Countdown begins for launch of IRNSS 1-D

The countdown for the launch of PSLV C-27 carrying the IRNSS 1-D satellite — the fourth among seven satellites which aim to put in place India’s own navigation system on space — has begun at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre at Sriharikota on Thursday.

“The countdown commenced at 5.49 a.m. on Thursday and it is proceeding smoothly,” an ISRO spokesman said. The launch is scheduled for Saturday at 5.19 p.m. Earlier, the launch scheduled for March 9 was deferred following an anomaly in the telemetry systems.

Later, the Launch Authorisation Board cleared the launch for Saturday.

Of the seven satellites and ground support systems, which would collectively form the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS), three have been launched.

“Though the system can start function with the fourth satellite, the launch of remaining satellites will make it more efficient,” the spokesman said.

The launch is scheduled for tomorrow at

5.19 p.m.