- Why in news
- On 29 July 2026, the Government told the Lok Sabha that NavIC has only three working satellites after IRNSS-1F completed its 10-year life, so it cannot give standalone positioning.
- What it is
- NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation), earlier called IRNSS, is India's regional satellite navigation system built by ISRO. It gives Position, Navigation and Timing (PNT) services over India and about 1,500 km around it. The first-generation satellites are IRNSS-1 series, and the newer NVS series is meant to replace and extend them.
- Current strength
- Three satellites now give PNT services: IRNSS-1B, IRNSS-1I and NVS-01.
- Minimum for positioning
- At least four operational satellites are needed for basic positioning service.
- Service status
- Standalone positioning is not possible now, but the timing service works.
- Next launches
- NVS-03 is ready for launch; NVS-04 and NVS-05 are in advanced stage of realization.
- Coverage
- NavIC covers India and a region extending about 1,500 km beyond its borders.
Don’t confuse with NavIC vs GPS: GPS is a US global system; NavIC is India's regional system with its own satellites.
Don’t confuse with IRNSS vs NVS series: IRNSS-1 are first-generation satellites; NVS are the newer replacements, with NVS-01 already in the working set.
Science and technology: 57 Prelims questions since 2013; most test the concept behind the news, not the news itself. In Mains, 12 news-triggered questions.
Why it matters
- Gives India independent navigation for strategic and civil uses, reducing dependence on foreign systems.
Problems
- Ageing satellites reaching end of life leave NavIC unable to give standalone positioning.
- Launch delays and replenishment gaps reduce reliability for users.
Way forward
- Launch NVS-03, NVS-04 and NVS-05 quickly to restore four or more working satellites.
- Keep multi-constellation receivers in use while the constellation is rebuilt.
Put in your answer
Present constellation: Only three satellites work now, so no standalone positioning, though timing continues.
Multi-GNSS use: The Armed Forces use multi-constellation GNSS including NavIC, so users are not left vulnerable.
- 2015Mains GS3 · Q11Explain standard vs precise positioning; advantages of seven-satellite IRNSS.
- 2018Prelims Q61Statements on IRNSS satellite configuration, coverage, and global navigation timeline.
- 2023Prelims Q57Which country among options has its own satellite navigation system?
- 2025Prelims Q94Statements on GAGAN's accuracy, air traffic benefits, and transport scope.
UPSC’s own questions that come close to this issue, from our Prelims and Mains banks.
Worth revising until Prelims 2028: most news questions come within two years of the event.