Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System- Indigenous GPS
Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System- Indigenous GPS
This is a major achievement for India as it is equivalent to not only the GPS of the US, but also the Glonass of Russia and the Galileo of Europe. In Asia, systems similar to the IRNSS include Beidou from China and Japan’s Quasi Zenith Satellite System.
India has just taken a step towards developing its own alternative to the GPS (Global Positioning System) of the United States. The Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS) which is a project of the ISRO (India Space Research Organization) is a major move towards India’s ability to provide data like the GPS. A total of 7 navigation satellites will be launched by the ISRO as part of the IRNSS. The IRNSS-IB was recently launched into space on a PSLV-C24 rocket from Sriharikota. The IRNSS system will be operational by the year 2016. Indian space research has moved by leaps and bounds in recent years.
The IRNSS is a major achievement for India. This system will be used for navigational purposes and it will also provide critical information for defence needs. The satellite system will function within the nation as well as 1,500 kilometres beyond its borders. The satellite system will comprise 7 satellites, 3 of which are in geostationary orbit. 4 of the satellites in this system will be in inclined geosynchronous orbit. IRNSS-IB which was launched this year has a mission life which is for the duration of 10 years from now. At least 4 of the 7 satellites launched by the ISRO must operate for the IRNSS system to be active.
This is a major achievement for India because it is equivalent to not only the GPS of the US, but also the Glonass of Russia and the Galileo of Europe. In Asia, systems similar to the IRNSS include Beidou from China and Japan’s Quasi Zenith Satellite System. IRNSS-IA which was the first IRNSS satellite to be launched is already functioning well from its orbit. It has been subjected to an orbit test and it continues to perform well. India has made rapid strides in space technology due to this comprehensive satellite system. ISRO has indicated that a further 4 more satellites would be added to the project in coming years. Civil aviation is most likely to benefit from this new project.
Two more satellites named IRNSS-1C and IRNSS-1D will soon be introduced into space following the recent satellite IRNSS-1B. By the middle of 2015, all 7 satellites are expected to be in space. The IRNSS comprises the Standard Positioning Service and the Restricted Service. While the former is for civilian use, the latter is for military use and it is encrypted. ISRO has also opened a new satellite navigation centre as part of this project on May 28, 2013. Missile targeting is also one of the possible applications of this system. The total cost of the project is $237 million and each of the satellites costs around $20 million. The IRNSS system is created to ensure continuous radio visibility with respect to Indian control stations. The payloads will consist of equipment to track and provide navigation signals.
The IRNSS system will send signals which will contain data pertaining to a Precision Service and a Special Positioning Service. The navigation signals will be broadcast in such a way so as to ensure desired coverage and signal strength. The satellites weigh close to 1330 kilograms. Each of the satellites generates nearly 1400 watts of energy. This satellite system is designed to provide precise and accurate information. An absolute position accuracy of more than 10 meters on land and 20 meters on the ocean is one of the prime achievements of this satellite system.
The geostationary satellites will be at fixed aerial positions. Geosynchronous satellites move in inclined orbit pairs in figures of 8. This system is going to contribute in a tremendous way to India’s disaster management and defence capabilities. Apart from this, mapping and managing the movement of naval fleets will also become very easy. Apart from this, IRNSS involved terrestrial, aerial and marine navigation. Vehicular tracking as well as precise timing of movement will become extremely accurate following the launch of the complete IRNSS satellite system. IRNSS is the perfect indigenous satellite navigation system to meet all of India’s needs.
