NavIC's Challenges Reflect Government's Reluctance to Fund Innovation

India's Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC), an ambitious project aimed at establishing an indigenous satellite navigation system, has encountered numerous obstacles since its inception. These challenges not only highlight technical and operational issues but also underscore a broader hesitation within the government to adequately fund and support innovation.

Technical Setbacks and Operational Hurdles

Initiated in 1999 following the Kargil War—where India faced limitations accessing the American Global Positioning System (GPS)—NavIC was envisioned as a seven-satellite constellation to be fully operational by 2016. However, as of 2025, only five of the eleven satellites launched since 2013 remain fully functional. The system has been plagued by various technical issues:

• Satellite Malfunctions: Critical components, such as rubidium atomic clocks imported from Europe, have failed. Notably, in 2016, all three atomic clocks on the IRNSS-1A satellite ceased functioning, compromising its utility.

• Launch Failures: The IRNSS-1H satellite, intended to replace the faulty IRNSS-1A, failed to separate from its launch vehicle in 2017, rendering the mission unsuccessful.

• Recent Setbacks: In 2025, the NVS-02 satellite suffered an engine failure, further hindering the constellation's completion and operational efficiency.

Government's Reluctance to Invest in Innovation

These technical challenges are symptomatic of a broader issue: the government's cautious approach to funding innovation. Despite the clear need for a robust indigenous navigation system, investment in critical areas has been lacking:

• Dependence on Foreign Components: The reliance on imported atomic clocks, which have proven unreliable, indicates a missed opportunity to develop indigenous alternatives. While the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is now prioritizing the development of homegrown atomic clocks, earlier investment could have preempted these failures.

• Limited Support for Private Sector Involvement: The government's recent initiative to involve private companies in rocket and satellite manufacturing is a positive step. However, this shift comes after years of limited private sector engagement, which could have spurred innovation and distributed the risks associated with such complex projects.

Initiatives to Foster Innovation

Recognizing these challenges, the government has launched initiatives like the NavIC Grand Challenge to encourage startups to develop applications leveraging NavIC services. This program aims to promote domestic mapping and navigation capabilities, opening opportunities for Indian startups to explore potential markets both within and outside the country.

Future Prospects

To overcome these hurdles, a multifaceted approach is essential:

• Enhanced Investment: Allocating more resources towards research and development can lead to the creation of reliable indigenous components, reducing dependence on foreign technology.

• Private Sector Collaboration: Encouraging partnerships with private enterprises can infuse fresh ideas and technological advancements into the project.

• Policy Reforms: Implementing policies that support innovation and provide financial incentives can attract talent and investment into the space sector.

By addressing these areas, India can strengthen NavIC and demonstrate a commitment to fostering innovation, ensuring the country remains at the forefront of space technology.