PM Modi Congratulates ISRO Scientists On Successful GSLV-F18 Launch Carrying NVS-03 Satellite

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday congratulated Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) scientists and engineers on the successful launch of the GSLV-F18 rocket carrying the NVS-03 navigation satellite. He said the mission marks an important step towards strengthening India’s indigenous satellite navigation system, NavIC.

In a post on X, PM Modi congratulated the ISRO team and highlighted the satellite’s enhanced capabilities.

Congratulations to our scientists and engineers at ISRO on the successful launch of GSLV-F18 carrying NVS-03.

This mission marks an important step in strengthening NavIC, our indigenous satellite navigation system. Equipped with enhanced capabilities, NVS-03 will further our pursuit of self-reliance in critical technologies and support navigation services that benefit our people.

The dedication and ingenuity of our space scientists continue to make our nation proud.

@isro

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 31, 2026

“This mission marks an important step in strengthening NavIC, our indigenous satellite navigation system. Equipped with enhanced capabilities, NVS-03 will further our pursuit of self-reliance in critical technologies and support navigation services that benefit our people. The dedication and ingenuity of our space scientists continue to make our nation proud,” he said.

ISRO launched NVS-03 aboard the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV-F18) at 11:51 p.m. on Friday. The rocket lifted off from the Second Launch Pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.

The 50-metre-tall, three-stage rocket carried the 2,232-kg satellite into space. The mission 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 ISRO’s second-generation NVS series. It will strengthen the Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC) and help maintain uninterrupted navigation services.

The satellite carries an indigenous atomic clock alongside procured atomic clocks. It features the L1 navigation signal in addition to the existing L5 and S signals, improving NavIC’s capabilities.

NavIC provides Position, Velocity and Timing (PVT) services across India and a region extending around 1,500 km beyond the country’s borders.

ISRO plans to launch five second-generation navigation satellites to strengthen the existing constellation, introduce advanced capabilities and ensure service continuity.

The mission marks another step towards strengthening India’s independent navigation infrastructure and reducing reliance on foreign satellite systems.