ISRO successfully launches IRNSS 1C navigation satellite

Sriharikota, Oct. 16 - Scientists of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) today successfully launched their third navigational satellite IRNSS 1C on board ISRO's PSLV C26 rocket from Sriharikota.

The XL version of PSLV took off from the first launch pad of the Satish Dhawan Space Centre at 1.32 a.m. this morning after a 67-hour countdown that commenced on Monday morning.

The launch vehicle successfully placed the 1,425.4 kg satellite in the intended orbit twenety minutes after take off.

The Mission Control Facility at Hassan in Karnataka has taken over the control of the satellite after the launch.

With this launch, India moves a step closer to setting up the country's own navigation system on par with Global Positioning System (GPS) of the US. IRNSS 1C is the third of the series of seven satellites ISRO is planing to launch to put in place what is called the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System.

Mission Director Jaya Kumar said, ISRO's immediate responsibility is to launch four more IRNSS satellites to complete the constellation of seven satellites.

ISRO Chairman K Radhakrishnan said, the next satellite of the IRNSS constellation will be launched in December this year.

The navigational system developed by India, is designed to provide accurate position information service to users within the country and 1,500 Kilometres from the nation's boundary line.

The ISRO Chairman congratulated and thanked the entire team that worked for the successful launch.

Minister of State in Prime Minister's Office Jitendra Singh, who witnessed the launch at Sriharikota, said, India has moved forward in space science and will undoubtedly emerge as a global leader in the 21st century. (ANI)