The IRNSS, also known as NavIC (an acronym for Navigation with Indian Constellation), is an autonomous regional satellite navigation system that provides precise real-time positioning and timing services. It covers India and 1,500 km around, with plans for expansion.
The IRNSS is needed for many reasons:
- Provide an independent, secure navigation system for India, enhancing national security and economic development.
- Enhance positioning and timing services, benefiting military, transportation, and agriculture sectors.
- Reduce dependence on foreign navigation systems, safeguarding critical infrastructure. Indian space industry jobs have been created by the IRNSS.
IRNSS applications:
- IRNSS can be used for navigation by ships, aircraft, vehicles, and pedestrians. This improves transportation safety and efficiency.
- Timing: The IRNSS can synchronize clocks and measure light speed. This has many scientific and engineering uses.
- Security: The IRNSS can track vehicles and monitor borders. This boosts national security.
- Agriculture: The IRNSS can be used for precision farming and weather forecasting. This can boost crop yields and reduce food waste.
- Disaster management: The IRNSS can track cyclones and floods. This can save lives and property.
Working
- The IRNSS satellites transmit radio signals that contain information about their position and time.
- The receivers on the ground pick up these signals and use them to calculate their own position and time.
- The receivers use a technique called trilateration to calculate their position. Trilateration is a method of determining the position of a point by measuring the distances to three or more known points.
- The IRNSS provides two types of services: Standard Positioning Service (SPS) and Restricted Service (RS).
- SPS is available to all users and provides positioning accuracy of up to 20 meters in the primary service area and 100 meters in the extended service area.
- RS is an encrypted service that is available to authorized users and provides positioning accuracy of up to 5 meters.
IRNSS is a versatile system with many uses. India will benefit greatly from it for years to come.