Modi congratulates ISRO on successful launch of NVS-03 satellite
The mission marks an important step in strengthening India's indigenous satellite navigation system, NavIC, according to Telangana Today.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday congratulated scientists and engineers at the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) following the successful launch of the NVS-03 satellite. The second-generation navigation satellite was launched aboard the GSLV-F18 rocket from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, at 11:51 pm on Friday, according to Telangana Today.
The mission aims to strengthen NavIC, India's indigenous regional satellite navigation system. In a post on X, Prime Minister Modi said the mission marks an important step in strengthening the system and that the satellite will further India's pursuit of self-reliance in critical technologies.
The 2,232-kg NVS-03 satellite was carried by the 50-metre-tall, three-stage GSLV-F18 rocket. The satellite was placed into a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit and will undergo manoeuvres to reach its designated slot at 32.5 degrees East, Telangana Today reported.
NVS-03 is the third satellite in the second-generation NVS series. It carries an indigenous atomic clock along with procured atomic clocks and incorporates the L1 navigation signal in addition to the existing L5 and S signals to enhance NavIC capabilities.
The launch has restored NavIC to its minimum operational configuration of four satellites, according to Deccan Chronicle. NavIC provides positioning, velocity and timing services across India and a region extending approximately 1,500 km beyond the Indian landmass.