SRIHARIKOTA: Soon after the last of the seven-satellite constellation that India is setting up to provide indigenous navigation system reached its predetermined path in space, Prime Minister Narendra Modi named it ‘Navic’ and dedicated the navigation system to the nation.
PM Terms PSLV-C33 Launch as Example of 'Make in India' Navigation System Completes With Launch of 7th Satellite |
In his televised address after the successful launch of IRNSS-1G, Modi said Navic (Navigation with Indian Constellation) will ensure that the country need not rely on foreign navigational support platforms, thereby make the country 'self- reliant' in this regard. India has become only the fifth country to have an indigenous designed regional navigation system after the United States (GPS), Russia (Glonass), China (Beidou) and France (Doris).
This 'proud example of Make in India, Made in India and Made for India' would benefit the 125 crore Indians, especially the fishermen, and also the entire SAARC region, Modi said, lauding the team at Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) for their 'gift' to the nation.
Launched from the first launch pad of the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SHAR) in Sriharikota, about 80 kilometres from Chennai, the PSLV-C33 rocket bearing the IRNSS-1G satellite took off precisely at 12.50 pm. With the Indian scientists mastering the operation of the vessel that has come to become among the most reliable spacecrafts in the world, the launch was uneventful – it lifted off into the clear sky, performed as per the set parameters and placed the satellite in its Sub-Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit.
Besides providing accurate position information to common users, the completely independent platform of IRNSS will enable a safe and secure positional service system towards meeting the country's strategic needs.
IRNSS, or Indian Regional Navigational Satellite System, comprises of seven satellites which will enable the real-time positioning services over the country and a region extending to 1500 km around the country. ISRO launched the first navigation satellite, IRNSS-1A in July 2013. While Standard Positioning System (SPS) will be provided to all the users, restricted service (RS), an encrypted service, would be provided to only authorised users.