PSLV C-26 Launch on October 10

[Tech Support]

ISRO will launch the IRNSS-1C ( Independent Regional Navigation Satellite System ) on October 16th at 1.56 ( IST ). the Launch Vehicle is the PSLV in its 'XL' configuration ( the same one used for the MOM ). the IRNSS is a program to create an Indian GPS. it will consist of 7 satellites and is intended for regional navigation purposes. IRNSS-1C is the third satellite of this program.

the Brochure and related images can be downloaded from the ISRO site

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Edited October 15, 2014 by Tech Support

[Idobox]

I know GPS is controlled by the US military, but do we really need that many replacements? Galileo, Glonass, the Chinese one (don't remember the name) and now an Indian one?

[Albert VDS]

Good point Idobox, 1 GPS system for one planet. But maybe it should be an internationally controlled and funned system.

[Kryten]

What happens to that system when somebody has a war? Or somebody uploads the wrong orbital parameters and messes up the whole thing, as happened to GLONASS a few months ago?

[Tech Support]

What happens to that system when somebody has a war? Or somebody uploads the wrong orbital parameters and messes up the whole thing, as happened to GLONASS a few months ago?

Exactly, all these navigation systems are meant to provide an alternative if GPS is blocked or otherwise unavailable. Besides, it is always good to have alternatives for critical technology and systems.

[Dkmdlb]

Good point Idobox, 1 GPS system for one planet. But maybe it should be an internationally controlled and funned system.

Nonsense. Multiple independent systems is much better.

[Idobox]

Once again, I understand why people don't want to rely on GPS alone, but having 5 equivalent systems might not be necessary either.

[Kryten]

Only one of those is fully civilian, remember. The main point of most of them if the same as it's always been, missile guidance, and that's not a capability a nation will outsource if it can help it.

[Tech Support]

I am certain that the IRNSS was authorized to make sure we had a secondary navigation system if we ever lost access to 'GPS'. but I am not sure about the capabilities of IRNSS. especially since its called the 'Independent Regional Navigation Satellite System'.

[magnemoe]

Only one of those is fully civilian, remember. The main point of most of them if the same as it's always been, missile guidance, and that's not a capability a nation will outsource if it can help it.

Probably not however if you are not able to be friendly with either US, Russia or China you have serious problem and need to be taken out hard as in the Islamic state who the US, Russia, Iran and the Saudis agree on.

On the other hand India is an major player and might not want to cut deals, an limited navigation system might work well with an launcher test program.

[Tech Support]

The launch of ISRO's Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle, PSLV-C26, is now scheduled on Thursday, October 16, 2014 from Satish Dhawan Space Centre SHAR, Sriharikota. The launch window of the mission opens at 0132 hrs IST and lasts till 0147 hrs IST. The lift-off is scheduled at the opening of the launch window at 0132 hrs IST.

The Mission Readiness Review (MRR) Committee and the Launch Authorisation Board (LAB) met on October 07, 2014 to review the progress of prelaunch activities and cleared the launch for October 16, 2014. The 67 hour count down for the mission will commence at 0632 hrs IST on October 13, 2014.

[Tech Support]

About the 'regional' part of the IRNSS; it is designed to cover the whole of India and extends to 1500 KM around the subcontinent. it is clear that this system was designed as a back-up GPS for the Indian Armed forces, while also providing a home made Navigation system for local users.

[Kryten]

Coverae has started, I think? At least I can hear them say I-R-N-S-S and P-S-L-V among the hindi.

EDIT: there's a direct ISRO webcast here but you have to be using IE to see it.

Edited October 15, 2014 by Kryten

[Tech Support]

Launch and satellite deployment was successful. the IRNSS-1C is now an elliptical orbit of 282.56 km X 20,670 km. It worth noting that this was the 27th consecutive successful launch for the PSLV. The constellation of 7 satellites will be completed by 2015.

[Tommygun]

Have they said anything on how accurate it will be?

I was wondering if seven satellites total are good enough for street navigation systems.

They don't have to cover the whole globe, but it seems it might be hard to keep two or three satellites in view at any given time.

Well maybe if they are high enough.

[Tech Support]

The system is only designed to cover India and a radius of 1500 Km around it, the positioning of the satellites (Three of the satellites in the constellation will be located in geostationary orbit at 32.5° East, 83° East, and 131.5° East longitude. Two of the GSOs will cross the equator at 55° East and two at 111.75° East, see the picture in my earlier post ) means that all 7 would have continuous radio visibility with Indian control stations, the stated accuracy is less than 10 meters for the Indian Subcontinent and less than 20 meters in the surrounding 1500 KM region.