Countdown ticks as ISRO set to launch IRNSS-1I satellite tomorrow

NewsBharati    11-Apr-2018
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Sriharikota, April 11: Following the failure of the GSAT-6A which had lost contact with the ground, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is gearing up for a positive launch of the PSLV-C41/IRNSS-1I. The launch is expected to be held on Thursday morning, at 04:04 AM.

"India's Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle, in its forty-third flight (PSLV-C41) in XL configuration will launch IRNSS-1I Satellite from First Launch Pad (FLP) of SDSC (Satish Dhawan Space Centre), Sriharikota," the ISRO said.

The satellite will be launched by ISRO's most reliable launch vehicle the PSLV on its 43rd flight. It will be the 20th flight of PSLV-XL version. The IRNSS will aid in terrestrial, aerial, marine navigation and disaster management.

IRNSS-1I is expected to replace IRNSS-1A, the first of the seven navigation satellites, that was rendered ineffective after its three rubidium atomic clocks failed. The seven satellites are part of the NavIC navigation satellite constellation.

The launch will be ISRO's second attempt at sending a replacement satellite.

The previous mission of a PSLV carrying IRNSS-1H in August last year failed after the heat shield covering the satellite failed to separate.