NavIC satellite

NavIC satellite

News: ISRO has launched a new NavIC satellite (NVS-01), belonging to the second generation of the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS), known as NavIC.

What is importance of having regional navigation system to India?
 Strategic independence as ISRO’s NavIC will operate independently without relying on GPS of other nations.
 NavIC enables precise tracking and navigation for defence operations and military applications.
 It enables precise tracking of commercial vehicles, enhancing road safety and efficiency.
 It helps farmers in optimizing crop management, irrigation, and soil nutrient application.
 Real-time tracking of fishermen and it sends timely alerts in case of potential dangers at sea.
 It aids in scientific experiments, geological surveys, and geodetic network development.
 It will help in tracking and responding to natural disasters, such as cyclones and floods.

Key Features of NVS-01 to overcome earlier issues:
 The inclusion of the L1 frequency (besides L5 and S frequency) enhances compatibility with wearable devices and personal trackers. The inclusion of L1 frequency also increases interoperability with other satellite-based navigation systems.
 The second-generation satellites will also have a longer mission life of more than 12 years. The existing satellites have a mission life of 10 years.
 The heaviest in the constellation of NAVIC satellites (will be launched by a Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) rocket) - Previous satellites were much lighter and launched on PSLV. The higher weight allowance allows for more instruments and fuel to be loaded.

Advantages of NavIC:
 After it becomes fully operational, NavIC open signals are expected to provide accuracy up to 5 meters, surpassing GPS accuracy (20 meters).
 It provides prime example of ISRO’s potential. It reduces our dependence on Foreign systems.
 India is the only country that has a regional satellite-based navigation system while there are four global satellite-based navigation systems — the American GPS, the Russian GLONASS, the European Galileo, and the Chinese Beidou.
 NavIC signals arrive in India at a 90-degree angle, making them easier to receive even in congested or obstructed areas (unlike GPS).
Source – Indian Express