Sriharikota: The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) successfully launched the NVS-1 satellite from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre at Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh today.
This navigation satellite weighing 2232 kg was launched into space by a 51.7 meter high rocket GSLV F12 from the second launch pad of the Satish Dhawan Space Centre.
The rocket, which was lifted off at the scheduled time of 10.42 am, lifted the satellite into its designated orbit after 20 minutes.
Named as ‘NVS-1’, this satellite carries ‘L1’, ‘L5’ and ‘S Band’ payloads. It also has an indigenously developed “Rubidium atomic clock” (atomic clock). The maker of the rubidium atomic clock is the Center for Space Applications in Ahmedabad. Few countries possess such important technology, ISRO said.
The satellite will serve both military and civil aviation. Its network area will cover an area of 1500 km in India and beyond the borders of India.
The satellite will remain in orbit for more than 12 years, ISRO said.