ISRO to launch NVS-03 satellite on October 30 for NavIC continuity

The Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV-F18) is scheduled to launch the NVS-03 satellite from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota on October 30.

The launch is scheduled for 11.51 p.m., after which the GSLV-F18 vehicle will place NVS-03 into a geosynchronous transfer orbit.

The mission will be the 20th flight of the GSLV.

NVS-03 to support NavIC continuity

NVS-03 is the third satellite in the next-generation navigation satellite system planned to provide continuity of navigation services for the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS) series, also known as Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC).

The satellite carries an indigenous atomic clock along with procured atomic clocks, according to ISRO.

ISRO said the satellite also carries an additional L1 signal alongside the existing L5/S signals.

“It also includes L1 signal in addition to existing L5/S signals with coverage over India land mass and a region extending 1,500 km around Indian geopolitical boundary,” ISRO said.

NavIC is India’s independent regional navigation satellite system, designed to provide accurate Position, Navigation and Timing (PNT) services to users in India and the region extending about 1,500 km beyond the Indian landmass.

That region is NavIC’s primary service area, according to the information provided by ISRO.

Launch follows NVS-02 setback

The previous satellite launched by ISRO in the NVS series was NVS-02, which lifted off on January 29, 2025.

That mission was also the landmark 100th launch from Sriharikota.

However, ISRO was unable to carry out the intended orbit-raising operations for NVS-02 because of a valve malfunction.

The October 30 mission will be ISRO’s third launch this year.

The earlier launches were the PSLV-C62 mission carrying the EOS-N1 earth observation satellite on January 12, 2026, and the EOS-05 mission aboard GSLV-F17 on September 4.

NavIC system affected by atomic clock failure

ISRO is hoping that the NVS-03 launch will help revive the weakened NavIC system.

The system has been crippled by the failure of the last atomic clock aboard the IRNSS-1F satellite, according to the source.

ISRO said the procured on-board atomic clock stopped functioning on 13th March 2026.

IRNSS-1F was launched in March 2016 and completed its design mission life of 10 years on 10th March 2026.

Despite the clock failure, the satellite will continue to function in orbit for various societal applications.

It will provide one-way broadcast messaging services, ISRO had said following the failure.

Source: The Hindu