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GSLV LAUNCHES NEXT-GENERATION NAVIGATION SATELLITE NVS-03

01 Nov 2026

Tags: Prelims   Current events of national and international importance

Source: The Hindu

Context: Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched NVS-03 aboard Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV-F18) to strengthen India's regional navigation system, NavIC.

NVS-03: Key Features

  • Satellite weight: 2,250 kg.
  • Mission life: 12 years.
  • Orbit: Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO).
  • Atomic clocks: Carries an indigenous atomic clock alongside procured atomic clocks.
  • Signals: Adds L1 frequency to existing L5 and S-band signals.
  • Purpose: Strengthen NavIC and restore its constellation's functioning.

NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation)

  • Earlier name: Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS).
  • Nature: India's independent regional satellite-based navigation system.
  • Services: Position, Navigation and Timing (PNT).
  • Coverage: India and approximately 1,500 km beyond its geopolitical boundary.
  • Applications: Civilian navigation, transportation, disaster management, surveying and strategic applications.
  • Operational constellation: Designed with 7 satellites — 3 in Geostationary Orbit (GEO) and 4 in Geosynchronous Orbit (GSO).

Significance of NVS-03

  • Third satellite in the next-generation NVS series.
  • Addresses deterioration of NavIC services due to repeated failures of atomic clocks.
  • Previous replacement satellite NVS-02 could not reach its intended orbit.

Additional Prelims Facts

  • L1, L5 and S-band: Different radio-frequency bands used for satellite navigation signals.
  • Atomic clock: Provides highly precise time measurement, essential for calculating satellite-based positioning.
  • GTO: An elliptical transfer orbit used to place satellites into higher geosynchronous or geostationary orbits.
  • Launch site: Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.

Prelims Question

Q1. With reference to India's Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC), consider the following statements:

  1. NavIC was earlier known as the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS).
  2. Its operational constellation is designed to comprise three satellites in Geostationary Orbit and four in Geosynchronous Orbit.
  3. NavIC provides Position, Navigation and Timing services exclusively within India's geographical boundaries.
  4. The addition of the L1 frequency to NavIC's existing signals is intended to enhance its compatibility with navigation receivers.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1, 2 and 4 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 3 and 4 only

Answer: (b)

Explanation:

  • Statement 1 is Correct: NavIC was earlier known as IRNSS.
  • Statement 2 is Correct: Its baseline constellation comprises three Geostationary Orbit (GEO) and four Geosynchronous Orbit (GSO) satellites.
  • Statement 3 is Incorrect: NavIC covers India and approximately 1,500 km beyond its geographical boundaries.
  • Statement 4 is Correct: The L1 signal improves interoperability with widely used satellite navigation receivers and applications.

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