PSLV-C41 lift-off. Credit: ISRO.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has launched the IRNSS-1I navigation satellite into space from Satish Dhawan Space Centre SHAR in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, India.

The 1,425kg satellite was launched on-board ISRO’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) rocket.

After flying for less than 19 minutes, the PSLV rocket separated the IRNSS-1I satellite from its payload.

Following separation, the satellite’s solar panels were deployed automatically.

“The latest launch is ISRO’s second effort to send a replacement satellite, following the failed deployment of the IRNSS-1H satellite in August.”

ISRO’s Master Control Facility (MCF) at Hassan, Karnataka has gained control of the satellite and is set to perform orbit manoeuvres to deploy the satellite at a 55° East longitude geosynchronous orbit.

The satellite will be inclined 29° to the equator.

Representing the eighth IRNSS satellite, the newly launched probe is scheduled to replace IRNSS-1A, which is the first of the seven navigation satellites in the same constellation, reported Press Trust of India.

The latest launch is ISRO’s second effort to send a replacement satellite, following the failed deployment of the IRNSS-1H satellite in August.

IRNSS-1I is part of ISRO’s Navigation with Indian Constellation system, which is also known as Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS).

IRNSS is an independent regional navigation satellite system developed to provide position data in the Indian region and 1,500km around the Indian mainland.

Various ground facilities for IRNSS satellite, including ranging, monitoring, generation and transmission of navigation parameters, satellite control, and network timing have been established in various locations across India to form the IRNSS.