PARLIAMENT QUESTION: OPERATIONAL STAUTS OF NAVIC CONSTELLATION

Why in news

A Union Minister provided information in the Lok Sabha regarding the current operational status of the NavIC constellation in response to a Parliament question.

Exam relevance

GS3 · Science & Technology, Internal Security · Prelims · Mains

Key facts

1. The NavIC constellation currently comprises three satellites: IRNSS-1B, IRNSS-1I, and NVS-01.
2. IRNSS-1F has completed its mission life of 10 years.
3. A minimum of four operational satellites are required in orbit to provide basic standalone positioning service.
4. Currently, NavIC cannot provide standalone positioning service, but its timing service is functional.
5. Armed Forces are utilizing multi-constellation GNSS, including NavIC, for operational services.
6. The use of NavIC in a multi-constellation environment ensures there is no vulnerability for users.
7. The next NavIC satellite, NVS-03, is ready for launch.
8. Two additional satellites, NVS-04 and NVS-05, are in advanced stages of realization.
9. This information was provided by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State for Prime Minister’s office and Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, in the Lok Sabha.

Prelims pointers

• Current number of operational NavIC satellites (three).
• Names of current operational NavIC satellites (IRNSS-1B, IRNSS-1I, NVS-01).
• Minimum number of satellites required for standalone positioning service (four).
• Services currently provided by NavIC (timing service is functional, standalone positioning is not).
• Use of NavIC by Armed Forces (in multi-constellation GNSS environment).
• Upcoming NavIC satellites (NVS-03, NVS-04, NVS-05).
• NavIC is an indigenous system.

Mains practice question

Discuss the strategic importance of India's indigenous satellite navigation system, NavIC. In light of recent parliamentary updates, analyze its current operational status and future prospects for enhancing India's self-reliance in space technology.

Static linkage

NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation) is India's indigenous regional satellite navigation system, formerly known as IRNSS (Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System). It aims to provide accurate real-time positioning and timing services over India and a region extending up to 1500 km around the Indian mainland. It is crucial for India's strategic autonomy in navigation.

Significance

The update on NavIC's operational status highlights India's ongoing efforts in developing indigenous space technology for critical applications. While currently unable to provide standalone positioning, its functional timing service and integration into multi-constellation GNSS for defense applications underscore its strategic importance. The upcoming launches signify a commitment to enhancing the constellation's capabilities, moving towards greater self-reliance in satellite navigation and reducing dependence on foreign systems.