PSLV C32 seen from Chennai (TOI Photo by BA Raju)

TOI Photo by Ramesh Shankar

Isro's 6th navigation satellite successfully launched

SRIHARIKOTA: The Indian Space Research Organisation ( Isro ) on Thursday accomplished the penultimate step in developing the country's own navigation system with the textbook launch of IRNSS-1F navigation satellite Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) C32 on carrying the 1,425kg IRNSS-1F (Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System) lifted off from the second launch pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota at 4.01pm. Isro delayed the launch by one minute to avoid a possible collision with space debris.Around 20 minutes after liftoff, PSLV C32 successfully placed IRNSS-1F in orbit. “Satellite has been placed in orbit safely,” mission director Jayakumar B said.IRNSS-1F is the sixth of seven satellites that would form a constellation of India's own navigation satellite network.The satellite will take Isro to the threshold of putting in place an independent regional navigation satellite system like the American Global Positioning System (GPS).The regional navigation system will provide accurate positional information to users in India and up to 1,500km from the boundary. IRNSS will provide two types of services -- standard positioning service for all users and restricted service, which is an encrypted service only for authorised users.An Isro spokesperson said the first five satellites of the IRNSS have started functioning and have an accuracy of less than 20 metres.Isro will launch the seventh IRNSS satellite in April.