IRNSS-1D Live Tracker

First-generation NavIC satellite in an inclined geosynchronous orbit. Its atomic clocks have failed, so it no longer supports positioning and is limited to messaging services.

IRNSS-1D, the fourth satellite of India's first-generation regional navigation system, launched on PSLV-C27 on 28 March 2015 into an inclined geosynchronous orbit. Satellites in such orbits trace a narrow figure-of-eight over a fixed longitude each day rather than sitting still.

Its atomic clocks have failed, so it no longer contributes to positioning and is limited to messaging. Recent public orbital elements place it away from its original 111.75° E station, which is why this site lists it as drifting.

What it does

IRNSS-1D is the fourth of the seven satellites in the IRNSS (NavIC) space segment. Like the others it carried a navigation payload with atomic clocks and a ranging payload. You can see the NavIC fleet's estimated positions on the NavIC tracker.

Spacecraft

It weighed 1,425 kg at lift-off and repeats the design of IRNSS-1A, 1B and 1C. ISRO built it in less than four months after IRNSS-1C was launched. Its two solar panels use ultra triple junction solar cells and give about 1,660 W. Critical parts such as the atomic clocks have special thermal control.

Launch and orbit raising

PSLV-C27, the twenty-ninth PSLV flight, launched IRNSS-1D from the Second Launch Pad at Sriharikota in March 2015. The rocket left it in a sub-geosynchronous transfer orbit of 284 km by 20,650 km, tilted 19.2°. The Master Control Facility at Hassan then fired the satellite's liquid apogee motor once at perigee and three times at apogee to lift it to its working orbit. It joined the group of NavIC satellites in orbits inclined about 29°.

Fate

The public satellite catalogue lists IRNSS-1D as no longer operational.

Sources

  1. IRNSS-1D — satellite catalogue record (NORAD 40547)
  2. IRNSS-1D
  3. PSLV-C27/IRNSS-1D
  4. IRNSS 1A, ..., 1I