Tech Watch | India's navigation satellites: Back on track

Download AppNewsUP FrontTech Watch | India’s navigation satellites: Back on track NVS-03 is the third of a five-satellite series being developed to augment the NavIC constellationISSUE DATE: Nov 16, 2026 | Nov 6, 2026 19:31 IST The successful launch of navigation satellite NVS-03 (in picture) from Sriharikota on November 1 achieves the critical objective of restoring India’s homegrown satellite navigation constellation called NavIC. This system, providing position, navigation and timing (PNT) services across the country’s landmass and up to 1,500 km beyond, had been handicapped after the 10-year-old satellite, IRNSS-1F, reached the end of its mission life in March with its onboard atomic clock ceasing to function. This meant that only three satellites, IRNSS-1B, IRNSS-1I and NVS-01, were available for PNT services though a minimum of four is required for optimal performance. Hence, the NavIC constellation could not provide standalone positioning service though the timing service was functional.