India’s national space agency ISRO aims to boost GPS alternative with satellite launch
Launch planned from Sriharikota
NVS-03 is the third satellite in ISRO’s next-generation navigation series. The agency says its purpose is to augment the NavIC constellation and help maintain navigation services.
New signals and navigation coverage
The satellite carries an indigenous atomic clock as well as imported clocks, according to ISRO. It will add an L1 signal to the L5 and S-band signals already used.
NVS-03 is designed to provide navigation coverage throughout India and as far as 1,500 kilometers beyond the country’s borders. NavIC was developed as an alternative to the US government-owned GPS.
Program has faced setbacks
NavIC is intended to reduce India’s dependence on foreign navigation systems. The Hindustan Times has reported repeated problems, including atomic clock failures and difficulties with satellite launches and deployment.
Key points
- ISRO plans to launch NVS-03 aboard the GSLV-F18 rocket on Friday night.
- The mission aims to strengthen NavIC and support continuity of navigation services.
- NVS-03 is designed to cover India and areas up to 1,500 kilometers beyond its borders.
- NavIC has faced reported setbacks involving atomic clocks and satellite launches and deployment.