The Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) C24 carrying regional navigational satellite IRNSS 1B successfully lifted off today from the Sriharikotta space station. PSLV C 24 lifted off at 5.14 pm. The launch vehicle injected the second Indian Regional navigational satellite after four stages, 19 minutes after take off from Sriharikota.

This is the 25th successful launch of the PSLV series by ISRO. With the launch of the satellite, India is close to join the select nations of US, Russia, China, Japan and European countries. The launch of IRNSS series is to enable the country to have reliable and independent navigational resources for itself.

The Chariman ISRO, Radhakrishnan told that this was a major milestone for the Country and yet proved that India’s PSLV has a place of pride.

Two more satellites will be sent this year and three more will be sent in the beginning of next year which would make the constellation complete and provide a unique position to India in the world.

IRNSS series satellites will provide accurate position information service to users in India as well as for the region extending upto 1500 km from its boundary. The system will have applications useful for terrestrial, aerial and marine navigation, disaster management, vehicle tracking and fleet management and will also provide visual and voice navigation for hikers and travelers.