India's NavIC System: Challenges of Self-Reliance in Satellite Navigation
UPSC Relevance
Prelims: Science and Technology - Awareness in the fields of Space, IT; Defence Technology; Current events of national and international importance.
Key Highlights from the News
ISRO plans to launch new satellites by the end of 2026 to replace the inoperative ones in NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation), India's own regional navigation satellite system.
The main challenge faced by this system is the failure of imported atomic clocks in many existing satellites.
To overcome this crisis, ISRO aims to install indigenously developed rubidium atomic clocks in the new generation satellites.
However, delays in the manufacturing of these indigenous clocks and the need to import some components are affecting the new launches.
NavIC, also known as IRNSS (Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System), provides accurate positioning services to India and an area extending up to 1,500 kilometers from its border.
In emergency situations like war, it is essential for India to have its own system to avoid relying on foreign navigation systems like America's GPS. This is part of India's strategic autonomy.
COMMENTS