India, July 30 -- The Government of India has confirmed that its regional satellite navigation system, NavIC, cannot currently provide standalone positioning because the operational constellation has fallen below the minimum number of satellites required for positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) services.

The disclosure, made in a written reply in the Lok Sabha on 29 July by Union Minister of State for Space Dr Jitendra Singh, comes as ISRO prepares to restore the constellation with the launch of the next-generation NVS-03 satellite.

In his reply, Singh said only three satellites-IRNSS-1B, IRNSS-1I, and NVS-01-are providing PNT services following the completion of the mission life of IRNSS-1F. He said at least four operational sate...