NavIC’s revival has moved a step closer with space minister Jitendra Singh confirming in the Lok Sabha that NVS-03 is ready for launch, with three more satellites to follow in order to restore the constellation to its full strength.

The minister stated that NVS-03 has incorporated all corrective measures arising from the NVS-02 anomaly in 2025. That mission had failed to reach its intended orbit due to a propulsion system malfunction, but the lessons learned were successfully implemented and tested in CMS-03.

These improvements will now be applied to subsequent satellites, including those in the NavIC series carrying bi-propellant systems.

Singh explained that NVS-03 will be followed by NVS-04 and NVS-05, with one additional satellite planned thereafter to complete the seven-satellite base layer constellation.

This will restore India’s Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System, known as NavIC, to full operational capability. However, he did not specify the timeline for these launches, leaving the schedule open-ended.

At present, only IRNSS-1B, IRNSS-1L, and NVS-01 are capable of providing navigation services. For NavIC to deliver effective standalone positioning services, at least four satellites with operational atomic clocks are required. With only three functional spacecraft, the system is no longer able to provide independent navigation, though timing services remain available.

The failure of NVS-02 in 2025 was a significant setback, as it was intended to replace ageing first-generation satellites that had suffered atomic clock failures. The corrective measures introduced since then have been validated, giving ISRO confidence that the upcoming launches will succeed in restoring the constellation.

NavIC, designed to provide Positioning, Navigation and Timing (PNT) services across India and up to 1,500 kilometres beyond its borders, is strategically important.

It reduces reliance on foreign systems such as GPS and Galileo, and supports critical applications in defence, disaster management, transport, and secure communications. Civilian uses include real-time train tracking, maritime safety, and integration into mobile handsets.

The restoration of the constellation is therefore vital for India’s long-term technological and strategic autonomy. With NVS-03 ready for launch and three more satellites planned, the government is signalling its determination to bring NavIC back to full strength and ensure that India regains its indigenous navigation capability.

Agencies