GSLV places next-generation navigation satellite into orbit, Pg12

Key Highlights:

• The Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV-F18) successfully launched the NVS-03 satellite from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.
• NVS-03, weighing 2,250 kg, is the third satellite in India's next-generation navigation system, NavIC.
• The satellite carries an indigenous atomic clock and introduces the L1 signal in addition to existing L5/S signals.
• Its successful deployment is crucial for restoring the functionality of the NavIC constellation, which faced issues due to atomic clock failures.
• NVS-03 has a mission life of 12 years and will provide navigation services over India and a 1,500 km surrounding region.

NVS 03.jpg

Detailed Insights:

• The launch placed the NVS-03 satellite into its intended Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit approximately 18 minutes after liftoff.
• NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation) is India’s independent regional navigation satellite system, previously known as IRNSS.
• The addition of the L1 signal enhances the system's compatibility with international global navigation satellite systems.
• The constellation's performance was impacted by repeated failures of atomic clocks, including the last functioning clock aboard IRNSS-1F ceasing operation earlier in 2026.
• A previous attempt to launch a replacement satellite, NVS-02, failed to reach its intended orbit, making the NVS-03 launch critical.
• This mission marks ISRO's third launch in 2026, following the failed PSLV-C62 mission with EOS-N1 and the successful GSLV-F17 mission with EOS-05.

Scientific/Technical Concepts Involved:

• Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV): An expendable space launch vehicle developed by ISRO to launch satellites into geosynchronous transfer orbits.
• NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation): India's independent regional satellite navigation system providing accurate position, navigation, and timing services.
• Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit: An elliptical orbit used to transfer a spacecraft from a low Earth orbit to a geosynchronous orbit.
• Atomic Clock: A highly precise timekeeping device that uses the resonant frequency of atoms as its reference.