ISRO launches GSLV-F18 to upgrade India's NavIC satellite network

UPDATE - follow-up to ISRO set to launch GSLV-F18 carrying navigation satellite NVS-03 | LIVE: The GSLV-F18 mission lifts off on October 30, 2026, at 23:51 hours IST from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre to place the NVS-03 satellite into orbit. This third space launch of the year for ISRO carries a 2,250-kg satellite meant to revive India's ageing NavIC navigation network.

Flight Details

Around 18 minutes and 40 seconds after liftoff from the Second Launch Pad at Sriharikota, the rocket is set to release the satellite into its initial Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit. ISRO will then use onboard thrusters to push the spacecraft into its final slot. NVS-03 carries both an indigenous atomic clock and procured atomic clocks, along with a new L1 signal alongside older L5 and S-band frequencies.

Network Status

NavIC serves as India's local alternative to GPS, GLONASS, and BeiDou. The current network faces major shortages because only three of its 11 satellites can still do their main jobs. These include the older IRNSS-1B and IRNSS-1I, plus the newer NVS-01. IRNSS-1B has passed its planned 10-year life, and IRNSS-1I will likely work only until 2028. Furthermore, NVS-02 failed to raise its orbit in January 2025 due to engine troubles.

Future Plans

Restoring basic services requires putting up at least two more satellites, NVS-04 and NVS-05, in a tight timeframe. Long-term stability requires a fleet of six to seven spacecraft to ensure reliable backup coverage.

Context

NavIC provides independent positioning and timing data for civilian and strategic uses across the country and nearby regions. Space agencies constantly replace aging satellites in orbit to prevent gaps in navigation coverage.