Scientists at ISRO achieved another milestone with the successful launch of India’s navigation satellite, Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS) 1F, from Sriharikota.

IRNSS-1F, the sixth of the seven navigation satellites, provides accurate information on the position to users in India. It has a lifespan of 12 years.

ISRO’s most favourite Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle, (PSLV-C32), carrying the IRNSS-1F satellite, lifted off at 4 pm from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) launchpad, located on an island in the Bay of Bengal. PSLV then successfully placed the satellite into its designated orbit.

Talking to the reporters after the launch, ISRO chairman A.S. Kiran Kumar said that the seventh navigation satellite, IRNSS-1G will be launched by next month.

In the next few days, the satellite will conduct four orbit maneuvers under the directors of ISRO’s Master Control Facility located in Hassan, Karnataka, before positioning it at 111.75 degree East longitude with 28.1 degree inclination.