- The Prime Minister praised ISRO scientists and engineers after the successful GSLV-F18 launch carrying NVS-03.
- The satellite carries an indigenous atomic clock and adds the L1 navigation signal alongside L5 and S-band signals.
- ISRO said the successful mission restored NavIC to its minimum operational configuration of four satellites.
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday congratulated scientists and engineers of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) following the successful launch of the GSLV-F18 rocket carrying the next-generation navigation satellite NVS-03.
The Prime Minister said the mission marked an important step towards strengthening NavIC, India’s indigenous satellite navigation system. He also highlighted the satellite’s enhanced capabilities and its contribution to India’s efforts to achieve self-reliance in critical technologies.
In a post on X, Modi praised the dedication and technical expertise of India’s space scientists, saying their achievements continued to make the country proud.
ISRO Successfully Launches NVS-03 from Sriharikota
ISRO launched the NVS-03 satellite aboard the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle GSLV-F18 from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, at 11:51 pm on Friday, October 30.
The 2,250-kg satellite successfully separated from the launch vehicle and entered its intended Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO).
The mission marked the 20th flight of India’s GSLV rocket. ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan confirmed that the launch vehicle had precisely injected the satellite into its designated orbit.
NVS-03 to Strengthen India’s NavIC System
NVS-03 is the third satellite in ISRO’s second-generation navigation satellite series. It is designed to maintain continuity and improve the capabilities of the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System, popularly known as NavIC.
The satellite carries an indigenous atomic clock alongside procured atomic clocks. Accurate timekeeping is essential for satellite-based positioning and navigation services.
NVS-03 also introduces the L1 navigation signal in addition to the existing L5 and S-band signals. This addition is expected to expand NavIC’s applications and improve its usefulness for civilian and other services.
NavIC is designed to provide navigation coverage across India’s territory and up to 1,500 kilometres beyond the country’s geopolitical boundary.
NavIC Returns to Minimum Operational Configuration
ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan said the successful launch had restored the NavIC constellation to its minimum operational configuration of four satellites.
The system provides Position, Navigation and Timing (PNT) services and is considered an important strategic national asset.
NavIC has applications in areas such as vehicle tracking, railway operations, shipping and other location-based services. It is also intended to strengthen India’s independent access to satellite navigation capabilities.
Narayanan said seven satellites were envisaged under the regional navigation programme to provide the planned coverage.
Shortest Turnaround Between GSLV Missions
The ISRO Chairman also highlighted the operational achievement behind the mission.
According to him, the interval between two successive GSLV missions was 56 days, marking the shortest turnaround time achieved so far.
The successful launch reflects the progress of India’s space programme and its efforts to strengthen domestic capabilities in satellite navigation and critical space technologies.
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