Atomic clocks of Satellite IRNSS-1A Develops Technical Snag

Atomic clocks of Satellite IRNSS-1A Develops Technical Snag

The atomic clocks on the first satellite IRNSS-1A of the NAVIC, an indigenously built satellite system has developed technical complications.The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chairman, A.S. Kiran Kumar informed that one of the three crucial rubidium clock on IRNSS-1A spacecraft failed six

months ago while the other two failed subsequently. NAVIC is a constellation (नक्षत्र) of seven satellites in the geosynchronous orbit and two backup satellites on ground. Each satellite consists of three atomic clocks. Thus there are total of 27 atomic clock in NAVIC.

iii. ISRO Chairman also announced that the default satellite would be replaced by one of the back-up satellite 1H, in the second half of the year 2017.

Definitions of atomic clock

noun an extremely accurate type of clock that is regulated by the vibrations of an atomic or molecular system such as caesium or ammonia.

Definitions of snag-

noun -an unexpected or hidden obstacle or drawback.