ISRO set to launch NVS-03 aboard GSLV-F18 to revive NavIC

India’s indigenous navigation system NavIC is set for a crucial boost with the launch of NVS-03 satellite aboard GSLV-F18 from Sriharikota’s Second Launch Pad on October 30.

Around 18 minutes and 40 seconds after liftoff, the rocket will deploy NVS-03 into Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit, after which ISRO will raise it to its designated orbit using onboard thrusters.

Envisaged as India’s alternative to US GPS, Russia’s GLONASS and China’s BeiDou, NavIC provides independent navigation services across India and the surrounding region.

NVS-03 is equipped with an indigenous atomic clock alongside procured clocks, and features L1 signal in addition to L5 and S-band to enhance services.

The launch is crucial as only three of NavIC’s 11 satellites are currently capable of performing primary functions — IRNSS-1B, IRNSS-1I and NVS-01. NVS-02 launched in January 2025 failed to raise its orbit.

Restoring minimum operational capacity will require at least two more satellites — NVS-04 and NVS-05 — in addition to NVS-01 and the upcoming NVS-03, with a stable constellation needing six to seven satellites.