Role of IRNSS in ensuring navigation and connectivity

Published on 23 Feb 2025

IRNSS is an independent regional navigation satellite system being developed in India by ISRO. IRNSS envisages the establishment of a regional navigational satellite system using a combination of geosynchronous orbit (GEO) and geostationary orbit (GSO) spacecraft and state-of-the-art ground systems.

• Area covered: IRNSS: NavIC is designed to provide accurate position information service to users in India and the region extending up to 1500 km from its boundary, which is its primary service area.

• An extended service area lies between the primary service area and the area enclosed by the rectangle from latitude 30° South to 50° North and longitude 30° East to 130° East.

Role of IRNSS in connectivity

• Precise Positioning: IRNSS provides highly accurate real-time positioning information, enabling applications like GPS to determine location with greater precision. This is vital for various sectors including agriculture, transportation, surveying, and disaster management.   

• Time Synchronization: IRNSS offers precise time synchronization, essential for coordinating various activities across different locations. This is particularly useful in telecommunications, power grids, and financial systems.   

• Augmented Services: IRNSS can be integrated with other navigation systems to enhance their accuracy and reliability. This is beneficial for applications requiring high precision, such as land surveying and geodesy.

• Disaster Management: IRNSS plays a crucial role in disaster management by providing real-time location information for rescue and relief operations. It helps in tracking the movement of people and resources during emergencies.   

• Sovereignty and Security: By having its own navigation system, India ensures its sovereignty and security, reducing dependence on foreign systems.

Advantages of having an Indigenous Navigation System/NavIC

• Strategic Autonomy: India's reliance on foreign navigation systems is significantly reduced, ensuring strategic independence and security.

• Enhanced Accuracy: NavIC offers superior accuracy compared to GPS, particularly within the Indian region, improving applications in various sectors.

• Regional Cooperation: Sharing NavIC data with SAARC nations can foster stronger diplomatic ties and regional integration.

• Economic Benefits: NavIC can drive innovation and economic growth by enabling new applications and services.

• Improved Security: The system enhances India's surveillance and monitoring capabilities, aiding in national security.

• Last Mile Connectivity: NavIC's signal strength ensures reliable service even in remote or challenging terrains.

Tags:
Geography

Keywords:
Role of IRNSS in ensuring navigation and connectivity IRNSS navigation satellite Role of IRNSS in connectivity Advantages of having an Indigenous Navigation System/NavIC Navic

Syllabus:
General Studies Paper 1