ISRO Successfully Places NVS-03 Navigation Satellite in Orbit Using GSLV-F18

UPDATE - follow-up to NVS-03 launched successfully; satellite placed in intended orbit | LIVE: The Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle successfully launched the NVS-03 satellite on Friday, October 30, 2026, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. Lifting off from the second launch pad, the GSLV-F18 vehicle placed the 2,250 kg satellite into the intended geosynchronous transfer orbit 18 minutes later.

Launch Details

ISRO Chairman Dr. V. Narayanan congratulated the team members, industrial partners, and academia for the successful launch and precise orbital injection. The mission marks the 20th flight of the GSLV rocket from the Sriharikota spaceport. The NVS-03 satellite features an indigenous atomic clock alongside procured atomic clocks to boost navigation capabilities.

Context

India's NavIC satellite navigation system relies on a constellation of spacecraft to provide positioning and timing services. Space agencies regularly upgrade these networks with new technology to improve accuracy and maintain long-term regional coverage.