After Mars Mission, another success

By executing a flawless launch of the IRNSS-1C satellite on board India’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle, PSLV – C26, ISRO scientists have once again displayed their rock-solid capability in space technology.

The IRNSS-1C, launched from Sriharikota on September 16, is the third in a series of seven satellites under the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System that will be the indigenous version of the United States’ Global Positioning System (GPS). The last of the IRNSS satellites is expected to be launched by end-2015. Besides the GPS, the only other similar one is Russia’s GLONASS (Global Navigational Satellite System). Europe and China are in the process of setting up their own systems. 

Thursday’s launch of IRNSS-1C is a cause for special celebration coming as it does close on the heels of India’s much-acclaimed low-cost Mars Orbiter Mission spacecraft that was precisely placed on the orbit of the red planet. Not just that, ISRO for the first time has succeeded in four orbital launches in a calendar year. A fifth – the IRNSS-1D – is scheduled for December. 

While there may be a tendency to take for granted the successes of scientists at ISRO, it must be remembered that each launch comes with its own specific challenges and even a miniscule slip-up can ruin a mission. No doubt, each successful experience makes it that much easier for space scientists to get ready for the next one, but the desire to push the envelope brings with it new uncertainties and risks which need to be overcome. Of the 28 PSLV flights over the years two –  the first and fourth – failed, once again proving that failure is always round the corner and, for this very reason, each success needs to be applauded in full measure. The success of the IRNSS-1C launch on board the PSLV-C26 has several ramifications, foremost among them being that India is now a confirmed destination for countries wanting to launch satellites. It already was seen as one, but the latest is bound to assuage those who may have had any doubts left. Crucially, once the seventh navigational satellite is up in orbit next year, India will shake itself off from dependence on the GPS or the GLONASS for its requirements, some of which will obviously be defence-related and sensitive.

Also, the IRNSS, by filling up the space for navigational requirements in the region will be immensely useful not only to India but to other countries around as the level of accuracy and clarity are expected to far more than what we experience now with the existing systems.