NavIC Loses Standalone Navigation Capability
India’s indigenous satellite navigation system, NavIC, cannot currently provide standalone positioning services because only three satellites remain capable of delivering Positioning, Navigation and Timing signals. At least four operational satellites are required to independently calculate a user’s location.
NavIC Left With Three PNT Satellites
The government informed the Lok Sabha that IRNSS-1B, IRNSS-1I and NVS-01 are the only satellites currently providing full PNT services.
IRNSS-1F stopped contributing after completing its planned 10-year mission life. Although NavIC’s standalone positioning function is unavailable, its timing service continues to operate normally.
NavIC was designed as a seven-satellite regional constellation providing coverage across India and an area extending approximately 1,500 kilometres beyond the country’s borders.
Users Rely on Multiple Navigation Systems
The government said the reduced constellation does not create an immediate operational vulnerability because modern receivers generally use signals from several global navigation satellite systems simultaneously.
Devices can combine NavIC signals with GPS, Galileo, GLONASS and other navigation networks. India’s armed forces also use multi-constellation systems to support operational requirements.
However, the present limitation means NavIC cannot independently determine latitude, longitude, altitude and time without assistance from another satellite navigation network.
ISRO Prepares NVS-03 for Launch
ISRO is preparing to strengthen the constellation through additional second-generation navigation satellites. NVS-03 is ready for launch, while NVS-04 and NVS-05 are in advanced stages of development.
The rebuilding effort follows the NVS-02 setback. Although the satellite was successfully launched in January 2025, a propulsion-system problem prevented it from reaching its intended operational orbit.
The upcoming missions are expected to restore NavIC’s standalone positioning capability and improve the reliability of India’s strategic navigation infrastructure.
