PM Modi congratulates ISRO on successful GSLV-F18 NVS-03 launch
The mission strengthens India's indigenous NavIC system and advances self-reliance in critical technologies, according to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched the GSLV-F18 rocket carrying the NVS-03 next-generation navigation satellite from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota on Friday, according to reports by Hindustan Times, The Tribune and Deccan Chronicle.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the scientists and engineers on Saturday, stating the mission would bolster the indigenous NavIC satellite navigation system. He added that the satellite's enhanced capabilities would support navigation services for the people and further the pursuit of self-reliance in critical technologies.
The NVS-03 satellite reached its intended Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) after departing from the launch vehicle. ISRO Chairman V Narayanan stated the 2,250-kg satellite was precisely placed into its elliptical orbit and noted that the launch restored the NavIC constellation to a minimum operational configuration of four satellites.
The satellite features an indigenous atomic clock alongside procured ones and includes the L1 navigation signal in addition to L5 and S-band signals. The system is designed to cover India's landmass and an area reaching 1,500 kilometres beyond its geopolitical borders.
Other leaders also offered congratulations, including Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, who called the launch a milestone for India's space-based navigation capabilities. Andhra Pradesh Governor S Abdul Nazeer and Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary also lauded the ISRO team for the achievement.