Watch: Moment Isro's GSLV-F18 turned night into day, roared into space with NVS-03

Isro's GSLV-F18 launched NVS-03 from Sriharikota and placed it in transfer orbit. The mission advances efforts to strengthen NavIC after corrective measures followed the NVS-02 setback.

In Short

• The 2,232-kg satellite entered its intended geosynchronous transfer orbit successfully
• This mission marked the twentieth flight of India's geosynchronous launch vehicle
• New L1, L5 and S-band signals broaden receiver and device compatibility

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched its GSLV-F18 rocket carrying the next-generation navigation satellite NVS-03 from Sriharikota in the early hours of Saturday, marking a crucial milestone in India's efforts to strengthen its independent satellite navigation system, NavIC.

The 50-metre-tall Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle lifted off from the Second Launch Pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre at 11:51 pm on October 30. The rocket successfully injected the 2,232-kg NVS-03 satellite into a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO).

WATCH MOMENT ISRO'S GSLV-F18 LAUNCHED INTO SPACE

The mission marked the 20th flight of India's GSLV and provided a major boost to the country's home-grown navigation infrastructure.

NVS-03 is the third satellite in ISRO's second-generation navigation satellite series, designed to ensure continuity and improve the availability of services under the Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC).

The successful deployment is particularly significant because India's regional navigation constellation has been facing a shortage of operational satellites.

NavIC provides positioning, navigation and timing services across India's mainland and approximately 1,500 km beyond its geopolitical boundaries. It is designed to support applications ranging from everyday navigation and transportation to maritime operations, disaster management and strategic requirements.

NVS-03 carries an indigenous atomic clock alongside procured atomic clocks. It also incorporates the L1 navigation signal alongside the existing L5 and S-band signals, expanding compatibility with navigation receivers and consumer devices.

The launch also comes after the setback involving its predecessor, NVS-02, which was launched in January 2025.

Although GSLV-F15 successfully placed NVS-02 into its designated transfer orbit, the satellite failed to reach its final operational orbit because of a technical problem involving the electrical activation of a pyrotechnic valve in its propulsion system.

For NVS-03, ISRO incorporated corrective measures to prevent a recurrence of the problem.

However, the satellite's journey is not over yet. It must perform a series of orbit-raising manoeuvres using its onboard propulsion system to reach its designated geosynchronous operational orbit.

The successful launch is therefore the first major milestone in a mission critical to India's navigation ambitions. Once NVS-03 completes its orbital manoeuvres and commissioning, it will strengthen NavIC's ability to provide independent navigation services.

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