Context:
ISRO successfully launches the NVS-02 satellite, marking its 100th launch from Sriharikota.
About the launch:
- GSLV-F15: 17th flight of the GSLV vehicle overall and 11th with indigenously developed cryogenic engine.
- NavIC system: NVS-02 is part of the Navigation with Indian Constellation system.
- Second-generation satellite: NVS-02 is the second of five second-generation satellites replacing those in the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS).
- NVS-01: First of the five second-generation satellites launched in 2023.
NVS-02 Satellite:
- Objective: Augments Indian navigational needs for private and military sectors.
- Design: Designed, developed, and integrated at U R Satellite Centre (URSC).
- Weight: 2,250-kg navigation satellite.
- Orbit: Injected into Geostationary Transfer Orbit.
- Need: Replaces IRNSS-1E due to malfunctioning atomic clocks in some satellites.
- Features:
- Longer Lifespan: New generation satellites have a lifespan of 12 years.
- Higher Accuracy: Carries an advanced navigation payload in three frequency bands (L1, L5, S) for high accuracy.
- Indigenous Atomic Clock: Equipped with Rubidium Atomic Frequency Standard (RAFS) for precise timekeeping.
- Widened Services: Utilizes L1 frequency (used in US GPS) for more use by smaller devices like fitness trackers.
About NavIC:
- Stands for Navigation with Indian Constellation
- Objectives – To provide accurate real-time positioning and timing services to users in India as well as region extending up to 1500 km from its boundary.
- Designed by – Indian Space Research Organisation
- Consists of – A constellation of 7 satellites (Originally 8)
- 3 satellites are in Geostationary Orbit (GEO)
- 4 satellites are in Geosynchronous Orbit (GSO)
- Each satellite has 3 rubidium clocks.
- Recognised by International Maritime Organization – As a part of the World-Wide Radio Navigation System (WWRNS) to operate in the Indian Ocean Region
- 2 services – Standard Position Service (SPS) for civilian users + Restricted Service (RS) for strategic users
- Applications – Transportation (terrestrial, aerial and marine), Location based services, Personal mobility, Resource monitoring, Surveying and geodesy, Scientific research, Time dissemination and synchronisation, Safety-of-life alert dissemination, Banking etc.
- Other Navigation Systems operational in the world –
- 4 global systems: GPS (U.S), GLONASS (Russia), Galileo (European Union), BeiDou (China)
- 2 regional systems: NavIC (India), Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (Japan)
Source: TH
Previous Year Questions
Which one the following countries has its own Satellite Navigation System?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2023 Prelims]
(a) Australia
(b) Canada
(c) Israel
(d) Japan
Answer: (d)
With reference to the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS), consider the following statements:
1. IRNSS has three satellites in geostationary and four satellites in geosynchronous orbits.
2. IRNSS covers 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?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2018 Prelims]
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) None
Answer: (a)
