Isro all set to launch latest NavIC constellation satellite on Friday

ISRO is set to launch NVS-03 aboard GSLV-F18 on Friday to strengthen India's NavIC constellation, which currently has only three operational satellites for navigation services

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is all set to launch its next navigation satellite, NVS-03, aboard the GSLV-F1, the rocket’s 20th mission — in a crucial move to rebuild India’s ailing regional satellite system, Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC) — tomorrow from the Second Launch Pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.

 

NavIC currently has only three satellites available for positioning, navigation and timing services, below the minimum requirement of four. Though the second-generation NVS series started being placed in orbit, starting with NVS-01 in 2023, the failure of NVS-02 in January 2025 aboard GSLV-F15 delayed the launch of NVS-03, NVS-04 and NVS-05.

 

NavIC aims to provide position, navigation and timing services across India and around 1,500 km beyond the country’s landmass. 

NVS-03 - the third satellite of the second-generation NVS series, intended to augment the NavIC constellation and support continuity of navigation services

 

 

Key highlights of the current mission include an indigenous atomic clock and support for the L1 navigation frequency alongside L5 and S-band signals.

 

“The launch of NVS-03 is a significant milestone for India’s indigenous navigation capabilities, particularly given the gaps in the NavIC constellation over the past few years,” said Lt Gen AK Bhatt (Retd), director general, Indian Space Association.  

 

“NavIC plays a critical role in defence operations, maritime security and civilian applications while reducing dependence on foreign navigation systems,” he said, adding that strengthening the constellation is essential at a time when strategic autonomy and national security are paramount.

 

Rising concerns

 

This system, earlier called Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS), was intended to reduce foreign dependency. These first-generation satellites were launched between 2013 and 2018.

 

Currently, there are four global systems, including Global Positioning System (GPS) from the US, Global Navigation Satellite System (GLONASS) from Russia, Galileo from the European Union and BeiDou from China. There are two regional systems called NavIC from India and Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZSS) from Japan. GSLV-F18 is the 20th flight of India’s Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV).

 

In March this year, a defunct atomic clock on IRNSS-1F led to the paralysing of NavIC. At present, only IRNSS-1B, IRNSS-1L and NVS-01 are working, while at least four satellites with operational atomic clocks are required for NavIC to function properly.

 

“For India’s private space sector, a stronger NavIC constellation presents opportunities to develop indigenous receivers, chipsets, satellite components and navigation-based applications. It can drive innovation, create new markets for startups and encourage greater industry participation in the space ecosystem,” said Bhatt.

 

“Closer collaboration between ISRO and private industry will also be crucial to expanding NavIC’s adoption and translating India’s technological capabilities into strategic and commercial value. This is an important step towards building a self-reliant and globally competitive Indian space sector,” he added.

 

Key highlights of the current mission include an indigenous atomic clock and support for the L1 navigation frequency alongside L5 and S-band signals.