The
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) today launched PSLV-C31 rocket
successfully. Launched from Sriharikota space centre, near Chennai, the rocket
is carrying the fifth satellite of India Regional Navigation Satellite System
(IRNSS), the IRNSS-1E.
>>
This was the first rocket launch of the year. The fifth navigation satellite in
the IRNSS space system, a constellation of seven satellites, would be at par
with US-based GPS once the full complement of spacecraft is launched.
>>
The satellite’s life span is 12 years.
>>
Though the full system comprises of nine satellites — seven in orbit and two on
the ground as stand-by — the navigation services could be made operational with
four satellites.
IRNSS-1E
is carrying two types of payloads — navigation and ranging payloads.
>>
Navigation payload will transmit navigation service
signals to the users. A highly accurate Rubidium atomic clock is part of
the navigation payload of the satellite. This payload will be operating in
L5-band and S-band.
>>
Ranging payload of IRNSS-1E consists of a C-band
transponder (automatic receivers and transmitters of radio signals), which
facilitates accurate determination of the range of the satellite. It is also
carrying corner cube retro reflectors for laser ranging.
History:
>>
Till date, India has launched four
regional navigational satellites (IRNSS-1A, 1B, 1C and ID)
to provide accurate position information service to users across the country
and the region, extending up to an area of 1,500 kms.
First
satellite IRNSS-1A launched in July 2013
Second
IRNSS-1B in April 2014
Third
on October 2014
Fourth
on March 2015
Post A Comment: