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India Launches First Navigation Satellite

July 1, 2013  - By
Photo: CANSPACE Listserv

News courtesy of CANSPACE Listserv.

The first satellite of the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS) was successfully launched today.

The launch of IRNSS-1A occurred on schedule at is scheduled for 18:13 UTC from the spaceport of Sriharikota. Liftoff from the first launch pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre occurred on schedule at 18:11 UTC. The 1,425-kg satellite was launched by the XL version of India’s rocket PSLV-C22, or Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle.

Solar panel deployment was confirmed and the satellite has power and is operating nominally according to reports.

The IRNSS-1A satellite is the first of seven that will make up the IRNSS. The constellation will consist of four satellites in geosynchronous orbits inclined at 29 degrees, with three more in geostationary orbit. IRNSS-1A is one of the geosynchronous satellites, and is expected to be positioned at a longitude of 55 degrees east.

Here is a video of the launch:

Download a brochure about the IRNSS-1A here.

NASA Spaceflight provides a summary of the launch.

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