Assam CM Praises ISROs GSLV-F18 Launch, Boosting Indias Defense Capabilities

Guwahati, October 31 (Daily Kiran) : Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma congratulated the scientists of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Saturday following the successful launch of the GSLV-F18 rocket, which carried the NVS-03 navigation satellite. He hailed this achievement as a significant milestone for India’s indigenous navigation capabilities.

In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, CM Sarma noted that the successful launch ensures the operational status of India’s own navigation system, “Navigation with Indian Constellation.” This development reduces the country’s reliance on foreign navigation systems and strengthens the capabilities of the armed forces.

Sarma emphasized that the launch is a pivotal moment for India’s navigation capabilities. The successful deployment of the GSLV-F18 has eliminated dependence on foreign entities for mapping and enhanced the operational strength of the military. He also extended his congratulations to the scientists involved in the mission, expressing national pride in their accomplishments.

The GSLV-F18 rocket took off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, at 11:51 PM on Friday. It carried the NVS-03 satellite, which weighs 2,232 kilograms. ISRO later confirmed that the satellite was successfully placed in its designated geosynchronous transfer orbit.

This mission marked the 20th flight of India’s Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV). The NVS-03 satellite is the third in ISRO’s next-generation navigation satellite series, designed to maintain and enhance services under India’s indigenous regional navigation system.

The satellite features an indigenously developed atomic clock, along with atomic clocks sourced from other locations. In addition to the existing L5 and S-band signals, it includes the L1 navigation signal.

NAVIC provides positioning, navigation, and timing services across an area extending approximately 1,500 kilometers beyond India’s mainland and geographic boundaries. Its applications encompass navigation for civilians, transportation, marine operations, and strategic defense needs.

This successful mission is crucial as India continues to strengthen its indigenous space infrastructure and reduce dependence on foreign satellite navigation systems like GPS.