INDIAN REGIONAL NAVIGATION SATELLITE SYSTEM (IRNSS)
- IRNSS is designed to provide accurate positioning, navigation, and timing services primarily over India and the surrounding region, extending up to 1,500 kilometers beyond its borders.
- The IRNSS constellation comprises a total of seven satellites, consisting of three geostationary Earth orbit (GEO) satellites and four satellites in geosynchronous orbit inclined at an angle to the equator
- NavIC is designed to be interoperable with other global navigation satellite systems like GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and BeiDou. This interoperability allows users to combine signals from multiple systems for increased accuracy and reliability
- IRNSS/NavIC enhances India's self-reliance in satellite-based navigation systems, reducing dependence on foreign systems and ensuring better control over strategic applications
- IRNSS/NavIC supports various applications, including transportation, maritime navigation, surveying, agriculture, disaster management, and location-based services (LBS) for smartphones and other devices
The architecture of the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS), also known as NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation), encompasses several essential components that enable its functioning and provision of navigation services.
Here's an overview of the architecture:
- Satellite Constellation: The IRNSS constellation consists of a total of seven satellites. Among these, three satellites are placed in geostationary orbit (GEO), providing coverage over the Indian subcontinent. Additionally, four satellites operate in geosynchronous orbits with an inclination to the equator, ensuring wider coverage and better positioning accuracy.
- Satellite Configuration: The IRNSS satellites are equipped with atomic clocks, navigation payloads, and communication systems. Each satellite is designed to continuously transmit signals containing precise positioning and timing information to ground-based receivers.
- Ground Control Segment: The ground control segment comprises control centers, monitoring stations, and ground antennas. These facilities monitor the health, status, and orbital parameters of the IRNSS satellites. They are responsible for satellite tracking, orbit determination, timing synchronization, and command and control operations.
- User Segment: The user segment consists of various devices equipped with IRNSS/NavIC receivers. These receivers are integrated into navigation devices, smartphones, vehicles, maritime equipment, and other user-end devices. They receive and process signals transmitted by the satellites to determine accurate positioning and timing information for navigation purposes
| Satellite Name | Launched | Launch Vehicle | Status | Orbit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IRNSS-1A | July 1, 2013 | PSLV-C22 | Operational | GEO, 32.5°E |
| IRNSS-1B | April 4, 2014 | PSLV-C24 | Operational | GEO, 83°E |
| IRNSS-1C | October 16, 2014 | PSLV-C26 | Operational | GEO, 131°E |
| IRNSS-1D | March 28, 2015 | PSLV-C27 | Operational | GSO, 55°E |
| IRNSS-1E | January 20, 2016 | PSLV-C28 | Operational | GSO, 55°E |
| IRNSS-1F | March 10, 2016 | PSLV-C30 | Operational | GSO, 111.75°E |
| IRNSS-1G | April 28, 2016 | PSLV-C31 | Operational | GSO, 111.75°E |
| IRNSS-1H | August 31, 2017 | PSLV-C38 | Operational | GSO, 55°E |
| IRNSS-1I | April 12, 2018 | PSLV-C41 | Operational | GSO, 111.75°E |
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Transportation and Vehicle Navigation: IRNSS/NavIC aids in vehicle navigation systems, especially in India and surrounding regions. It assists in route planning, real-time navigation, and optimizing travel routes for cars, buses, trucks, and other vehicles.
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Maritime Navigation: NavIC supports maritime navigation, assisting ships, boats, and vessels in safe and efficient navigation through Indian waters and adjoining seas. It contributes to coastal surveillance, fishing fleet management, and maritime safety.
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Agriculture: In agriculture, IRNSS/NavIC aids in precision farming practices. It enables farmers to optimize irrigation, planting, and harvesting activities, enhancing crop yield and resource efficiency through accurate positioning data.
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Surveying and Mapping: IRNSS/NavIC facilitates accurate surveying, mapping, and geodetic applications. It assists in creating precise maps, conducting land surveys, and supporting infrastructure development projects.
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Disaster Management: During natural disasters or emergencies, NavIC helps in disaster management operations. It assists in providing accurate location data for coordinating rescue and relief efforts, ensuring swift response and effective aid distribution.
