ISRO lifts off GSLV‑F18 with NavIC satellite NVS‑03 from Sriharikota

UPDATE - follow-up to ISRO set to launch GSLV-F18 carrying navigation satellite NVS-03 | LIVE: ISRO successfully lifted off the GSLV-F18 carrying the 2,250‑kg NVS-03 navigation satellite from the Second Launch Pad at Sriharikota at 11:51 pm IST on October 30, 2026. The launch marks ISRO’s third mission of 2026 and the 20‑tonne flight for the GSLV family. About 18 minutes 46 seconds after liftoff, the rocket is expected to place NVS-03 into its initial Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit before the satellite uses its own thrusters to reach the final orbit. The mission brochure lists a perigee of 170 km, an apogee of 37,023 km and an inclination of 20.75 degrees for the target orbit. NVS-03 carries an indigenous atomic clock together with procured clocks and adds a new L1 signal to the existing L5 and S‑band signals, widening NavIC’s coverage over India and a 1,500 km surrounding region. NavIC, India’s regional navigation system, currently relies on only three functional satellites, with NVS-01 being the sole reliable one after NVS-02 failed to raise its orbit. The new satellite is therefore critical to restore core navigation services and reduce dependence on the U.S. GPS. ## Context NavIC is meant to give India independent positioning, timing and navigation capabilities for civilian and strategic uses, complementing global systems while supporting sectors that need precise timing such as banking and defense.