ISRO's IRNSS-1G, the seventh and final satellite of India's navigation system, has successfully been launched and with it the country has taken a huge leap in the world of science with its own GPS! IRNSS or Indian Regional Navigation Spacecraft System is the Indian navigation system which envisages establishment of regional navigation system using a combination of GEO and GSO spacecraft. ISRO's workhorse Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C33) injected IRNSS-1G into the intended orbit. The PSLV marked yet another textbook launch and its 34th consecutive successful mission, reaffirming its dependability. We take a look at seven interesting facts about IRNSS, India's own GPS. (ISRO Photo) -
When the IRNSS-1G becomes operational in about a month's time, the system would offer services like terrestrial and marine navigation, disaster management, vehicle tracking and fleet management, navigation aide for hikers and travellers, visual and voice navigation for drivers. (PTI Photo)
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IRNSS system is expected to provide position accuracy of better than 20 m over Indian region and an area extending about 1500 sq km around India. (ISRO Photo)
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The IRNSS comprises seven satellites and while four satellites would be sufficient to start operations, the remaining three would make it "more accurate and efficient", claims ISRO. It consists of three Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO) spacecraft and four spacecraft in Geosynchronous orbit inclined at 29 degrees. (ISRO Photo)
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ISRO had launched the sixth navigation satellite IRNSS-1F on March 10, the other five being IRNSS-1A on July 1, 2013, IRNSS-1B (April 4, 2014), IRNSS-1C (October 16, 2014), IRNSS-1D (March 28, 2015) and IRNSS-1E (January 20, 2016). (ISRO Photo)
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The total cost of all the seven satellites is said to be Rs 1,420 crore. The 44.4 metre tall IRNSS-1G has a lift-off mass of 1,425 kg and would be launched in sub-Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (sub GTO). (ISRO Photo)
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IRNSS-1G which has a 12-year mission life would become operational in about a month's time, marking the full-fledged functioning of the IRNSS. (ISRO Photo)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded the scientists and congratulated the people of the country on the achievement saying, "with this successful launch, we will determine our own paths powered by our technology". "The world will know it as Navic….navigate with Indian constellation of satellites. The new technology will benefit our people, our fishermen. This is a great gift to people from scientists," Modi said. (ISRO Photo)
