NavIC-03 reaches orbit; smartphone navigation services may take time

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: India's latest navigation satellite, NVS-03, has reached its designated orbit at an altitude of 35,842.6 km above the Earth. However, users may have to wait before navigation and positioning services become available on mobile phones and other devices. The services require regulatory and technical clearances. Before that, the satellite must complete its official commissioning process, ISRO officials said.

India will receive these services through the Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC) system, which is similar to the United States' Global Positioning System (GPS).

At present, four satellites are available for NavIC services. The system is also supported by atomic clock facilities at ground stations in Guwahati, Ahmedabad, Faridabad, Bengaluru and Bhubaneswar. NavIC can provide navigation services across India and an area extending up to 1,500 km beyond the country's borders. However, its coverage and capabilities will remain limited for now. Two more satellites are required to provide services on a full scale.

ISRO plans to launch the NVS-04 and NVS-05 satellites within the next few months. Until then, NavIC services will remain limited. This is why additional preparations are being made before the services are rolled out to users.

Mobile phones from brands such as Apple, Samsung, Xiaomi, Oppo, Realme, OnePlus and Vivo sold in India have hardware support for NavIC. The NVS-03 satellite was launched from Sriharikota on October 30 using the GSLV-F18 rocket.