GSLV-F18 / NVS-03 (aka IRNSS-1L) launch is scheduled at 18:21:00(UTC)/23:51:00(IST), 30 Oct 2026 from Second Launch Pad of SDSC-SHAR.

• Launch Countdown

• Actual flight events (To be added post-launch if available)

Live webcast: (Links will be added as they become available)

• ISRO Official Stream

Some highlights:

• Primary payload: NVS-03 (~2250 kg) GSO based Navigation satellite.
• Mission duration: ~19 minutes (based on GSLV-F15 / NVS-02 mission)
• Target Orbit : 170 × 37023 km, Inclination = 20.75° ± 0.1°, AoP = 178° ± 0.5°
• Launch Azimuth: 106°
• As a cautionary measure NVS-03 will be launched with its pyro valves in open state.

Updates:

Primary Payload:

NVS-03 (aka IRNSS-1L) (~2250 kg) : NVS-03 is a second-generation satellite for NavIC constellation for regional navigation and timing services.

Similar to first generation satellites it will have navigation payloads in L5 & S bands and ranging payload in C-band. But additionally, it will have a new interoperable civil signal in L1 band as well.^{[1] [2]}

Like NVS-01 and NVS-02 it is expected to carry only one indigenous Rubidium based atomic clock (iRAFS) developed by Space Applications Centre (SAC) out of four in total. ^{[3] [4] [5]}

• Mass: 2,250 kg
• Orbital slot: <To be added later>
• Mission life: 12 years
• Power: ~3 kW
• Platform/Bus: I-2K

NVS-03 is third of the five satellites (NVS-01, 02, 03, 04 & 05) planned to replace the aging first generation satellites that faced problems with their malfunctioning atomic clocks. Initially these second generation satellites were meant to expand upon existing NaVIC constellation ^{[6] [7]} but due to setback from failures of imported clocks on many first generation satellites, they will now only serve as replacement to existing fleet. At present only three out of eight NavIC satellites (IRNSS-1B, 1I and NVS-01) remain functional to provide PNT services. ^[8] Note that four satellites is the minimum amount needed for NavIC PNT services to be functional.

ISRO has sought approval of three more navigation satellites under NavIC Phase-3 to maintain the base layer of seven satellites. Eventually NavIC constellation can be expanded from 7 to 11 satellites which will increase the service area from 1500 km to 3000 km beyond Indian territory.

For Global Indian Navigation System (GINS), ISRO is awaiting approval of twelve satellites initially to be placed in the Medium Earth Orbit (MEO). While about 24 to 30 satellites would be needed in total. ^{[9] [10]}