India’s launch of Navic navigation satellite marks a milestone in indigenous space technology
India’s space sector achieved a significant milestone as the country successfully launched its indigenous navigation satellite, NVS-01, as part of the Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC) program. The GSLV, on its 15th flight, carried the satellite, which took off from the second launch pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre on Monday. This launch signifies a major achievement for India, positioning it alongside other global navigation systems such as GPS, Glonaz, and Galileo.
To shed light on the significance of NavIC and its potential applications, Akashvani Correspondent Omwesh Upadhyay engaged in a discussion with Science and Technology Expert Biman Basu.
Mr. Basu explained that satellite-based navigation systems like NavIC offer a detailed understanding of landforms, resources, and positions on Earth. By providing a comprehensive overview of areas within the Indian landmass and surrounding regions, the satellite-based system enables precise location tracking and accurate data collection. This information plays a vital role in various sectors, including defense, disaster management, and navigating challenging terrains with limited ground infrastructure.
The successful launch of NVS-01 also introduced several technological advancements, including the integration of an indigenous Rubidium Atomic Clock developed by India’s space application center. This innovation offers enhanced reliability compared to the previously used Caesium Atomic Clocks.
While GPS is a general-purpose navigation system with over 30 satellites, NavIC currently operates with seven satellites, focusing on regional navigation within India. NavIC provides double the accuracy of GPS, with location data ranging between 5 to 10 meters. However, NavIC is not yet accessible to the general public, as it requires specific receivers and lacks widespread mobile integration.
Regarding future developments, Mr. Basu highlighted the potential for expanding NavIC’s usage and making it more accessible to the public. He emphasized the ongoing efforts to develop the satellite system for general mobile usage, stating that advancements in technology and user-friendly applications will make NavIC more beneficial to the common man.
Considering the dynamic nature of the scientific field, it is challenging to accurately predict future advancements. Nevertheless, India’s growing recognition as a leading nation in space research and its technologies finding international applications reinforce its status as a reliable and affordable alternative in the global arena.
With the successful launch of the NVS-01 satellite and ongoing advancements in India’s space sector, the country’s position as a pioneer is further strengthened. With further developments and improvements, NavIC is poised to revolutionize navigation and positioning services in India and the Indian subcontinent, opening up new opportunities for scientific research and societal benefits.
The Full discussion can be listened at https://youtu.be/MOdevv6uF58
