Sriharikota, India - April 4, 2013: India successfully launched its second navigation satellite, IRNSS-1B, into orbit today from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.
The Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS) is a constellation of seven satellites that will provide accurate positioning and timing services to users in India and the surrounding region. The system is designed to be similar to the US Global Positioning System (GPS) and the Russian GLONASS system, but with regional coverage and better accuracy.
The IRNSS-1B satellite, weighing 1,432 kg, was launched aboard a Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C22) rocket. The satellite has a lifespan of 10 years and is equipped with navigation and communication payloads that will enable it to provide positioning and timing services to users on the ground.
The successful launch of IRNSS-1B is a significant milestone for India's space program, which has been rapidly expanding in recent years. The country has already made significant strides in space technology, including launching a mission to Mars in 2013 and establishing itself as a leader in low-cost space exploration.
The IRNSS system is expected to have a wide range of applications, including in transportation, disaster management, and defense. It will also be used to enhance the accuracy of India's surveying and mapping capabilities.
The launch of IRNSS-1B was greeted with enthusiasm by scientists and space enthusiasts alike, who see it as a sign of India's growing stature in the field of space technology. "The successful launch of IRNSS-1B is a proud moment for India and a testament to the hard work and dedication of our scientists and engineers," said Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in a statement.
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) plans to launch the remaining five satellites in the IRNSS constellation by 2015, after which the system will be fully operational. With the launch of IRNSS-1B, India has taken a significant step towards achieving its goal of establishing a regional navigation system that can provide accurate positioning and timing services to users in India and the surrounding region.
