IRNSS-1A is the first navigational satellite in the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS) series of satellites to be placed in geosynchronous orbit. The satellite has been developed at a cost of ₹1.25 billion (US$18 million).

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 a 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 interoperable 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 lifetime of ten years.