In a significant development in the space sector, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and its commercial arm, Antrix Corporation Ltd., are gearing up to comercialize India’s regional navigation satellite system, known as Navigation in Indian Constellation (NavIC). As part of this initiative, the platform aims to offer a wide range of applications across several sectors, emerging as an effective tool for terrestrial, aerial and marine navigation, disaster management, vehicle tracking and fleet management, mobile phone integration, precise timing, and mapping and geodetic data capture.
Understanding NavIC: The Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System
Navigation in Indian Constellation (NavIC), or known as Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS), is an innovative venture by ISRO designed for providing reliable position, navigation, and timing services over India and its vicinity. The IRNSS consists of eight satellites, where three are positioned in geostationary orbit and the remaining five satellites are located in a geosynchronous orbit.
The principal objective behind initiating this project is to establish a system that works parallelly like the U.S. Global Positioning System (GPS). However, the primary difference lies in the operational geography, where NavIC functions within a 1,500-km radius over the sub-continent.
Global Acknowledgement of NavIC
Adding to its credibility, NavIC has been officially certified by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). This body plays a crucial role in globally coordinating mobile telephony standards, and this certification gives NavIC an international recognition among other leading navigation systems.
Prospective Applications of NavIC
The commercialization of NavIC will open doors to a plethora of prospective uses in various sectors. Below are a few potential applications of this system:
| Area of Application | Use |
|---|---|
| Terrestrial, aerial and marine navigation | Improved navigational services. |
| Disaster management | Timely response and efficient management during disasters. |
| Vehicle tracking and fleet management (mainly for mining and transportation sector) | Enhanced tracking services and effective fleet management. |
| Mobile phone integration | Seamless integration with mobile phones for advanced navigational uses. |
| Precise timing (as for ATMs and power grids) | Ensuring accurate time for efficient functioning of ATMs and power grids. |
| Mapping and geodetic data capture | Facilitating detailed mapping and capturing geodetic data for various purposes. |
The Future Path of NavIC
As ISRO and Antrix are setting the stage for commercializing NavIC, it will undoubtedly lead to significant advancements in navigation and timing services. The system is expected to bring about efficiency and precision in various sectors, contributing to India’s progress in the field of space technology. The incorporation of NavIC in a wide range of applications is anticipated to offer value-added services and enhance the overall user experience.
