India has successfully launched its next-generation navigation satellite, NVS-03, into orbit, marking another step towards strengthening the country’s independent satellite navigation system.
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launched the satellite aboard its GSLV-F18 rocket from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota on October 30.
ISRO confirmed that the rocket successfully placed the satellite into its intended geosynchronous transfer orbit.
NVS-03 is the third satellite in India’s second-generation navigation satellite series, designed to strengthen the country’s indigenous Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC) system.
NavIC is India’s regional alternative to the US-operated Global Positioning System (GPS), providing positioning, navigation and timing services for civilian and strategic applications.
The system is designed to cover India and an area extending approximately 1,500 kilometres beyond its borders, including Sri Lanka and other neighbouring countries.
The new satellite carries an Indian-developed atomic clock alongside other atomic clocks and supports an additional L1 navigation signal, improving compatibility with modern navigation devices.
According to Indian authorities, the satellite completed its first orbital manoeuvre on October 31, with further manoeuvres planned to position it in its designated geosynchronous orbit.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated ISRO scientists and engineers, describing the successful launch as an important step towards strengthening India’s technological self-reliance.
The mission forms part of India’s efforts to expand its independent space-based navigation capabilities and reduce reliance on foreign satellite navigation systems.
The satellite will undergo further orbital positioning and checks before entering operational service. (Newswire)