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Telecommunications and Time Synchronization: IRNSS/NavIC provides precise timing information, contributing to telecommunications networks, synchronization of systems, and supporting critical time-sensitive applications.
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Location-Based Services (LBS): NavIC enhances location-based services for smartphones, tablets, and other devices. It enables accurate positioning for various applications such as ride-sharing, logistics, and location-based apps.
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Defense and Strategic Applications: The system has strategic applications for defense and security purposes, providing a secure and reliable navigation system for military operations and strategic planning.
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Scientific Research: NavIC supports scientific research endeavors by offering accurate positioning and timing data for scientific experiments, environmental studies, and geophysical research
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MCQs on IRNSS / NavIC
What does NavIC stand for?
Answer: D) Navigation with Indian Constellation How many satellites are there in the NavIC constellation?
Answer: C) 7 Which organization developed the NavIC system?
Answer: B) ISRO What is the primary purpose of NavIC?
Answer: C) Satellite-based navigation and timing services Which service of NavIC is accessible to civilian users?
Answer: A) Standard Positioning Service (SPS) What is the coverage area of NavIC primarily designed for?
Answer: B) Regional coverage over India and neighboring regions Which launch vehicle was primarily used to deploy the NavIC satellites into orbit?
Answer: B) PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle) |
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Previous Year Questions
1.With reference to the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS), consider the following statements: (UPSC CSE 2018) 1) IRNSS has three satellites in geostationary and four satellites in geosynchronous orbits. 2) IRNSS covers entire India and about 5500 sq. km beyond its borders. 3) India will have its own satellite navigation system with full global coverage by the middle of 2019. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) None Answer: (a) 2.What is the Galileo Project which has been in news recently? (UPSC CSE 2007) (a) An intercountry programme of missile shield developed by the United States of America (b) A project developed by India with assistance from Canada (c) An environmental protection project being developed by Japan (d) A multi-satellite navigation project being developed by the European Union Answer: (d) 3. In which of the following areas can GPS technology be used? (UPSC CSE 2018) 1) Mobile phone operations 2) Banking operations 3) Controlling the power grids Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Answer: (d) |
What is NaVIC?
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- NaVIC stands for Navigation with Indian Constellation. It is India's regional satellite-based navigation system, providing accurate positioning, navigation, and timing services primarily over India and the surrounding region.
How does NaVIC work?
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- NaVIC operates through a constellation of seven satellites that continuously transmit signals. Ground-based receivers receive these signals to calculate precise positioning and timing information.
What are the services offered by NaVIC?
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- NaVIC provides two main services:
- Standard Positioning Service (SPS) for civilian users with positioning accuracy within 20 meters.
- Restricted Service (RS) for authorized users with enhanced accuracy for strategic and military applications.
- NaVIC provides two main services:
Is NaVIC compatible with other global navigation systems?
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- Yes, NaVIC is designed to be interoperable with other global navigation satellite systems like GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and BeiDou, allowing users to combine signals for increased accuracy and reliability.
What are the applications of NaVIC?
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- NaVIC supports various applications, including transportation, maritime navigation, agriculture, surveying, disaster management, telecommunications, defense, and scientific research.
How accurate is NaVIC in providing positioning information?
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- NaVIC aims to provide accurate positioning information, typically within 20 meters for civilian users. This accuracy can vary based on receiver quality and environmental factors.
Who developed NaVIC?
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- NaVIC was developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to provide an indigenous satellite navigation system for India.
Is NaVIC freely accessible for civilian use?
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- Yes, the Standard Positioning Service (SPS) of NaVIC is freely accessible to civilian users, offering accurate positioning and timing services without charges.
How does NaVIC benefit various sectors?
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- NaVIC benefits sectors like transportation, agriculture, disaster management, defense, telecommunications, and scientific research by providing accurate navigation, timing, and positioning information.
Where is NaVIC primarily intended to provide coverage?
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- NaVIC is primarily designed to provide coverage over India and the surrounding region, extending up to approximately 1,500 kilometers beyond its borders.
