Watch | ISRO restores India's navigation system NAVIC to minimum strength
GSLV-F18 places navigation satellite NVS-03 in orbit, restoring NavIC, India’s GPS-like system, to its minimum 4-satellite strength; what does it mean for India?
India's indigenous satellite navigation system, Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC), has regained its minimum operational strength after the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched the next-generation navigation satellite NVS-03 aboard its GSLV-F18 rocket on October 30. The mission marks a significant step in India's efforts to strengthen its independent navigation capabilities for civilian and strategic applications.
The rocket lifted off from the second launch pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota at 11.51 pm. After approximately 18 minutes of flight, the 2,232-kg satellite was injected into its intended geosynchronous transfer orbit, with all three stages, including the complex cryogenic upper stage, performing as planned.
The satellite will use its onboard propulsion system to reach its designated orbital slot. The mission was the 20th flight of the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) and ISRO's third launch of 2026.
What does this mean for India?
Watch the video to know more.
