Indo-Asian News Service

New Delhi, May 9 (IANS) The cabinet Tuesday approved the development and deployment of an Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS) that will include an independent, indigenously developed constellation of satellites to provide navigation and timing services for critical national applications.

The IRNSS will cost Rs.14.20 billion, with a foreign exchange component of Rs.11.00 billion excluding launch services, Information and Broadcasting Minister Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi told reporters here after a cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

The IRNSS satellites will be launched using India's PSLV, as a part of the PSLV-Continuation Programme.

The development and deployment of the IRNSS constellation, the ground infrastructure, navigation, safety and certification and verification software are expected to be completed in five to six years.