GSLV-F18 launch: India sends NVS-03 into orbit in major NaVIC mission; PM Modi hails ISRO scientists

GSLV-F18 launch: ISRO has successfully launched its navigation satellite NVS-03 with indigenous and procured atomic clocks to give a big boost to the nation’s own satellite navigation system ‘NaVIC,’ the Indian version of GPS, albeit confined to the country and 1,500 km beyond.

The satellite was injected into a ‘designated orbit, ISRO announced.

“The GSLV F 18 vehicle has successfully injected the NVS-03 satellite into its designated injection orbit. The GSLV F18-NVS03 mission has been successfully accomplished,” the space agency said.

Next generation satellite

The next generation satellite is all set to complement three other navigational satellites in operation including the NVS-01 and it will strengthen infrastructure for a robust IST with the government recently notifying the Legal Metrology (Indian Standard Time) Rules, 2026, PTI reported.

The 50-metre-tall GSLV rocket carrying NVS-03 lifted off at the scheduled time of 11.51 pm from the second launch pad at Satish Dhawan Space Centre, following a 24-hour countdown.

After a flight of about 18 minutes, which saw the successful performance of all three stages including the complex cryogenic upper stage, the primary payload got separated from the launch vehicle and was injected into a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO).

The targeted orbit has a planned perigee (closest point to Earth) of 170 km and an apogee (farthest point) of 37,023 km.

The 2,232 kg NVS-03 satellite will subsequently use its onboard propulsion to reach its final Geosynchronous slot at 32.5 degrees East. To ensure propulsion system reliability, ISRO flew the satellite with its pyrotechnic valves already open, an unprecedented safety measure adopted for this mission.

Indigenous Rubidium atomic clock

The satellite, which features an indigenous Rubidium atomic clock, is a crucial addition to the Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC) system and will transmit signals in the L1, L5, and S bands to strengthen India’s regional positioning services.

According to ISRO, NavIC is India’s independent regional navigation satellite system designed to provide accurate Position, Navigation and Timing (PNT) service to users in India as well as the region extending about 1500 km beyond the Indian landmass.

PM Modi lauds ISRO scientists

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday congratulated the scientists and engineers of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on the successful launch of the GSLV-F18 rocket carrying the next-generation navigation satellite NVS-03, saying the mission would strengthen India's indigenous satellite navigation system, NavIC, and advance the country's pursuit of self-reliance in critical technologies, ANI reported.

In a post on X, the Prime Minister highlighted the enhanced capabilities of the satellite and said it would support navigation services benefiting the people.

"Congratulations to our scientists and engineers at ISRO on the successful launch of GSLV-F18 carrying NVS-03. This mission marks an important step in strengthening NavIC, our indigenous satellite navigation system. Equipped with enhanced capabilities, NVS-03 will further our pursuit of self-reliance in critical technologies and support navigation services that benefit our people. The dedication and ingenuity of our space scientists continue to make our nation proud," Modi wrote on X.