India relies on satellite technology for many daily services, from travel to location tracking. Its own navigation system, NavIC, helps users find locations and access important timing information across the country and nearby regions.
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is preparing for another key step in strengthening this system. It has scheduled the GSLV-F18/NVS-03 mission for 11.51 pm on Friday, October 30, from Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh.
The mission will carry NVS-03, the third satellite in India’s second-generation NavIC series. The satellite will enter a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit after launch.
NVS-03 will add the L1 navigation signal to the existing L5 and S signals. This will improve NavIC’s capabilities and support services across India and an area extending about 1,500 km beyond its borders.
The satellite also carries an indigenous atomic clock. ISRO says the new generation of navigation satellites will help maintain India’s independent navigation services.
