Why is Indian Regional Navigational Satellite System (IRNSS) needed? How does it help in navigation?
1. IRNSS
IRNSS, operationalised as NavIC, is India’s indigenous regional satellite navigation system providing positioning, navigation and timing services.
2. It is needed for strategic autonomy
It is needed for strategic autonomy, ending total dependence on the US GPS, which can be denied or degraded during conflict.
3. Seven satellites
Seven satellites, three geostationary and four geosynchronous, with ground stations cover India and up to 1,500 km beyond its borders.
4. It offers Standard Positioning Service for
It offers Standard Positioning Service for civilians and Restricted Service for strategic users, with accuracy better than twenty metres.
5. In navigation
In navigation, it guides road, rail, shipping, aviation and fishing vessels, including navigation of Indian ships beyond coastal waters.
6. Precise timing signals synchronise power grids
Precise timing signals synchronise power grids, banking, telecom networks and critical infrastructure across the country.
7. It aids disaster management
It aids disaster management, fleet tracking, location-based services and defence applications including missile guidance.
8. L1-band signals now enable smartphone compatibility
L1-band signals now enable smartphone compatibility, while GAGAN augments GPS for aviation, complementing NavIC’s standalone capability.
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