The 50-metre-tall, three-stage GSLV-F18 rocket weighed 420 tonnes at the time of launch. Its primary objective was to deploy NVS-03 into the designated Geostationary Transfer Orbit, and ISRO successfully completed the operation.
Special Technical Arrangement Used for NVS-03 Launch
According to the mission handbook released by ISRO, the orbit in which the satellite was deployed has a perigee, or closest distance from Earth, of 170 kilometres and an apogee, or farthest distance, of 37,023 kilometres. The orbit has an inclination of 20.75 degrees.
ISRO launched NVS-03 using an unusual technical arrangement in which the satellite's pyrotechnically operated valves were opened before launch. Under normal launch conditions, the propellant supply is kept isolated to protect the spacecraft's fuel system from the intense vibrations generated during the launch.
The special arrangement was introduced to prevent a recurrence of the connector malfunction that affected the NVS-02 mission in January 2025. That technical failure prevented NVS-02 from reaching its designated orbit.
Why NVS-03 Is Important for India's Navigation System
NVS-03 is the third satellite in India's next-generation navigation satellite system. It has been developed to ensure continuity of navigation services for the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS) series.
The satellite is equipped with both an indigenous atomic clock and external atomic clocks. In addition to the existing L5 and S signals, it also incorporates the L1 signal. Its coverage extends across the entire Indian region and up to 1,500 kilometres beyond India's geographical boundaries.
According to sources, corrective measures recommended by a high-level committee have also been fully incorporated into the launch to ensure the mission's success.
NVS-03 is an important component of Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC), India's Regional Satellite Navigation System. It carries an indigenous rubidium atomic clock developed by the Space Applications Centre. The satellite will broadcast signals across the L1, L5 and S bands.
The inclusion of the L1 band will make the navigation system compatible with civilian chipsets used in modern smartphones and wearable electronic devices, expanding its compatibility with consumer electronics.
What Is the GSLV-F18 Rocket?
GSLV-F18 is the 20th flight of India's Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV). The launch vehicle was assigned the task of placing the NVS-03 satellite into Geostationary Transfer Orbit.
The rocket was launched from the Second Launch Pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SHAR) in Sriharikota.
How NVS-03 Will Reach Its Final Geostationary Orbit
Following its successful deployment into Geostationary Transfer Orbit, NVS-03 will undertake a series of orbital manoeuvres in multiple phases to gradually raise its altitude.
After completing these manoeuvres, the satellite will be positioned in its final Geostationary Orbit at 32.5 degrees east longitude.
The successful launch is significant for the continuity of India's NavIC navigation services, particularly as the satellite incorporates the L1 signal and technical improvements introduced following the NVS-02 mission's failure to reach its designated orbit.
Earlier, on September 4, ISRO had successfully launched the EOS-05 satellite, marking another achievement for the Indian space agency. The NVS-03 mission further strengthens India's next-generation satellite navigation programme.
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