GSLV-F18 rocket lifts off from Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. ISRO’s Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV-F18), carrying the NVS-03 navigation satellite on board, successfully lifted off at 11.51 pm from the Second Launch Pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC-SHAR). The GSLV-F18 vehicle will place NVS-03 satellite into a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit. NVS-03 is the third satellite in next generation navigation satellite system envisaged for providing continuity of navigation services for IRNSS series. The satellite carries Indigenous Atomic clock, along with the procured Atomic clocks. It also includes L1 signal in addition to existing L5/S signals with Coverage over India land mass and a region extending 1500 km around Indian geopolitical boundary. According to ISRO, five second-generation NavIC satellites–NVS-01/02/03/04/05 are envisaged to augment NavIC base layer constellation with enhanced features for ensuring continuity of services. The NVS series of satellites incorporates L1 band signals additionally to widen the services. NVS-01, the first of the second-generation satellites was launched onboard GSLV-F12 on May 29, 2023. For the first time, an indigenous atomic clock was flown in NVS-01. Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC) is India’s independent regional navigation satellite system designed to provide accurate Position, Velocity and Timing (PVT) service to users in India as well as the region extending about 1500 km beyond the Indian landmass, which is its primary service area. NavIC is providing two types of services, namely, Standard Positioning Service (SPS) and Restricted Service (RS), ISRO has said. Ananya is a journalist with a strong grounding in breaking news and a deep-rooted passion for geopolitics. She has 6 years of experience in TV and Dig... View More