In pictures: 10 things you need to know about the GPS IRNSS-1G satellite

New Delhi: India today inched closer towards getting enrolled in the list of nations possessing their own satellite-based navigation systems after the successful launch of its seventh navigation satellite, the IRNSS-1G, with a rocket of its own. The satellite was launched successfully from Sriharikota space station in Andhra Pradesh today. “In space science, our scientists have achieved many accomplishments. Through space science lives of people can be transformed. I want to congratulate all ISRO scientists and the entire team. I also congratulate the people of India,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, congratulating the ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) scientists for the achievement. “With this successful launch, we will determine our own paths powered by our technology. This is a great gift to people from scientists. In space science, our scientists have achieved many accomplishments. Through space science lives of people can be transformed,” he added. Here are 10 thing

1. ISRO’s PSLV-C33, carrying India’s seventh and final navigation satellite IRNSS-1G, blasted from Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota at 12.50 p.m.on Thursday.

2. The new satellite standing 44.4 metre tall and weighing 320 tonnes was successfully injected in the IRNSS constellation into the designated orbit.

3. Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS) consists of a constellation of seven satellites. India is the 5th nation in the world to have its own GPS (Global Positioning System) satellite.

4. Six other satellites which have been already put into the constellation are: IRNSS-1A, IRNSS-1B, IRNSS-1C, IRNSS-1D, IRNSS-1E and IRNSS-1F.

5. The seventh satellite joined today with six other - IRNSS-1G weighing 1,425 kg with mission life 12 years.

6. According to ISRO, the new satellite is expected to provide position accuracy better than 20 m over Indian region and also extending up to 1,500 sq. km around India.

7. The satellite will play a crucial role in navigation and tracking of aircraft and will also be used by the military for missile delivery.

8. The service can also be integrated with mobile phones and can be a navigational tool for hikers and travellers.

9. According to the ISRO, the total cost of all the satellites was Rs 1,420 crore.

10. The satellite has two payloads for navigation and ranging which will enable the user to get signals on the L5-band and S-band.