ISRO Successfully Places NVS-03 Navigation Satellite In Geosynchronous Orbit
The satellite was successfully injected into an initial orbit of 170.3km x 38,080km: Reports
NELLORE: The Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) has successfully completed the orbit-raising manoeuvres of the NVS-03 navigation satellite, placing it in its designated geosynchronous orbit and marking a major milestone in its orbital journey.
The satellite was successfully injected into an initial orbit of 170.3km x 38,080km by the GSLV-F18 launch vehicle on October 30, 2026, at 11.51pm from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, SHAR, Sriharikota.
ISRO said four orbit-raising manoeuvres had been successfully completed, involving a cumulative Liquid Apogee Motor (LAM) engine burn of 6,164 seconds. The satellite has reached a geosynchronous orbit of 35,765km x 36,196km, with an inclination of 29.98 degrees. Its health was normal.
NVS-03 is the third satellite in Isro’s next-generation navigation satellite series, envisaged to ensure continuity of navigation services provided by the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS), also known as Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC).
The satellite carries an indigenous atomic clock alongside procured clocks. It also incorporates the L1 signal in addition to the L5 and S-band signals, enhancing NavIC coverage over the Indian landmass and a region extending 1,500km beyond the country's geopolitical boundaries.
The successful orbital manoeuvres pave the way for further commissioning activities and are expected to strengthen India's independent satellite-based navigation capabilities.