ISRO launches NVS-03 satellite, aims to restore NavIC service

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) placed the NVS-03 satellite into orbit on the GSLV-F18 launch vehicle, marking the agency's third launch of 2026. The 2,250-kg satellite is part of the NavIC regional navigation system and follows NVS-01 (May 2023) and NVS-02 (January 2025).

ISRO has faced irregular launch intervals, with gaps of 19-20 months between missions, and recorded three launch failures among six missions from Indian soil between January 2025 and January 2026. These setbacks have slowed the buildup of the NavIC constellation.

Restoring NavIC to its minimum operational capacity will require at least two additional satellites, NVS-04 and NVS-05, to join the existing NVS-01 and the newly launched NVS-03. Four satellites would meet the basic requirement for core navigation services, while a larger fleet of six to seven satellites would provide greater reliability and coverage.

According to Indian government data, only three of NavIC's 11 satellites are currently capable of delivering primary functions: first-generation IRNSS-1B, IRNSS-1I, and second-generation NVS-01. IRNSS-1B has exceeded its 10-year design life, IRNSS-1I is expected to remain functional until around 2028, and NVS-01 is projected to operate for another decade. NVS-02, launched in January 2025, failed to raise its orbit after its engines did not fire, limiting its usefulness.

The United States maintains a larger GPS constellation of at least 30 satellites to ensure redundancy, while China operates the BeiDou system with roughly 35 satellites, providing context for India's efforts to achieve a stable regional navigation network.