The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is slated to launch the much-awaited NVS-03 — its third new-generation navigation satellite — on October 30. The satellite is likely to restore the functioning of India’s satellite-based positioning system, NavIC, which had stopped providing location data after the end of life and failure of atomic clocks, and recent failed launches of its satellites.

The new satellite, whose launch has been in the pipeline since late 2025 but has been delayed by multiple factors, will help the NavIC system meet the minimum requirement of four operational satellites to provide positioning data again. We explain what NavIC is, the issues it has faced in the past, and how it compares with other satellite-based navigation systems.

What is NavIC?

NavIC, which stands for Navigation with Indian Constellation, is the operational name for the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS).…