(JKPSC) Why is Indian regional navigational satellite system needed? How does it work?

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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.

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