ISRO’s GSLV-F18 rocket carrying the second-generation navigation satellite NVS-03 lifts off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, Friday, October 30. Photo: X/@nithinnabin
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday (October 31, 2026) congratulated scientists and engineers at ISRO on the successful launch of GSLV-F18 carrying NVS-03 and said the mission marks an important step in strengthening NavIC, the country’s indigenous satellite navigation system.
Mr. Modi also said that equipped with enhanced capabilities, NVS-03 will further India’s pursuit of self-reliance in critical technologies and support navigation services that benefit the people.
“Congratulations to our scientists and engineers at ISRO on the successful launch of GSLV-F18 carrying NVS-03. This mission marks an important step in strengthening NavIC, our indigenous satellite navigation system,” he said in a post on X.
The Prime Minister said the dedication and ingenuity of India’s space scientists continue to make the nation proud.
India’s independent regional navigation satellite system NavIC was restored to its minimum operational configuration of four satellites on Friday (October 30, 2026) as ISRO successfully launched its navigation satellite NVS-03, which was placed into the designated injection orbit by a GSLV rocket.
The second-generation navigation satellite NVS-03, with indigenous and procured atomic clock, has a wide array of applications, including civilian use like real-time tracking of trains, vehicles and shipping vessels.
Published – October 31, 2026 12:52 pm IST
