The Indian Space Research Organization launched the navigation satellite IRNS-1L from Sriharikota on 12th April 2018.
- This will be the 9th of the IRNSS satellite series and will be a replacement for IRNSS-1A as its rubidium atomic clocks have failed. These atomic clocks are necessary to provide the accurate positional data. The first mission to replace it with IRNSS-1H had failed.
- The navigation satellite IRNSS-1L is part of Indian satellite navigation system ‘Navigation with Indian Constellation’ (NavIC).
Features of IRNSS-1L
- It was carried by the PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle) rocket XL variant.
- The satellite weighs 1425kg.
- IRNSS-1L carries two types of payloads for navigation and ranging.
- The navigation payload will transmit navigation service signals to the users.
- The ranging payload will facilitate accurate determination of the range of the satellite.
What is NavIC?
- NavIC is also known as the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS).
- It is similar to the USA owned GPS system.
- It is basically an independent regional navigation satellite system designed to provide position information in the Indian region and 1,500 km around the Indian mainland.
- The Rs 1420 crore Indian satellite navigation system NavIC consists of nine satellites- seven orbit and two as substitutes.
Benefits of NavIC for India
- India has been till now dependent on the USA GPS (Global Positioning System).
- But there are issues related to safety and privacy due to which countries are opting for their own navigation systems.
- NavIC aims to enhance India’s military and civilian navigation capability by providing two kinds of services- the Standard Positioning Service and the Restricted Positioning Service.
- Standard Positioning Service is for the civilian use and has an accuracy of up to 20 metres whereas the Restricted Positioning Service for the military use has an accuracy of up to 10 metres.
