The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Saturday congratulated the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on the successful launch of GSLV-F18 carrying NVS-03, the third satellite in India’s next-generation navigation satellite series.
MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal described the launch as an important milestone in strengthening India’s indigenous space-based navigation capabilities and advancing self-reliance in critical technologies.
In a post on X, Jaiswal congratulated the scientists and engineers associated with the mission, acknowledging their dedication and contribution to the country’s space programme.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also congratulated ISRO scientists and engineers, saying the mission would strengthen India’s indigenous satellite navigation system, NavIC, and enhance navigation services across the country.
The Prime Minister said NVS-03 is equipped with enhanced capabilities that would further India’s efforts towards self-reliance in critical technologies.
ISRO launched the NVS-03 satellite aboard the GSLV-F18 rocket on Friday. Following its successful separation from the launch vehicle, the satellite was injected into its intended Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO).
NVS-03 is the third satellite in ISRO’s next-generation navigation satellite series, designed to ensure continuity of navigation services under the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS), popularly known as NavIC.
The satellite carries an indigenous atomic clock along with procured atomic clocks. It also incorporates the L1 navigation signal in addition to the existing L5 and S-band signals, further expanding the capabilities of the NavIC system.
NavIC is designed to provide navigation coverage across India’s landmass and an area extending up to 1,500 kilometres beyond the country’s geopolitical boundary.
-ANI
