Understanding the Satellite System for Fishermen Alerts

The question asks about a specific satellite-based system launched in October 2019 by the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) and the Airport Authority of India (AAI) aimed at providing disaster alerts to deep-sea fishermen.

Let's analyze the provided options:

• GPS: Global Positioning System is a satellite-based navigation system owned by the United States government. While it's used globally for positioning, it is not the specific system jointly launched by INCOIS and AAI for issuing disaster alerts in India.
• GEMINI: GEMINI stands for Gagan Enabled Mariner's Instrument for Navigation and Information. GAGAN (GPS Aided Geo Augmented Navigation) is India's own Satellite-Based Augmentation System (SBAS), jointly developed by ISRO and AAI. GEMINI is a device and service that utilizes GAGAN signals and data from INCOIS to provide accurate navigation, position information, and crucial alerts, including disaster warnings, to fishermen in Indian waters. This system was indeed launched in October 2019 as a collaboration between INCOIS and AAI.
• SBAS: Satellite-Based Augmentation System (SBAS) is a general term for systems like GAGAN (in India), WAAS (in the US), EGNOS (in Europe), etc. It improves the accuracy and reliability of GNSS signals. GAGAN is the SBAS used in India, but GEMINI is the specific system/device used by the fishermen to receive the alerts, not SBAS itself.
• GNSS: Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) is an umbrella term for all satellite navigation systems, including GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, and regional systems like NavIC (IRNSS) and augmentation systems like SBAS. While GEMINI uses GNSS signals (specifically GPS augmented by GAGAN), GNSS is the broad category, not the name of the specific system launched for fishermen alerts by INCOIS and AAI.

Based on the launch date, the collaborating organizations (INCOIS and AAI), the target users (deep-sea fishermen), and the purpose (disaster alerts), the system described is GEMINI.

GEMINI works by receiving data from INCOIS, which monitors the ocean for potential disasters like cyclones, tsunamis, or high waves. This information is then transmitted via satellite communication channels, often leveraging the GAGAN infrastructure, to GEMINI devices carried by fishermen. These devices provide real-time location information and display the alerts, allowing fishermen to take necessary action for their safety.

Key Features of the GEMINI System

• Developed jointly by INCOIS and AAI.
• Utilizes India's GAGAN system (SBAS).
• Provides accurate navigation and position data.
• Delivers critical alerts, including disaster warnings from INCOIS, directly to fishermen.
• Launched in October 2019 for use by deep-sea fishermen in India.

Comparison of Options

Therefore, the satellite-based system launched by INCOIS and AAI in October 2019 to alert deep-sea fishermen of upcoming disasters is GEMINI.

Revision Table: Satellite Systems and Navigation Aids

Additional Information: INCOIS and AAI's Role

INCOIS (Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services): This organization is responsible for providing ocean information and advisory services to various stakeholders in India. This includes services related to potential ocean hazards like tsunamis, storm surges, and high waves. Their role in the GEMINI system is to provide the crucial data regarding these potential disasters.

AAI (Airport Authority of India): AAI is involved in the development and operation of India's air navigation infrastructure. Their role in the GEMINI system stems from their joint development and operation of GAGAN with ISRO. GAGAN provides the robust and accurate satellite positioning infrastructure over India, which GEMINI utilizes for navigation and receiving data links.

The collaboration between INCOIS and AAI brings together oceanographic expertise and satellite navigation infrastructure expertise to create a specialized system like GEMINI for the safety of the fishing community.