ISRO deputy director Dr Sharma on NavIC, Atomic Clocks and Private players, hours before the big launch

With the final countdown for ISRO's critical Thursday launch initiated, Republic World spoke exclusively to Dr. Venkatesh Sharma, the Deputy Director of ISRO's Satellite Centre to ask him a quick-fire round of specific questions about the IRNSS NavIC — Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System, NAVigation with Indian Constellation

In Pictures | ISRO gears up for navigation satellite launch

The first question was whether or not the NavIC navigation system is currently active. To this, Dr Sharma replied in the affirmative, adding that it is being used for trials and specific experiments. However, the NavIC, which is India's very own version of GPS (Global Positioning Satellite), will require a little more on-ground effort if it is to become usable for the general public. As per Dr Sharma, a special chipset and handset are being developed which will enable the public to use NavIC just like they use the American GPS. 

In its effort to mainstream NavIC, ISRO is joined by the SCL (Semi-Conductor Laboratory) in Chandigarh. SCL is an autonomous body under the Government's Department of Space, and as per its website, 'is engaged in research and development in the area of Microelectronics to meet the strategic needs of the country.' 

Coming to the satellites themselves, it has been made abundantly clear that today's satellite and launch are meant to replace the first satellite in the IRNSS' seven-satellite-system. That satellite, the IRNSS-1A, has become unusable because all three of its atomic clocks have failed. Asked about whether the remaining atomic clocks on the other satellites may also be similarly vulnerable, Dr. Sharma said that it was possible, warning that such failures were difficult to predict. 'Precautions have been taken', he added inconclusively.

Another key point that's being spoken about in news reports is about the maker of this particular satellite. While a Bengaluru-based Alpha Design Technologies is involved, the IRNSS-1H has been made by ISRO, Dr Sharma clarified. The private player is, however, picking up essential experience and training which it will apply when it plays a larger role in building the next NavIC satellite. 

Finally, on being asked about what this launch means for him and what his own protocol is likely to be, Dr Sharma said he's responsible for all the hardware. That's not exactly a simple task, when you're talking about a multi-million dollar sophisticated atomic-clock-equipped satellite!