Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has on today accomplished the task of developing the country's own navigation system with the successful launch of IRNSS-1G, the last in the series of seven navigation satellites. Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) C33 carrying IRNSS-1G (Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System) lifted off from the first launch pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota at 12.50.

Around 20 minutes after liftoff, PSLV-C33 successfully placed IRNSS-1G in orbit. The satellite has a 12-year mission life. By this successful launch, India has joined the league of countries that has indigenous navigation system. The system will reduce the country's dependency on US Global Positioning System.

The IRNSS system is designed to provide accurate position information to users within the country and in the region extending up to 1500km from the boundary. IRNSS will provide standard positioning service (SPS) for all users with a position accuracy of better than 20 metres and a restricted service (RS) for authorised users with an accuracy of 10 metres.

The indigenous navigation system will aid terrestrial, aerial and marine navigation, vehicle tracking and fleet management, disaster management, mapping and geodetic data capture, visual and voice navigation for drivers. The service can be integrated with mobile phones and can be a reliable navigation tool for hikers and travellers.

“The world will know it as Navic, that is navigate with Indian constellation. The new technology will benefit our people, our fishermen. This is a great gift to people from scientists,” PM Modi said. “This is example of Make in India, made in India and made for Indians. 125 crore Indians have got a new Navic,” Modi said.

PM Modi said, “I would like to heartily congratulate and appreciate the scientists and teams of ISRO. Everyone is experiencing that how science can help in making life easier for the common man.” “All seven satellites were launched successfully, and because of this India is now amongst those five nations that boast of own GPS or navigation satellite system. We are now self-reliant,” he said.

By Premji