The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched NVS-03, a next-generation navigation satellite, on Friday, strengthening India’s indigenous NavIC navigation system.
The satellite was carried into space by a Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.
NVS-03 features an indigenous Rubidium atomic clock and will transmit signals across the L1, L5 and S bands. Its L1-band capability will improve compatibility with civilian smartphones and wearable devices.
Besides navigation, the satellite will support precise timekeeping, which is essential for banking, financial markets and defence operations. The launch is expected to strengthen India’s efforts to reduce reliance on foreign navigation systems such as GPS.
