The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launched its next-generation navigation satellite, NVS-03, aboard the GSLV-F18 rocket on Friday night.
The launch took place at 11.51 p.m. from the Second Launch Pad at Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.
“GSLV-F18 carrying NVS-03 lifts off from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, SHAR, Sriharikota,” ISRO said in a post on X. The space agency described the mission as a rescue effort for India’s Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC) system.
LIFT-OFF!
GSLV-F18 carrying NVS-03 lifts off from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, SHAR, Sriharikota.Watch live: https://t.co/6X42ANRnTC
Mission details:
https://t.co/wtZ6TmjUhc#GSLVF18 #NVS03 #ISRO #NavIC
— ISRO (@isro) October 30, 2026
The 50-metre-tall, three-stage rocket carried the 2,232-kg satellite. It aims to place NVS-03 into a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO). The satellite will then perform orbit-raising manoeuvres to reach its designated geosynchronous slot at 32.5 degrees East.
NVS-03 is the third satellite in the second-generation NVS series. It will strengthen NavIC, India’s independent regional navigation satellite system, and help maintain continuity of navigation services.
The satellite carries an indigenous atomic clock along with procured atomic clocks. It introduces the L1 navigation signal alongside the existing L5 and S signals. This will enhance NavIC’s navigation capabilities.
NavIC provides Position, Velocity and Timing (PVT) services across India and a region extending approximately 1,500 km beyond the country’s landmass.
The system offers two services: Standard Positioning Service (SPS) for civilian users and Restricted Service (RS), an encrypted service for authorised users.
ISRO plans to deploy five second-generation navigation satellites. The upgraded constellation aims to improve NavIC’s capabilities and ensure uninterrupted navigation services.
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