The Vice President of India recently proposed that the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) should work to make the Indian regional navigation satellite system, Navigation in Indian Constellation (NaVIC), available for global use.
Background
The Indian government approved the NaVIC project in 2006 and aimed for it to be operational by 2015-16. The first satellite of the constellation, IRNSS-1A, was launched on July 1, 2013. The seventh and final piece of the constellation, IRNSS-1G, was launched on April 28, 2016. After the last launch, the Indian Prime Minister renamed IRNSS as NaVIC.
About NaVIC
Currently, the Indian Regional Navigational Satellite System (IRNSS) is made up of eight satellites. Three of these are in geostationary orbit, while the remaining five are in geosynchronous orbit. A replacement for the ineffective IRNSS-1A, called IRNSS-1I, is expected soon. The system aims to provide reliable position, navigation and timing services over India and neighboring areas within a 1500-km radius. It operates similarly to the US Global Positioning System (GPS). However, even with fewer satellites, NaVIC boasts an estimated accuracy of under 20 meters compared to GPS’s 20-30 meter accuracy.
Recognition and Advancements
International organizations such as the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) and the International Maritime Organization (IMO), have recognized NaVIC. The latter included it as a part of the World Wide Radio Navigation System (WWRNS) for operation in the Indian Ocean Region in 2020. ISRO is planning to improve navigation services and build the next generation of IRNSS satellites with indigenous atomic clocks.
Potential Uses
The NaVIC system can be used for a wide range of applications: from terrestrial, aerial and marine navigation to disaster management, from vehicle tracking and fleet management (particularly in the mining and transportation sectors) to integration with mobile phones. It also provides precise timing, which is critical for operations like ATMs and power grids, and aids in mapping and geodetic data capture.
Significance
NaVIC offers real-time information for standard positioning service open for civilian use and a restricted, potentially encrypted service for authorized users such as military personnel. The development of this technology has made India one of five countries with its own navigation system, decreasing its dependence on foreign systems. This leap forward will also contribute to scientific and technological advancements within the country, supporting India’s sovereignty and strategic requirements.
Implementation and Future Prospects
In April 2019, in accordance with the Nirbhaya case verdict, the Indian government mandated NavIC-based vehicle trackers for all commercial vehicles. Tech giant Qualcomm Technologies announced support for NavIC in their mobile chipsets. Plans are underway to share the project with SAARC nations, enhancing regional navigation systems and extending a diplomatic gesture from India to its neighboring countries.
GPS Aided Geo Augmented Navigation (GAGAN)
The Satellite Based Augmentation System (SBAS), implemented jointly with Airport Authority of India (AAI), aimed to provide navigation services with accuracy and integrity required for civil aviation applications and to improve Air Traffic Management over Indian Airspace. Now, the GAGAN Signal-In-Space (SIS) is readily available through GSAT-8 and GSAT-10.