The GSLV-F18 rocket, carrying the NVS-03 navigation satellite, is set to launch at 11:51 PM India Standard Time (IST) on Friday 30 October 2026. It will lift off from Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC SHAR), Sriharikota, the launch centre of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). The time comes from SDSC SHAR's own visitor booking page.
Who says 30 October?
- ISRO's launch centre. SDSC SHAR's Launch View Gallery page lists the launch as scheduled for Friday 30 October 2026 at 11:51 PM.
- ISRO's chairman, as reported. The Indian Express reported on 22 October that ISRO chairman V Narayanan indicated NVS-03 was cleared for a launch attempt on 30 October.
Has the date moved before?
Yes. The same report said the launch had been pencilled in for 15 to 20 October before it moved to 30 October. Launch dates and times often move, even late. Check the box above on launch day.
Can I watch it from Sriharikota?
Yes, if you get a free pass. SDSC SHAR runs a Launch View Gallery for the public. Registration is now open: it opened at 6:00 PM IST on 26 October. Register on SDSC SHAR's booking portal by clicking "Click here for registering to witness the launch". The page also says SDSC SHAR does not charge visitors anything. Keep a government ID, such as an Aadhaar card or a driving licence, plus a mobile number and email ID ready to register. Our Launch View Gallery guide explains the steps.
How can I watch it online?
There is no webcast link yet. For the last GSLV launch, GSLV-F17 in September, ISRO streamed the launch live on its website. We expect the same this time, but that is our guess, not an ISRO announcement. Once a webcast is listed, a link appears in the box above.
What is launching?
- The rocket is ISRO's Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) Mk II. ISRO called its last flight, GSLV-F17 on 4 September 2026, the 19th GSLV flight. By our count, that makes F18 the 20th.
- The satellite is NVS-03, a second-generation satellite for Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC), India's own satellite navigation system.
- Why it matters: NavIC is short of working satellites, and NVS-03 is meant to help. Read what NVS-03 is and why NavIC needs it.
Where can I follow every launch?
Our launch tracker lists this launch and every other one coming up, with times in IST. For how the year is going, see the 2026 launch scoreboard. More Indian space news is in our Industry section.