IRNSS-1E : Fifth Navigational Satellite

IRNSS-1E : Fifth Navigational Satellite

PSLV-C31

On Wednesday morning, Jan 20th 2016, ISRO successfully launched and placed its fifth Satellite(IRNSS-1E) of the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System or IRNSS into orbit using PSLV-C31 from Satish Dhawan Space Center(SDSC).

The other four satellites IRNSS-1A,IRNSS-1B,IRNSS-1C,IRNSS-1D has been successfully launched by PSLV-C22,PSLV-C24,PSLV-C26,PSLV-C27 on 1st July 2013,4th April 2014,16th Oct 2014,and 28th March 2015 respectively.

Stating the mission as successful  ISRO chairman A.S. Kiran Kumar said:"PSLV C-31 rocket has successfully launched IRNSS-IE satellite in orbit,". SDSC director termed it as a new year gift for India.

The configuration of IRNSS-1E is similar to that of IRNSS-1A, 1B, 1C and 1D.IRNSS-1E will have two payloads:a navigation payload and the CDMA ranging payload in addition with a laser retro reflector which facilitates accurate determination of the range of the satellite. The satellite is powered by two solar arrays,which generate power up to 1660 watts and has designed lifetime of 12 years.

Highlights

What is IRNSS?

              IRNSS  stands for Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System or IRNSS is an indigenously designed  and developed Navigational Satellite System by ISRO that is used to provide accurate real-time positioning and timing services over India and region extending 1500km around India.
The full deployed IRNSS system consists of 3 satellite in Geostationary orbit(GEO) at 32.5 deg East, 83.0 deg East and 131.5 deg East Longitude over the Indian Ocean and other four in Geosynchronous Orbit(GSO) approx 36000 km above earth surface. Out of four two of GSO will cross the equator at 55deg East and remaining two at 111.75 deg East Though full system consists of nine including 2 on ground as stand by. With the launches of IRNSS- 1E, it is expected that remaining two satellite will be deployed and being operational from mid- 2016.  A network of 21 ranging stations located across the country will provide data  for orbital determination of the satellites and monitoring of the navigational system.
Such arrangement would mean all the seven satellite would have continuous radio visibility with the Indian Control station.

Why we need navigational Satellite System?

The requirement of such navigation system is felt because access to foreign govt.controlled  global navigation system is not guaranteed during hostile situation, as happened to Indian Military during Kargil War. The IRNSS will provide two services, with the standard positioning service open for public and the restricted service for authorised users only. The system intended to provide absolute position accuracy better than 10m throughout Indian Landmass and 20m throughout Indian Ocean.

With the completion of setting up all satellites into orbit, India will be among few countries having their own navigational system.

-S@njeev