IRNSS-1E will help to augment the satellite-based navigation system of India which is currently under development. The satellite will provide navigation, tracking, and mapping services.

The NVS, previously IRNSS, constellation is not a global positioning constellation, like GPS, GLONASS, Galileo or Beidou-3, but a regional one, similar to the Chinese Beidou-1 and 2, or the Japanese QZSS, serving only the Indian sub-continent. IRNSS satellites have two payloads: a navigation payload and CDMA ranging payload in addition with a laser retro-reflector. The payload generates navigation signals at L5 and S-band. The design of the payload makes the IRNSS system inter-operable and compatible with Global Positioning System (GPS) and Galileo systems. The satellite is powered by two solar arrays, which generate up to 1,660 watts, and has a life-time of ten years.