Volume 1, Issue 27 Feb 2024
NavIC
An alternative to gps?
NavIC, which stands for Navigation with Indian Constellation, is India's regional satellite navigation system. It is designed to provide accurate positioning information to users in India and the surrounding region. Developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), NavIC aims to reduce the country's dependence on foreign navigation systems like GPS (Global Positioning System) and provide more reliable and accurate positioning services tailored to the specific needs of the Indian subcontinent.
NavIC comprises seven satellites in geosynchronous orbit (GEO) and geostationary orbit (GSO). These satellites are positioned so that at least four satellites are visible at any given time from any point in India. This arrangement ensures continuous coverage and enhances the accuracy and reliability of positioning data.
One of the key features of NavIC is its ability to provide accurate real-time positioning information with an accuracy of better than 20 meters in the primary service area, which includes India and a region extending up to 1500 kilometers around its borders. In addition to the primary service area, NavIC also offers a secondary service area covering a larger region encompassing much of Asia.
Moreover, NavIC contributes to India's strategic autonomy by reducing dependence on foreign navigation systems, thereby enhancing national security. It also opens up opportunities for developing indigenous technologies and applications related to satellite navigation.
Since its launch, NavIC has been steadily gaining acceptance and usage across various sectors in India. Efforts are underway to further enhance its capabilities and expand its coverage to serve a wider range of applications and users. With its indigenous technology and tailored services, NavIC represents a significant milestone in India's space program and its quest for self-reliance in critical technologies.
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