ISRO set to launch GSLV-F18 carrying navigation satellite NVS-03 | LIVE - The HinduUpdated - October 30, 2026 07:56 pm ISTGSLV-F18/NVS-03 Mission is scheduled for launch on 30th October 2026, at 23:51 hours IST from Satish Dhawan Space Centre. (Photo: X/@isro) | Photo Credit: ANIISRO’s third space launch of 2026, GSLV-F18, will carry the 2,250-kg NVS-03 satellite into orbit. The mission is crucial to India’s efforts to gradually revive its ageing NavIC navigation satellite constellation.Also read | Countdown progressing for ISRO’s crucial GSLV-F18 launch carrying navigation satellite NVS-03Envisaged as India’s indigenous alternative to the U.S. GPS, Russia’s GLONASS and China’s BeiDou, NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation) is designed to provide independent navigation services across India and the surrounding region.Around 18 minutes and 40 seconds after liftoff from the Second Launch Pad at Sriharikota, the GSLV-F18 rocket is expected to deploy the NVS-03 satellite into its initial Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO). ISRO will then use the satellite’s onboard thrusters to raise it to its designated orbit.NVS-03 is equipped with an indigenous atomic clock alongside procured atomic clocks. It also features the L1 signal, in addition to the existing L5 and S-band signals, to enhance India’s NavIC navigation services.October 30, 2026 19:56What will it take to revive India's NavIC system?Restoring NavIC to its minimum operational capacity would require ISRO to launch at least two more NVS-series satellites, NVS-04 and NVS-05, in addition to the existing NVS-01 and the upcoming NVS-03. These four satellites would form the minimum constellation needed to resume the system’s core navigation services. The launches would need to be carried out within a relatively short timeframe to ensure continuity.However, four satellites would only meet the basic requirement. For greater reliability, stronger coverage and uninterrupted services, India would need additional backup satellites in orbit. This would mean building and maintaining a constellation of around six to seven NVS-series satellites to ensure the long-term stability of a regional navigation system like NavIC.October 30, 2026 19:26What is the present state of NavIC?For NavIC’s core services to function effectively, at least four satellites are theoretically required. However, information shared by the Indian government indicates that only three of the constellation’s 11 satellites are currently capable of performing their primary functions.These include first-generation satellites IRNSS-1B and IRNSS-1I, along with second-generation satellite NVS-01. IRNSS-1B has already exceeded its designed 10-year lifespan, making its continued operation uncertain, while IRNSS-1I could remain functional until around 2028. NVS-01, if it performs as intended, has at least another decade of service ahead. Meanwhile, NVS-02, launched in January 2025, was unable to raise its orbit after its onboard engines failed to fire, severely limiting its utility. As a result, NVS-01 is currently the only satellite that can be considered reliably operational over the long term.October 30, 2026 19:21Why is ISRO’s NVS-03 satellite launch crucial? | ExplainedWhy is ISRO’s NVS-03 satellite launch crucial? | ExplainedISRO’s NVS-03 launch could restore NavIC’s functionality, upgrading indigenous clocks and improving regional navigation amid recent launch setbacks.Published - October 30, 2026 07:21 pm ISTSign in to unlock member-only benefits!Access 10 free stories every monthSave stories to read laterAccess to comment on every storySign-up/manage your newsletter subscriptions with a single clickGet notified by email for early access to discounts & offers on our products${ ind + 1 } ${ device }Last active - ${ la }