Why is Indian Regional Navigational Satellite System (IRNSS) needed? How does it help in navigation?[150 Words] [10 Marks] [2018]


Intro:
IRNSS (now called NavIC) – an independent regional navigation satellite system developed by ISRO.
• Provides accurate position info in India and surrounding region (up to ~1,500 km).


Need for IRNSS:
Strategic Autonomy – Reduce dependence on foreign systems like GPS (USA), especially during conflicts.
Civil & Military Use – Required for secure, reliable navigation services.
Regional Accuracy – Designed to provide better accuracy (~<20 m civilian, ~<10 m encrypted) for Indian region.
Disaster Management & Emergency Response – Independent system aids in faster response.
Economic & Technological Development – Encourages indigenous tech growth.


Navigation Applications:
Land Navigation – Real-time tracking of vehicles, transport logistics.
Marine Navigation – Route guidance for ships in Indian Ocean.
Aviation – Assists aircraft in en-route navigation.
Disaster Alerts – Used for tsunami, cyclone warnings.
Surveying & Mapping – High-precision data for infrastructure and planning.


Conclusion:
• IRNSS/NavIC enhances India’s self-reliance in navigation, bolsters security, and supports economic and technological advancement.