NavIC loses last working satellite: What it means for India
India's homegrown GPS alternative, NavIC, just lost another key satellite, IRNSS-1F, after its last atomic clock failed on March 13, 2026.
Now, only three satellites (IRNSS-1B, IRNSS-1L, and NVS-01) are running the show. That's a problem because at least four are needed for full coverage across India and nearby regions.
Impact on daily life
NavIC isn't just about maps: it powers real-time train tracking for thousands of trains and keeps timing services accurate across the country.
With fewer satellites and past clock failures causing big errors, there's growing concern about reliability until planned replacement satellites are launched.
NVS-03/04/05 were originally planned (NVS-03 by end-2025, NVS-04/05 at six-month intervals), but those timelines were not realized and there are no confirmed new in-service dates.
If you use location-based apps or rely on digital services in India, this matters more than you might think.