Subject: Science & Technology

India's pursuit of self-reliance in satellite navigation through Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC) marks a significant stride in space technology advancement.

Standard Positioning System (SPS) vs Precision Positioning System (PPS)

• Standard Positioning System (SPS):

  • It is the civilian version of GPS available for general public use.
  • Provides horizontal position accuracy of 15-20 meters.
  • Used in everyday applications like smartphone navigation and vehicle tracking.

• Precision Positioning System (PPS):

  • It is a military-grade positioning service with restricted access.
  • Offers enhanced accuracy up to centimeter-level precision.
  • Critical for defense operations, missile guidance, and strategic applications.

Advantages of IRNSS Programme

• Strategic Independence:

  • Reduces dependency on foreign navigation systems during conflicts.
  • Ensures continuous availability of positioning services in Indian territory.

• Cost-Effective Solution:

  • Implementation cost of ₹2,246 crore ($266 million) as of March 2017.
  • Achieves regional coverage with just seven satellites compared to GPS's 24 satellites.

• Enhanced Accuracy:

  • Provides positional accuracy of 5-10 meters within Indian territory.
  • Accuracy of 20 meters in extended service area covering neighboring regions.

• Commercial Benefits:

  • Integration with mobile devices and transportation systems.
  • Potential for indigenous technology development and export opportunities.

The successful implementation of IRNSS/NavIC demonstrates India's technological prowess in space technology, while providing strategic autonomy through indigenous navigation capabilities. The system's evolution with second-generation satellites and L1 frequency band integration positions India among select nations with independent satellite navigation capabilities, supporting the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat in space technology.