ISRO set to launch 'IRNSS-1H' from Sriharikota on Thursday

The 29-hour countdown began at 2 pm on Wednesday.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is all set to launch navigation satellite 'IRNSS-1H' on Thursday from Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.

IRNSS, which stands for Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System, will be carried by the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) rocket, XL variant.

The 29-hour countdown began at 2 pm on Wednesday and the launch is scheduled at 7 pm from the Second Launch Pad of the Satish Dhawan Space Centre on Thursday.

IRNSS-1H will augment the existing seven satellites of the NavIC constellation. IRNSS-1H will be a 'back-up' navigation satellite for IRNSS-1A, one of the seven satellites in the constellation, as its three rubidium atomic clocks on board had stopped functioning.

The four stage PSLV-XL stands 44.4 metres tall and weighs 321 tonnes at the lift-off stage. At least 19 minutes 25 seconds after lift-off, the rocket will sling IRNSS-1H at an altitude of 507 km.

The new satellite boasts much-improved version of atomic clocks which ensure correctness of time and will improve synchronization of equipment on Earth.

The Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS) is an independent regional navigation satellite system developed by India on par with US-based GPS.

OneIndia News with PTI inputs