Indian GPS NavIC To Be Linked To Aadhaar Enrolment Devices

Relevance: GS3 - Science and Technology; Achievements of Indians in science & technology; Indigenization of technology and developing new technology.

(Source: The Hindu, 08/11/2023)

Click here for Daily Current Affairs

Why in the news?

• The Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC) is India's indigenous satellite navigation system, akin to the American Global Positioning System (GPS).
• It comprises seven satellites and serves as a positioning and timing aid for a variety of applications.
• Recently, the Department of Space (DoS) announced plans to integrate NavIC into Aadhaar enrolment devices, marking a significant advancement in technology.

What is NavIC?

• NavIC or the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS) is designed with a constellation of 7 satellites and a network of ground stations operating 24×7.
• There are a total of eight satellites however only seven remain active.
• Three satellites in geostationary orbit and four satellites in geosynchronous orbit.
• The constellations' first satellite (IRNSS-1A) was launched on 1st July 2013 and the eighth satellite IRNSS-1I was launched in April 2018.
• It is fully under the control of the Government of India.

How will NavIC provide service?

• NavIC offers two services:
  • Standard Position Service (SPS) for civilian users and
  • Restricted Service (RS) for strategic users.
• These two services are provided in both L5 (1176.45 MHz) and S band (2498.028 MHz).
• The coverage of NavIC extends over India and stretches up to 1,500 km beyond its borders.
• Upcoming satellites will introduce an extra L1 band, tailored for civilian applications, further enhancing compatibility and utility.

Significance of the merger

• The integration of NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation) into Aadhaar enrolment devices aims to enhance their accuracy and reliability.
• Currently, these devices are linked to the Global Positioning System (GPS) for collecting and verifying personal details during Aadhaar enrolment.
• The Department of Space (DoS) has successfully conducted field trials and is now providing technical expertise to finalize the procurement specifications for these devices.
• The inclusion of NavIC technology will provide several benefits, including improved navigation accuracy and enhanced disaster management capabilities.

(*Click this link to read prelims specific weekly current affairs articles)

FAQs

MCQs

Question: Which of the following countries have their own navigation system? (UPSC 2023)

(a) Australia

(b) Canada

(c) Israel

(d) Japan

Question: With reference to the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS), consider the following statements: (UPSC 2018)

1. IRNSS has three satellites in geostationary and four satellites in geosynchronous orbits.
2. IRNSS covers the entire India and about 5500 sq. Km beyond its borders.
3. India will have its own satellite navigation system with full global coverage by the middle of 2019.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 1 and 2 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) None