ISRO Chief Explains How NVS-03 Succeeded In Expanding NavIC
The NVS-03 mission has restored India’s regional navigation satellite system NavIC’s minimum operational configuration of four satellites.
Sriharikota: The successful launch of navigation satellite NVS-03 has strengthened India’s indigenous NavIC system, with Isro incorporating changes that addressed the technical problem encountered during the NVS-02 mission in January 2025. Addressing media at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, SHAR, in the early hours of Saturday after the successful launch of GSLV-F18, Isro chairman Dr V. Narayanan said the space agency had kept three pyro valves open in NVS-03 to prevent a recurrence of the problem encountered during the launch of its predecessor.
The precaution followed detailed technical assessment, including vibration and shock tests, by a national-level committee headed by former Isro chairman A.S. Kiran Kumar. In January 2025, NVS-02 could not be manoeuvred into its intended operational orbit after an electrical signal failed to reach a pyro valve in the oxidiser line of its propulsion system.
The subsequent investigation identified a possible connector-contact issue in the electrical circuit. Isro incorporated changes in NVS-03 to prevent the problem from recurring.
Dr Narayanan said GSLV-F18 has injected with high accuracy the 2,250-kg satellite into its designated Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO). The planned perigee of 170.36 km has been achieved at 170.31 km, while the planned apogee of 37,247 km is 38,080 km.
He described the orbital injection accuracy as one of the best performances by a launch vehicle. The NVS-03 mission has restored India’s regional navigation satellite system NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation)’s minimum operational configuration of four satellites. The system provides Position, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) services across India as well as in an area extending approximately 1,500 km beyond the mainland. Highlighting NavIC’s applications, the Isro chairman said around 10,400 locomotives and 64,000 fishing vessels are being tracked in real time using the system. The agency aims to extend the tracking facility to one lakh fishing vessels within the next six months under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana. Around 15 lakh vehicles have also been fitted with tracking devices. Dr Narayanan said the introduction of L1 civilian navigation signal in NVS-03, alongside the existing L5 and S-band signals; would expand the scope of NavIC applications. Wider compatibility with civilian mobile phones, however, would depend on strengthening the constellation to its full seven-satellite configuration. The Isro chairman disclosed that the next-generation navigation satellites NVS-04 and NVS-05 are to be launched within approximately 10 months. Their deployment is expected to improve the continuity, accuracy, and reliability of India’s navigation services. The NVS-03 mission is testimony to a shorter launch schedule.
The launch campaign had been completed in 47 days, while GSLV-F18 took off 56 days after the previous GSLV mission. The four L40 strap-on boosters had been readied in 37 days, reflecting Isro’s efforts to increase launch frequency and operational efficiency. Dr Narayanan said Isro is preparing for five more launches before the end of the current financial year.
These include the first un-crewed Gaganyaan mission G1, two PSLV missions, a small satellite mission, and a private launch. Those present at the press briefing included senior Isro officials Thomas Kurian, GSLV-F18 Mission director, and U.P. Rajeev, Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre director. Photo caption: Isro chairman Dr. V. Narayanan addressing media after the successful launch of GSLV-F18 / NVS-03 Mission at Shar, Sriharikota on Saturday.
