# IRNSS-1B

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**Wikidata**: [Q16012990](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q16012990)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IRNSS-1B)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/irnss-1b

## Summary
IRNSS-1B is the second satellite in India's Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS), launched on April 4, 2014, by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). It is a navigation satellite with a mass of 1,432 kilograms, designed to provide positioning and timing services over India and the surrounding region.

## Key Facts
- Launched on April 4, 2014, from Satish Dhawan Space Centre First Launch Pad
- Mass: 1,432 kilograms
- Operated by Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
- Launched using Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle-XL (PSLV-XL)
- Placed in geostationary transfer orbit
- Cospar ID: 2014-017A
- Part of the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS)
- Provides navigation services with Indian Constellation
- Country of origin: India

## FAQs
### Q: What is IRNSS-1B?
A: IRNSS-1B is India's second navigation satellite, launched on April 4, 2014, by ISRO. It weighs 1,432 kilograms and was placed in geostationary transfer orbit to provide positioning and timing services over India and surrounding regions.

### Q: When and how was IRNSS-1B launched?
A: IRNSS-1B was launched on April 4, 2014, from Satish Dhawan Space Centre First Launch Pad using a Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle-XL (PSLV-XL) rocket.

### Q: What is the purpose of IRNSS-1B?
A: IRNSS-1B is part of India's regional navigation satellite system, providing positioning, navigation, and timing services over India and surrounding areas, similar to GPS but specifically for Indian and regional users.

## Why It Matters
IRNSS-1B represents a significant milestone in India's quest for technological self-reliance in satellite navigation. As the second satellite in the IRNSS constellation, it plays a crucial role in providing India with an independent navigation system, reducing dependence on foreign systems like GPS. This is particularly important for strategic applications including military operations, disaster management, and civilian navigation services. The satellite enables accurate positioning and timing services across India and up to 1,500 km beyond its borders, supporting everything from aviation and maritime navigation to precision agriculture and emergency response. By developing its own navigation infrastructure, India has enhanced its national security capabilities and positioned itself as a spacefaring nation with critical technological independence.

## Notable For
- Second satellite in India's IRNSS constellation, establishing the foundation for regional navigation independence
- Launched using India's reliable PSLV-XL rocket, demonstrating indigenous launch capabilities
- Provides positioning accuracy better than 20 meters over Indian territory
- Part of a seven-satellite constellation that offers 24/7 navigation services
- Enables India to have its own regional equivalent to GPS, enhancing national security and strategic autonomy

## Body
### Technical Specifications
IRNSS-1B is a navigation satellite with a mass of 1,432 kilograms, making it a substantial spacecraft designed for long-term operation in geostationary orbit. The satellite was built to operate for at least ten years, providing continuous navigation services to users across India and the surrounding region.

### Launch Details
The satellite was launched on April 4, 2014, at 11:44 UTC from the First Launch Pad at Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, India. The launch vehicle was a Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle-XL (PSLV-XL), which is ISRO's workhorse rocket for launching satellites into various orbits. The PSLV-XL configuration includes six strap-on solid rocket motors to provide additional thrust during the initial phase of flight.

### Mission and Operations
IRNSS-1B operates as part of the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS), also known as NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation). The satellite provides positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) services across India and up to 1,500 km beyond its borders. The system offers two services: Standard Positioning Service (SPS) for civilian use and Restricted Service (RS) for strategic applications.

### Orbital Characteristics
The satellite was placed in geostationary transfer orbit and later maneuvered to its operational geostationary orbit at approximately 35,786 kilometers above Earth's surface. This orbit allows the satellite to maintain a fixed position relative to Earth's surface, providing continuous coverage to the target region.

### System Architecture
IRNSS-1B carries navigation payloads that transmit signals in L5 and S-band frequencies. These signals are used by ground receivers to calculate precise positioning information. The satellite also includes a rubidium atomic clock for highly accurate timing, which is essential for navigation applications. The constellation design ensures that at least four satellites are visible at any location within the service area at any given time, enabling reliable positioning calculations.

## References

1. [Source](https://www.isro.gov.in/launchers/list-of-pslv-launches)
2. Jonathan's Space Report
3. [Source](https://www.isro.gov.in/spacecraft/list-of-navigation-satellites)
4. BabelNet