The 59-hour countdown for the launch of IRNSS 1D satellite, which will help India kick-start functioning of indigenous navigation system on a par with the U.S.’ Global Positioning System (GPS), will commence at 7.35 am on March 7.

The launch is scheduled at the first launch pad of Satish Dhawan Space Centre at Sriharikota at 6.35 p.m. on March 9, a senior ISRO official told The Hindu .

Fourth satellite

IRNSS 1D is the fourth of the seven satellites to be launched to put in place India’s very own satellite navigation system, which will be established at a cost of Rs. 1,400 crore.

Though the launch would help the ISRO commence initial operations on the system, the formal commencement of the IRNSS function would be announced a few months later, as the satellite would have to take its final position.

Communication satellite

Following the IRNSS 1D, the ISRO is planning to launch a GSAT-6 communication satellite on board GSLV D-6 rocket with indigenous cryogenic engine by July.

“A foreign satellite on a commercial launch is planned in May onboard a PSLV and we plan to launch IRNSS 1E and Astrosat satellites before the end of this year,” he said.