can be seamlessly integrated into commercial mobile devices for public use.
He also praised ISRO teams and industrial partners for achieving a 56-day turnaround between successive GSLV missions—the shortest operational interval recorded for the heavy-lift vehicle, which completed its 20th flight with GSLV-F18.
