Navigational supremacy: How ISRO’s launch of IRNSS puts it in league with US and China

By Newsgram Staff Writer

Indian Space Research Organization successfully launched IRNSS-1D into orbit today using its own rocket.

The 1,425 Kg satellite was launched at 5:19 pm with the help of 44 meters tall, 320 tones heavy Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle – (PSLV-C27).

The success of IRNSS has brought India very close to joining the group of very few nations with their own navigational satellite system.

The navigational system will give a strong boost to India's defence capabilities. It will also help the country in mineral exploration and navigation.

IRNSS is similar to (GPS) of the US (24 satellites), Glonass of Russia (24 satellites) and Galileo of Europe (27 satellites), China's Beidou (35 satellites).

Launched from the second launch pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, the satellite is controlled by the Mission Control Facility (MCF) at Hassan in Karnataka.

The President of India, Pranab Mukherjee also congratulated the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) for the successful launch of PSLV-C27.

In a message to AS Kiran Kumar, Chairman of ISRO, the President said, "My heartiest congratulations to you and your entire team at the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) for the successful launch of PSLV-C27, carrying the IRNSS-1D. I am very happy to know that this is the fourth in the series of seven satellites of the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System. I understand the IRNSS-1D will provide navigation, tracking and mapping services which will take us closer to setting up our own navigation system. "

The nation is proud of this achievement which has demonstrated, yet again, India's increasing space capabilities, President added.