NVS-03 launch strengthens NavIC; Modi congratulates ISRO

The NVS-03 launch from Sriharikota on October 30 successfully sent India's latest navigation satellite into its planned transfer orbit, according to reports. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated ISRO's scientists and engineers on October 31, saying the mission would strengthen NavIC.

The GSLV-F18 lifted off at 11.51 pm from the Second Launch Pad of the Satish Dhawan Space Centre. The satellite reached its intended Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit more than 20 minutes after the rocket left the pad.

Weighing about 2,250 kg, NVS-03 is the third satellite in the space agency's second-generation navigation series. The flight was the 20th for India's Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle.

Navigation signals and constellation plans

ISRO Chairman V Narayanan said the NVS-03 launch brought the NavIC constellation back to its minimum operating configuration of four satellites. He described the satellite's placement in the planned elliptical orbit as precise.

NVS-03 carries an Indian-developed atomic clock alongside clocks obtained from other suppliers. Narayanan said two indigenous clocks were already working in orbit, with the latest satellite taking a third into space.

The spacecraft adds an L1 navigation signal to the L5 and S-band signals already used by the system. NavIC's coverage is intended to span India and extend 1,500 kilometres beyond the country's boundaries.

Narayanan said the programme envisaged seven satellites to provide regional navigation services. He added that completion of the constellation would be needed before wider integration of the service with mobile systems.

The ISRO chief also highlighted the 56-day interval between consecutive GSLV missions, describing it as the shortest achieved. In his congratulatory message, Modi linked the satellite's enhanced capabilities to independent access to critical technology and navigation services for the public.

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