Mains Daily Question
May 17, 2023
ISRO’s Navigation Satellite-01 (NVS-01), a part of NavIC constellation system, is poised to catapult India into the exclusive club of major global navigational systems. In light of this statement, elaborate on the multidimensional advantages that India can reap from such a system.
Approach:
Introduction: Introduce ISRO's Navigation Satellite-01 (NVS-01) and NavIC and the current context.
Body: Highlighting some features of NavIC, explain how NVS-01 will benefit India in various domains
Conclusion: Highlight the significance of NVS-01 for India's development and security.
Answer:
NVS-01 is a navigation satellite that will be launched by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) as part of the Navigation with Indian Constellation System (NavIC) system, which is a regional satellite navigation system that provides positioning, navigation and timing services to India and its neighbouring countries. It will replace the navigational capabilities of satellite IRNSS-1G in the constellation due to its malfunction.
NavIC constellation system:
- NavIC consists of seven satellites in geostationary and geosynchronous orbits and a network of ground stations operating 24 x 7. NavIC offers two services:
- Standard Position Service (SPS) for civilian users
- Restricted Service (RS) for strategic users.
- These two services are provided in both L5 and S-band frequencies. NavIC also provides a signal in the L1 band that is interoperable with other global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) such as GPS, GLONASS, Galileo and BeiDou.
- NavIC covers India and a region up to 1500 km beyond its boundary, with an accuracy of better than 20 meters.
Multidimensional advantages for India:
- Enhance the safety and efficiency of civil aviation by providing accurate and reliable navigation services for en-route and approach phases of flight. NavIC is compatible with the GPS Aided Geo Augmented Navigation (GAGAN) system, which is a satellite-based augmentation system (SBAS) developed by ISRO and the Airports Authority of India (AAI) for the Indian airspace.
- Support the defence and security needs: by providing a dedicated and encrypted service for strategic users. NavIC will also enable precise targeting and missile guidance for India's military capabilities.
- Disaster management: such as early warning of cyclones, floods, landslides and earthquakes. NavIC will also facilitate search and rescue operations by providing location and distress alerts.
- Efficiency and productivity of transportation systems: such as railways, roadways and waterways. NavIC will provide real-time information on traffic conditions, vehicle tracking, route optimization and navigation assistance.
- Agriculture sector: by providing information on soil health, crop yield, weather forecasting and irrigation management. NavIC will also support precision farming and smart irrigation techniques that can reduce water wastage and increase crop quality.
NVS-01 is a vital addition to the NavIC system, which will provide India with an independent and indigenous satellite navigation system that can pave the way for expanding India’s navigational coverage from regional to global in the future. NavIC will not only enhance India's technological prowess but also its economic growth and social welfare in India’s Azaadi ka Amrit Kaal.