PSLV C31 Take off. Photo: ISRO

[Via Satellite 01-20-2016] The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) launched the fifth of seven satellites in the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS) today aboard a Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV). The satellite entered an elliptical orbit very close to its intended orbit, separated from the PSLV fourth stage and automatically deployed its solar panels. ISRO’s master control facility at Hassan, Karnataka has control of the satellite, and will conduct four orbit maneuvers to reach geosynchronous orbit at 111.75 degrees east longitude with 28.1 degrees inclination in the coming days.

ISRO launched the first four IRNSS satellites between 2013 and 2015. Following IRNSS 1E, the agency has two more navigation satellites launching this year to complete the constellation. Ground stations in 18 locations throughout India support IRNSS. The complete navigation system is designed to provide position information in the Indian region and 1,500 km around the Indian mainland.