On May 29, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will conduct its third launch of the year, deploying the NVS-01 satellite to enhance the NavIC navigation constellation, which consists of seven satellites. This launch holds significance as it marks the first deployment of a navigational satellite under the new name NVS. Furthermore, it will surpass ISROs launch record during the past three years impacted by the pandemic, where only two launches were conducted in 2020, 2021, and 2022 respectively.The previous two launches conducted this year were noteworthy for different reasons. The first launch marked the induction of the new Small Satellite Launch Vehicle into the existing fleet of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). The second launch solidified the reliability of the LVM Mk3, the heaviest rocket, as a commercial launcher.Image source: eastcoastindiaApart from the upcoming launch at the end of May, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has further plans for significant missions. In the third quarter of this year, ISRO intends to launch its first solar mission, Aditya-L1. Additionally, two test vehicle missions are expected to take place later in the year, serving as a preliminary step towards the maiden unmanned flight of the Gaganyaan mission.The NVS-01 satellite will take over the navigation functions previously handled by the IRNSS-1G satellite in the constellation. However, IRNSS-1G will continue to serve its communication and messaging roles.The navigational capabilities of certain satellites were impacted when the atomic clocks onboard experienced malfunctions. In satellite-based navigation, the precise measurement of signal travel time is crucial for determining the location of objects on the ground.Following the malfunction of imported atomic clocks, India opted to develop its own atomic clocks.In 2018, the Indian space agency replaced one of its satellites, IRNSS-1A. The initial replacement satellite launched in 2017 was lost due to a failure of the heat shield to open as planned, resulting in the satellites containment.Currently, there are four prominent global navigation systems: the US Global Positioning System (GPS), the Russian GLONASS, the European Galileo, and the Chinese Beidou. Additionally, two regional navigational systems exist: Japans Quasi-Zenith system and Indias NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation).
