IRNSS-1B

IRNSS-1B is the second out of seven in the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS) series of satellites after IRNSS-1A. The NVS, previously IRNSS, constellation is not a global positioning constellation, like GPS, GLONASS, Galileo or Beidou-3, but a regional one, similar to the Chinese Beidou-1 and 2, or the Japanese QZSS, serving only the Indian sub-continent. IRNSS satellites have two payloads: a navigation payload and CDMA ranging payload in addition with a laser retro-reflector. The payload generates navigation signals at L5 and S-band. The design of the payload makes the IRNSS system inter-operable and compatible with Global Positioning System (GPS) and Galileo systems. The satellite is powered by two solar arrays, which generate up to 1,660 watts, and has a life-time of ten years.