India Tuesday launched the first of seven satellites to build its own navigation system, aiming to join a select group of countries that possess such technology.<\/p>\n
A rocket launched by the Indian Space Research Organization placed the 1,425-kilogram satellite into orbit early Tuesday, agency chief K Radhakrishnan said.<\/p>\n
The full constellation of seven satellites is scheduled for completion 2016, the space agency said.<\/p>\n
China, the US and Russia have their own satellite navigation systems. The project is aimed at reducing India’s dependence for Global Positioning System-based services.<\/p>\n
Premier Manmohan Singh said the launch marked an important milestone in the development of the country’s space programme. India plans to send its first mission to Mars later this year.<\/p>\n
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