New Delhi: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will launch the NVS-03 navigation satellite on board a GSLV Mk II rocket on October 30 from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre at Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh.
The satellite supports the government's goal of real-time tracking of around 12,000 trains, with around 8,700 trains already equipped with the system. NVS-03 is part of NavIC, the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System, which provides positioning and timing services over India and the surrounding region.
The system is expected to help plan rail traffic, improve schedules in line with train movement and provide precise location data to avert accidents. ISRO said launch preparations were in their final stage.
Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department has warned of heavy to very heavy rain in Kerala and Tamil Nadu, with orange and yellow alerts issued in several districts. Isolated areas of Puducherry and Karaikal may see thunderstorms, lightning and strong winds, with heavy rain expected through October 26.
NavIC provides positioning and timing services that support farmers, fishermen, transport and emergency services, and is used in projects such as the railways' fog pilot initiative. The launch is expected to strengthen India's indigenous satellite navigation capability. ISRO said pre-launch checks were under way. With the weather alert in place, authorities have advised fishermen along the Kerala and Tamil Nadu coasts to stay cautious. Officials said boosting self-reliance in satellite technology is a government priority.
The satellite will be placed in orbit and its services are expected to begin after in-orbit checks. ISRO has offered a live telecast of the launch for the public.