ISRO to Launch Navigation Satellite NVS-03 Aboard GSLV-F18 Rocket from Sriharikota

Why in the News?

The **Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)** is scheduled to launch the **NVS-03** navigation satellite aboard the **GSLV-F18** rocket from the Second Launch Pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.

Key Features / Major Points:

- Flight Milestone: This mission marks the **20th flight of India’s Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV)**. The rocket will deploy the payload into a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO).

- Satellite Details: NVS-03 is the **third, second-generation navigation satellite** designed to maintain and boost the operational continuity of the **Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC)** system.

- Indigenous Technology: To enhance positioning accuracy, the satellite carries an **indigenous atomic clock** alongside imported atomic timekeeping instruments.

- NavIC Operational Capability: NavIC provides Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) coverage over the Indian mainland and extends up to **1,500 km beyond India's international borders**.

- Future Roadmap: A successful deployment restores NavIC's baseline operational threshold to 4 satellites, paving the way for upcoming NVS-04 and NVS-05 launches to stabilize India's independent navigation capabilities.

Static GK Facts:

- ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation):

- Formed: **August 15, 1969** | Headquarters: **Bengaluru, Karnataka**.

- Current Chairman: Dr. V. Narayanan.

- NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation):

- India's independent regional satellite navigation system (formerly IRNSS).

- Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC SHAR):

- Location: **Sriharikota, Tirupati District, Andhra Pradesh**.

One-Liner Quiz (All Competitive Exams):

Q: Which satellite launch vehicle is being used by ISRO to launch the NVS-03 navigation satellite?

A: GSLV-F18

Q: What is the full form/expanded name of India's regional satellite navigation system NavIC?

A: Navigation with Indian Constellation

Q: Up to what distance beyond India's borders does the NavIC constellation provide coverage?

A: 1,500 Kilometers

Q: Where is the headquarters of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) located?

A: Bengaluru, Karnataka

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