ISRO’s PSLV C26 launch. Photo: ISRO

[Via Satellite 10-16-2014] On Oct. 15 2014 the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) launched the third satellite in the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS) aboard a Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PLSV). The 1425kg IRNSS C satellite launch marks the sixth time the PSLV has flown in the XL configuration, and the 27th successful consecutive mission.

The space agency has taken control of the satellite from its master control facility in Hassan, Karnataka, and will soon conduct four orbit maneuvers to move the satellite from an elliptical orbit to Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO).

India has four more IRNSS satellites planned to complete its navigation constellation by 2015. Once finished, the satellites are expected to provide position information for the country and 1500km beyond its boarders. The next satellite, IRNSS D, is scheduled to launch on a PSLV in the coming months.