GPS World

Tag: Indian Space Research Organization

  • IRNSS Signal in Space ICD Released

    News courtesy of CANSPACE Listserv.

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    Photo: CANSPACE Listserv

    The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has released Version 1 of the Indian Regional Navigational Satellite System (IRNSS) Signal in Space Interface Control Document for the Standard Positioning Service.

    The document provides information on the signals and structures of the IRNSS system, including signal modulations, frequency bands, received power levels, the data structures and their interpretations, and user algorithms.

    According to ISRO, the document is being released to the public to facilitate research and development and to aid the commercial use of the IRNSS signals for navigation-based applications.

    Registration is required for ICD download access at a new IRNSS website. At the moment, only the ICD is available at this website.

    The next IRNSS satellite launch is scheduled for the second week of October. The most recent launch was in April, of the second IRNSS satellite, IRNSS-1B.

    IRNSS is an independent regional navigation satellite system being developed by India. It is designed to provide accurate position information service to users in India and the region extending up to 1,500 kilometers from its boundary. IRNSS will provide two types of service: Standard Positioning Service (SPS) and Restricted Service (RS). It is expected to provide a position accuracy of better than 20 meters in the primary service area.

  • Second of Seven Satellites for IRNSS Launched

    Second of Seven Satellites for IRNSS Launched

    IRNSS-B is launched April 4, 2014.
    IRNSS-B is launched April 4, 2014.

    India’s Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launched its second navigation satellite today, April 4, at 11:44 UTC. A Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) rocket launched the IRNSS-1B spacecraft in a mission originating from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre.

    Liftoff was on schedule. IRNSS-1B is the second of seven satellites that comprise the first-generation Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS). IRNSS-1B will join IRNSS-1A already in orbit in forming the first pair of satellites for the IRNSS.

    Watch the launch in this video:

    The IRNSS system will consist of three geostationary satellites and two pairs of spacecraft in inclined geosynchronous orbits. Each IRNSS satellite uses a rubidium-based atomic clock to keep time, transmitting signals on L and S-band frequencies at 1,176.45 and 2492.028 megahertz respectively. A C-band transponder and an array of retroreflectors will be used to determine ranging data for calibration, according to NASASpaceflight.com.