News Nation Logo

ISRO PSLV C39 mission: Know why Indian space agency is launching back-up satellite IRNSS-1H

The IRNSS-1A Is Among The Seven Satellites In The Constellation Shambled By The Failure Of The Atomic Clocks On Board. K Sivan, Director Of Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, Said That The PSLV C39 Mission Will Inject The New Satellite Called The IRNSS-1H Into Orbit. It Will Be Launched In Late July Or Early August.

News Nation Bureau | Edited By : Bindiya Bhatt | Updated on: 17 Jun 2017, 07:06:06 PM
ISRO PSLV C39 mission: Know why Indian space agency is launching back-up satellite

New Delhi:

The Indian Research Space Organisation is gearing up to launch a back-up IRNSS-1A satellite in a bid to maintain the regional navigation satellite system of India fully operational, a report has said. The IRNSS-1A is among the seven satellites in the constellation shambled by the failure of the atomic clocks on board.

K Sivan, Director of Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, told The Hindu that the PSLV C39 mission will inject the new satellite called the IRNSS-1H into orbit. It will be launched in late July or early August.

In January, it was confirmed that all the three rubidium atomic clocks on board the IRNSS-1A satellite had stopped functioning after it developed a snag. Hence, it became important for ISRO to replace it immediately.

ISRO decided to launch one of the two spare satellites as efforts to restart the clocks failed.

About the Navigation Indian Constellation (NavIC)

The Navigation Indian Constellation (NavIC) comprises of seven satellites including the IRNSS-1A, which is the first among these. A multi-purpose satellite-based positioning system, the NavIC is touted as India’s alternative to the American GPS.

Watch Video: ISRO's GSLV Mk-III rocket successfully places GSAT-19 satellite into orbit; proud moment for India

NavlC is aimed at supporting vehicle tracking, fleet management, disaster management and mapping services besides terrestrial, marine and aerial navigation for India and its neighbouring countries.

With the placement of seventh satellite in the series in orbit in 2016, the system became operational.

ALSO READ | ISRO now needs to focus on human space flight, reusable rocket, says Ex-ISRO chief

For all the Latest Science News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.

First Published : 17 Jun 2017, 01:05:00 PM

Related Tags:

ISRO PSLV Satellite

Videos