The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) successfully put its first navigation satellite – the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System 1A (IRNSS 1A) – in the geosynchronous orbit at 27 degrees to the equator, according to ISRO officials. The IRNSS 1A was launched July 1, 2013 from ISRO’s spaceport in Sriharikota.

Additionally, ISRO officials said tests are being carried on its Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle’s (GSLV) cryogenic engine. The tests are scheduled to go on for approximately 20 days, followed by the mating of the GSat 14 communication satellite, slated for launch aboard the GSLV on Aug 6. This will be the first mission of this launch vehicle after two failed launches in 2010.