[SatNews] The fourth Indian navigation satellite is getting ready for launch in March and will be another step forward for India in evolving its own navigation satellite system.

Located at Mahendrgiri is ISRO's propulsion complex.

Photo is courtesy of ISRO.

Cryogenic propulsion systems on board PSLV-C27 rocket that will launch the satellite are being developed by scientists of the ISRO Propulsion Complex at Mahendragiri in the Tirunelveli district. S. Ingersol, group director of the complex, told The Hindu, “Totally, seven satellites are required to be launched to complete the configuration under the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS) and already three had been launched."

Dr. Ingersol said launch of the remaining four satellites would be completed in one year and, after that, India’s dependency on the U.S. for GPS service would be significantly reduced. “This will trigger the much-needed development in geographic information systems. Advance research by ISRO scientists has made India go for launching heavier satellites of three to four tons from our own soil,” he said.

The Mahendragiri complex was developing the second and fourth liquid stages needed for the launch vehicle.

Story by Shastry V. Mallady, The Hindu