Sci-Tech · 19 Aug 2026

NavIC standalone positioning

Consider the following statements:

  1. NavIC currently has four operational satellites, meeting the minimum threshold for standalone positioning.
  2. NVS-03, the satellite intended to restore NavIC's standalone capability, is fully built and awaiting launch.
  3. India's armed forces currently rely on foreign satellite navigation systems, such as GPS and Galileo, alongside NavIC.
A1 only
B2 and 3 only
C1 and 2 only
D1, 2 and 3
This question is based on: India's Navigation System Needs Four Satellites. It Has Three.
Take this in full test mode → Instructions for 19 Aug 2026
About this question

Why in news

Union Minister of State for Space Dr Jitendra Singh confirmed the NavIC shortfall in a Lok Sabha written reply, as ISRO prepares to launch NVS-03 - likely in November 2026 - following three separate PSLV/GSLV launch failures in 2025-26.

Why for UPSC

This tests the precise operational threshold (four satellites) rather than the general fact that NavIC exists and connects it to the strategic-autonomy angle of dependence on foreign GNSS systems - a classic Sci-Tech-meets-security Prelims pattern.

Prelims summary

NavIC needs four satellites for standalone positioning but currently has three; NVS-03 is built and launch-ready and until it launches, India's armed forces depend partly on GPS, Galileo and GLONASS.

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