Q11. What do you understand about “Standard Positioning System” and “Precision positioning system” in the GPS era? Discuss the advantage India perceives from its ambitious IRNSS programme employing just seven satellites.

Model Answer:

Introduction

The Global Positioning System (GPS), managed by the United States, provides two levels of service: the Standard Positioning System (SPS) and the Precision Positioning System (PPS). The SPS, accessible to all, offers general positioning and timing information. Meanwhile, PPS provides encrypted, high-precision data primarily for authorised military and government users.

Body

India’s ambitious IRNSS (Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System), also known as NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation), is a regional satellite navigation system designed to provide accurate position information over India and the surrounding region. This system, developed independently, brings India several strategic and operational advantages.

Understanding SPS and PPS in GPS:

• Standard Positioning System (SPS):
  • Open to civilians globally.
  • Offers positioning accuracy around 10 metres.
  • Primarily utilised in civilian applications like navigation, mapping, and tracking.
• Precision Positioning System (PPS):
  • Restricted to authorised users, mainly military and government agencies.
  • Provides encrypted, highly accurate positioning within a few centimetres.
  • Ensures superior service resilience, particularly in secure applications.

Advantages of IRNSS with Seven Satellites for India

• Strategic Independence: IRNSS eliminates reliance on foreign systems like GPS, ensuring data availability and security, especially during conflicts or diplomatic strains.
• Enhanced Accuracy for Regional Users: IRNSS provides highly accurate positioning data (within 5-10 metres) over India and surrounding areas up to 1,500 km, aiding in navigation for various sectors.
• Military Advantage: India can support its defence systems with precise data, independent of GPS, enhancing operational readiness and national security.
• Disaster Management: IRNSS aids in disaster response through reliable, real-time location information, improving coordination and rescue efforts in affected regions.
• Support for Civilian Applications: With free access for users in India, sectors such as transportation, telecommunications, and personal navigation benefit from reliable positioning services.

Conclusion

‍India’s IRNSS is a strategic asset that bolsters regional autonomy, national security, and civilian infrastructure. By relying on seven satellites, IRNSS offers a robust, independent navigation system to meet India’s unique geographic and strategic requirements effectively.

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