Discuss the technological challenges India has faced in keeping the NavIC constellation running, and the steps taken to fix them.

NavIC (IRNSS) is India's regional satellite navigation system. It covers the Indian landmass and 1,500 km beyond it [1]. For basic positioning it needs at least four operational satellites [4]. Keeping that minimum running has been a recurring technological struggle, and the next-generation NVS series is now closing the gap.

Technological challenges

• Atomic clock failures: first-generation satellites relied on imported clocks. IRNSS-1F completed its 10-year design life on 10 March 2026, and its procured atomic clock stopped three days later. The satellite now serves only one-way messaging [3].
• Below the operational threshold: as of July 2026, only three satellites were providing PNT services. That meant no standalone position fix, only timing service [4].
• Orbit-raising failure: NVS-02 was launched successfully on GSLV-F15 in January 2025. It was left in an elliptical orbit because the oxidiser valves for its thrusters did not open [2].
• Ageing fleet, thin margin: older satellites are reaching end of life before replacements arrive. With no in-orbit spare, one fault can cut service. IRNSS-1F's loss could not be covered until a new satellite reached orbit [3][4].
• Limited interoperability: first-generation signals (L5, S-band) did not work with mass-market handsets, which slowed civilian adoption.

Steps taken

• Next-generation NVS series: NVS-03 was launched on GSLV from Sriharikota on 30 October 2026. It reached geosynchronous orbit after four manoeuvres, and its health is normal [1]. Once in-orbit checks are complete, it should restore the four-satellite minimum.
• Indigenous atomic clock: it flies alongside procured clocks and reduces dependence on imports [1].
• New L1 band: added to L5 and S-band, it makes NavIC compatible with civilian and smartphone receivers [1].
• Propulsion confidence: the four clean manoeuvres suggest the NVS-02 problem has been overcome [1].
• Replacement pipeline: NVS-04 and NVS-05 are in advanced stages of realisation [4].

NavIC's setbacks came from clocks, propulsion and replacement timing, not from the concept itself. The way forward is to launch replacements before design lives end, keep at least one in-orbit spare, move fully to indigenous clocks and publish failure analyses. These steps would make NavIC a dependable pillar of Atmanirbhar Bharat and of India's strategic autonomy in Positioning, Navigation and Timing.