The country now is three satellites away from having its own satellite navigation system (IRNSS) which will help ensure the security of its communications. Countries with similar systems include the Unites States, Russia, China and Japan.
"The launch is tentatively planned for March 9 evening around 6.35 p.m. [00.05 GMT]. However final green signal for the launch will be given days ahead of the satellite launch," M.Y.S. Prasad, director of the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, part of Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) told reporters.
The first satellite, IRNSS-1A, was launched in July 2013. The next two were launched last April and October, respectively. The navigation system, comprising seven satellites, is expected to be completed by 2015.
India will be the third of the BRICS countries to have its own navigation system, after China and Russia. At present, Brazil operates the Russian navigation system GLONASS, installed at the University of Brasilia. By 2016, the country is expected to launch its own Defense and Strategic Communications Geostationary Satellite (SGDC) system, with the aim of ensuring Brazil's sovereignty over the communications of its armed forces.
