ISRO launches NVS-03 satellite to restore NavIC navigation services
The successful GSLV-F18 mission restores the minimum four-satellite configuration required for India's regional positioning and timing services.
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched the NVS-03 satellite aboard a GSLV-F18 rocket at 11:51 pm on Friday from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. According to The Indian Express, the mission restores the minimum configuration of four operational satellites needed to provide location data for the NavIC network.
The 2,232-kg NVS-03 satellite was placed into a 170.3 x 38,080 km orbit. ISRO Chairperson V Narayanan stated that all vehicle systems performed as expected and the satellite's solar panels deployed successfully. The spacecraft will now perform manoeuvres to reach its final geosynchronous slot at 32.5 degrees East.
Narayanan noted that the mission achieved a turnaround time of 56 days between successive GSLV missions, following the GSLV-17/EOS-05 mission on September 4. He also mentioned that nearly 80 per cent of the launch vehicle budget was channelled into Indian industry.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the scientists, stating the mission is an important step in strengthening the indigenous NavIC system. Union Minister for Space Dr Jitendra Singh also congratulated the team, noting the achievement reflects India's growing prowess in space technology.
The NavIC system provides positioning, navigation, and timing services across the Indian subcontinent and 1,500 km beyond it. The NVS-03 satellite carries both indigenous and procured atomic clocks and incorporates the L1 navigation signal alongside existing L5 and S signals.