Just 48 hours after the launch of high power communication satellite GSAT-6A aboard GSLV F08 Mk II rocket, the mission control lost communication with the satellite after it was fired the third time to raise its orbit. ISRO is planning to conduct the next mission keeping the jolt and setback aside. The launch is scheduled on April 12 where ISRO will lift off the IRNSS-1L satellite aboard PSLV C41 rocket from the Satish Dhawan Space Center in Sriharikota. The satellite IRNSS-1L is the replacement of IRNSS-1A satellite launched back in 2013 whose three atomic clocks onboard have stopped working over two years ago.

Last year in August, ISRO fired up its PSLV C39 rocket with the payload bearing IRNSS-1H satellite which was the original replacement for defunct IRNSS-1A, however, it developed faults during take-off when it actually stuck with its heat shield and failed to detach. As per the manifest, the IRNSS-1L is the 9th satellite in the constellation sent by Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS). The upcoming launch is pretty significant after knowing the fact that a previous launch made on March 29 wasn’t successful after the satellite lost signal with the mission control just 48 hours into space. ISRO has declared that they actually lost signal over the GSAT-6A satellite that was going to accompany the functional GSAT-6 during the third-orbit maneuver which was needed to raise its orbit to place it at 36,000 Kms above the surface of the Earth. As per its current position, GSAT-6A is orbiting at over 32,020 Km above the surface.

Weighing at 600kg, the IRNSS-1L has a lifespan of 10 years where it will work under the IRNSS constellation. It will be launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Center on April 12 and as always, you can stay tuned to take to know more about the upcoming launch by ISRO as well as if they are successful in establishing a connection with GSAT-6A or not.