Isro successfully launches NVS-03 satellite to bolster NavIC constellation

The Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) Friday successfully launched the GSLV-F18 carrying the 2,250 kg NVS-03 navigation satellite, marking the space agency’s third launch this year and a key step towards restoring India’s NavIC constellation. It could also help improve regional navigation by upgrading indigenous highly precise timekeeping devices or atomic clocks.

The rocket lifted off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota at 11.51 pm, reaching its designated orbit after a flight of around 18 minutes and 40 seconds.

“GSLV-F18 has successfully and precisely injected the Navigation Satellite-03 weighing 2,250 kg in the intended elliptical orbit,” V Narayanan, chairman, Isro, said after the launch.