| Introduction: Describe NaVIC briefly Body: What are its features and its significance Conclusion: Conclude with short statement |
NavIC is an Indian ‘GPS’ – Global Positioning System which aims to provide accurate and real-time navigation in India and a region extending to 1,500 km around the mainland. ISRO launched the first of the second generation satellite for its Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS) constellation, also named NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation). NVS-01 is a 2232 kg satellite with a mission life of 12 years powered by two solar arrays capable of generating power up to 2.4kW and a lithium-ion battery during the eclipse. The satellite was launched on board a GSLV rocket which deployed the satellite in geosynchronous transfer orbit (GTO).
What are its salient features?
- Heavier than 1 generation: The second-generation satellites are comparatively heavier than the previous 1 generation satellites. 1 generation of satellites used the lighter PSLV vehicle while 2 generations use GSLV.
- Long Life: The mission life of the second-generation satellites will be greater than 12 years. The mission life of the current satellites is ten years.
- Atomic Clocks: The Rubidium atomic clock, an important piece of Indian technology, will be installed on the satellite. It is indigenously developed by Space Application Centre, Ahmedabad. The working of these clocks ensures that satellites can provide accurate locations for longer hours.
- Use of L1 signals: To improve interoperability with other satellite-based navigation systems, the second-generation satellites will transmit signals in a third frequency, L1, in addition to the L5 and S frequency signals that are currently provided by the present satellites.
What is the significance of Navic for India?
- Useful in daily life: NavIC is useful for projects like public vehicle safety, power grid synchronization, real-time train information systems, and fishermen’s safety.
- Mapping services: Government is in talks with chipset and mobile phone manufacturers to integrate their headsets with the Navic system.
- Defense: NaVIC provides a wide range of 1500km coverage useful for the country’s security.
- Covers inaccessible areas: NaVIC signals can reach devices located in dense forests, congested areas, and mountains.
- Self-reliant: India is one of the countries having its satellite-based navigation system. India will not have to depend on other nations for its commercial and military use.
Conclusion
India is the only country having a regional satellite-based navigation system that can be used as a tool of diplomatic engagement with SAARC nations and help in disaster management.
