NVS-03 reaches geosynchronous orbit; satellite in good health

The GSLV rocket carrying the second generation navigation satellite NVS-03 lifts off from the Satish Dhawan Space Center in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. | Photo credit: PTI

The NVS-03 satellite launched by the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) on 30 October 2026 has reached its intended geosynchronous orbit.

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In an update on Wednesday (November 4, 2026), ISRO said that after four successful orbital maneuvers, the satellite reached Geosynchronous Orbit (35765 km x 36196 km) at an inclination of 29.980.

“Four orbital maneuvers were successfully completed with a cumulative burn of the LAM engine in 6164 seconds. Thus, the satellite reached Geosynchronous Orbit (35765 km x 36196 km) at an inclination of 29.980,” ISRO said.

The NVS-03 satellite was successfully injected into a 170.3 km x 38080 km orbit by the GSLV on October 30.

NVS-03 is the third satellite in the next generation navigation satellite system to provide continuity of navigation services for the IRNSS series.

The satellite carries the indigenous atomic clock along with the procured clock. Apart from the L5 and S band signals, it also includes the L1 signal with coverage of the Indian mainland and a region spanning 1,500 km around India’s geopolitical border.

The space agency also said the health of the satellite is normal.

The development is significant as ISRO was unable to carry out the intended orbit raising operations for the NVS-02 satellite in 2025 due to a valve failure. NVS-02, the second satellite in the NVS series, was launched by ISRO on 29 January 2025.

Published – November 4, 2026 11:00 PM IST