ISRO Launches IRNSS-1I Navigation Satellite from Sriharikota

IRNSS-1I navigation satellite is expected to replace IRNSS-1A that was rendered ineffective after its three rubidium atomic clocks failed.

(Photo: ANI)

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launched the IRNSS-1I navigation satellite, in the early hours on Thursday, 12 April, from Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh, reported news agency PTI.

The IRNSS-1I is a key part of the country's constellation of navigation satellites.

PSLV-C41/IRNSS-1I Mission blasted off at 4.04 am from the first launchpad at the Sathish Dhawan Space Centre. It was a normal lift-off, ISRO officials said.

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 is ISRO's second attempt at sending a replacement satellite.

The previous mission of a PSLV carrying IRNSS-1H in August 2017 failed after the heat shield covering the satellite failed to separate.

The IRNSS-1I mission takes place two weeks after the space agency launched GSAT-6A on board GSLV Mk-II. Though the rocket placed GSAT-6A in orbit, the ISRO lost communication with the satellite within two days.

(With inputs from PTI.)