NVS-03 started successfully; satellite placed in the intended orbit

At least four satellites are theoretically required for basic NavIC services to operate effectively. However, information shared by the Indian government indicates that only three of the constellation’s 11 satellites are currently capable of performing their primary functions.

These include the first generation satellites IRNSS-1B and IRNSS-1I along with the second generation satellite NVS-01. IRNSS-1B has already exceeded its designed 10-year life, making its continued operation uncertain, while IRNSS-1I could remain operational until around 2028. NVS-01, if it performs as intended, has at least another decade of service ahead of it. Meanwhile, NVS-02, launched in January 2025, was unable to raise its orbit after its onboard engines failed, severely limiting its usefulness. As a result, NVS-01 is currently the only satellite that can be considered reliably operational in the long term.