Setback for India's navigation system: 1 of 4 operational IRNSS satellites fails, Pg2

Key Highlights:

• IRNSS 1-F, one of the four operational satellites of NavIC, failed after completing its 10-year mission on March 10, 2026.
• The failure was caused by the malfunction of its last functional atomic clock.
• Only three satellites (IRNSS 1-B, IRNSS 1-H, and IRNSS 1-J/NVS-01) are currently providing full PNT (Position, Navigation, and Timing) services.
• To date, six of the 11 NavIC satellites have failed, primarily due to defective atomic clocks.

Detailed Insights:

• The NavIC system requires at least four fully operational satellites to provide navigation services to the public and government agencies.
• Despite the atomic clock failure, IRNSS-1F will continue to function in orbit for one-way broadcast messaging services.
• The Indian government spent approximately Rs 2,250 crore on the NavIC system, launching 11 satellites since July 2013.
• In July 2025, the government reported that only four of the 11 NavIC satellites were fully operational for PNT services.
• Two satellites failed to reach their intended orbit, and one was decommissioned after its end-of-life service.
• The failure of IRNSS 1-F is expected to affect location services provided by the NavIC system in India.

Key Concepts Involved:

• NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation): India's indigenous regional navigation satellite system.
• Atomic Clock: A highly accurate timekeeping device used in satellites for precise navigation.
• PNT (Position, Navigation, and Timing) Services: Essential services provided by navigation satellite systems.