ISRO on Thursday at 4.04 AM successfully launched navigation satellite IRNSS-1I by PSLV-C41 from Sriharikota. The satellite is part of the Navic navigation satellite constellation is helpful for giving alert messages to fishermen regarding bad weather, high waves or when they approach international maritime boundary line.

ISRO launched navigation satellite IRNSS-1I, by PSLV-C41 rocket from Satish Dhawan Space Centre at Sriharikota.

RNSS-1I carrying weight 1,425kg and with a life span of 10 years has become the eighth satellite to join the constellation of navigation satellites called NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation) or popularly known as IRNSS or 'desi' GPS.

The workhorse, PSLV, injected the satellite into orbit 19 minutes after lift-off. ISRO Chairman K Sivan described the mission as a success and congratulated the scientists behind it.

The ranging payload of IRNSS-1I consists of a C-band transponder, which facilitates accurate determination of range of satellite. Worth mentioning here Bengaluru-headquartered Alpha Design Technologies played a dynamic role in the integration of IRNSS-1I satellite.

PM Narendra Modi took his twitor handle to congratulate team ISRO and said, “Congratulations to our scientists on the successful launch of navigation satellite IRNSS-1I by PSLV. This success will bring benefits of our space programme to the common man. Proud of team @isro!”.