With the launch of IRNSS-1G satellite, ISRO’s Indian Regional Navigation Spacecraft System (IRNSS) which is India’s own version of the Global Positioning System (GPS), is in place! The flawless launch of IRNSS-1G, the seventh satellite in the navigation system, marks a big milestone for the Indian Space Research Organisation.

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.

IRNSS-1G launched from the spaceport of Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh. IRNSS is the Indian navigation system which envisages establishment of regional navigation system using a combination of GEO and GSO spacecraft.

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.

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. 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). It has a 12 year mission life.