ISRO's GSLV rocket successfully launched the NVS-01 navigation satellite from Sriharikota on Monday. The satellite aims to enhance the NavIC navigation services provided by India. NavIC is a regional satellite navigation system, similar to GPS, that offers precise and real-time navigation within a range of 1,500 km around India.
The satellite carries navigation payloads and features an indigenous rubidium atomic clock developed by ISRO. The launch took place at 10.42 am from the second launch pad, and after approximately 20 minutes, the satellite will be placed in a geosynchronous transfer orbit at an altitude of about 251 km.
The NavIC system was created to fulfill the positioning, navigation, and timing needs of the country, including civil aviation and military applications. The NVS-01 satellite is expected to operate for more than 12 years.
The second generation satellite would also carry an indigenously developed rubidium atomic clock. Earlier scientists at ISRO had used an imported atomic clock.
ISRO developed NavIC system to meet the positioning, navigation and timing requirements of the country, particularly with regard to civil aviation and military requirements.
NavIC was earlier known as the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS) and is designed with a constellation of seven satellites and a network of ground stations that operate 24x7.
It offers two services -- Standard Position Service (SPS) for civilian users and Restricted Service for strategic users.
NavIC SPS signals are interoperable with the US global navigation satellite system signals, GPS, Glonass from Russia, Galileo (European Union) and BeiDou, China.
Monday's mission is the sixth operational flight of the GSLV with indigenous cryogenic stage.
(With inputs from PTI)
