India launches new satellite to strengthen its own navigation system

India has sent a new-generation satellite, NVS-03, into space to further strengthen its indigenous navigation system, NavIC.

According to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), the satellite was launched by the GSLV-F18 rocket at 11:51 pm local time on Friday night. The launch took place from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.

ISRO said on social media platform X that the rocket successfully placed the satellite in its designated orbit. According to ISRO, this was the 20th flight in the GSLV series.

NVS-03, the third of the new-generation navigation satellites, is expected to keep the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS) services running. The satellite carries an indigenously built atomic clock, which will provide more precise location and time data.

The system covers Indian territory as well as an area extending about 1,500 kilometers beyond the border. Such technology is considered essential for mapping, road, air, and water transport, rescue operations, and security. The satellite is also expected to help with disaster management and mobile technology.

India developed its own system to reduce dependence on the US GPS. Science and Technology Minister Jitendra Singh congratulated ISRO's scientists, saying the success reflects India's growing capability in space technology and its commitment to strengthening indigenous systems.