Science & Tech · Space · 2 hrs ago
ISRO to launch NVS-03 satellite to strengthen NavIC
ISRO plans to launch NVS-03 on October 30 aboard a GSLV-F18 rocket from Sriharikota.
NavIC is India’s satellite navigation system, designed to provide positioning, navigation and timing services across India and about 1,500 kilometres beyond its landmass.
NavIC currently has only three operational satellites, while at least four are needed for basic positioning, so it can provide timing but not standalone positioning services.
NVS-03 is the third satellite in a newer series and will add an L1 signal intended to make NavIC compatible with more devices.
A failed orbit-raising system left the previous satellite, NVS-02, unable to reach its intended orbit, and ISRO says it has made changes to address the problem.
After launch, NVS-03 must reach its designated orbit and be checked before it can provide services.
More satellites, including NVS-04 and NVS-05, are still needed to rebuild a stronger NavIC network.
ISRO plans to launch the NVS-03 navigation satellite aboard the GSLV-F18 rocket on October 30.
The launch is scheduled for 11.51 p.m. from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.
NVS-03 is the third satellite in ISRO’s next-generation navigation series and is intended to help strengthen NavIC.
The system currently lacks the four operational satellites required for basic standalone positioning service, although timing service remains functional.
NVS-03 carries an indigenous atomic clock and adds the L1 signal to the existing L5 and S signals.
The satellite must reach its designated orbit and be validated before it can provide services.
- Who
- ISRO plans to launch NVS-03 aboard its GSLV-F18 rocket.
- What
- The mission will place the navigation satellite into a geosynchronous transfer orbit.
- When
- October 30 at 11.51 p.m.
- Where
- The Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, India.
- Why
- To help strengthen NavIC and maintain continuity of navigation services.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
ISRO launched NVS-02, but a valve malfunction prevented the intended orbit-raising operations.
IRNSS-1F completed its design mission life of 10 years.
The procured onboard atomic clock on IRNSS-1F stopped functioning.
ISRO is scheduled to launch NVS-03 aboard GSLV-F18 from Sriharikota.
- Satellite
- NVS-03, the third satellite in ISRO’s next-generation navigation series
- Launch vehicle
- GSLV-F18, the 20th flight of India’s Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle
- Launch time
- October 30 at 11.51 p.m.
- Launch site
- Second Launch Pad, Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota
- NavIC service area
- India and about 1,500 km beyond the Indian landmass
- Minimum satellite requirement
- Four operational satellites for basic positioning service
5 sources
India news: National space agency ISRO to boost GPS alternative with new satellite launch
Why is ISRO’s NVS-03 satellite launch crucial? | Explained
Isro to launch NVS-03 on Oct 30, but NavIC has a long way to go
What people are saying
It also includes L1 signal in addition to existing L5/S signals with coverage over India land mass and a region extending 1,500 km around Indian geopolitical boundary
To provide basic positioning service, a minimum of four operational satellites are required in orbit.