By Shishir Prashant 
PrashantNews
India on Saturday successfully launched the GSLV-F18 rocket carrying navigation satellite NVS-03, marking another significant step in the country’s efforts to strengthen its indigenous satellite navigation capabilities.
The launch was carried out by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), with the mission aimed at augmenting NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation), India’s own satellite-based navigation system.
Equipped with enhanced capabilities, NVS-03 is expected to further strengthen navigation services and support India’s pursuit of self-reliance in critical space and navigation technologies.
NavIC provides positioning, navigation and timing services over India and the surrounding region. Strengthening the system is important for a range of applications, including transportation, maritime operations, disaster management and strategic requirements.
The successful launch adds to India’s growing capabilities in space-based navigation and reflects the continued progress of its space programme.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated ISRO scientists and engineers on the successful mission, describing it as an important step towards strengthening India’s indigenous navigation system.
In a post on X, Modi said the mission would advance India’s pursuit of self-reliance in critical technologies and strengthen navigation services for the benefit of citizens.
He also lauded the dedication and ingenuity of India’s space scientists, saying their continued achievements made the nation proud.