What is the benefit of the NavIC system?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Explanation
Answer: (C) Provides regional navigation and positioning services.
Explanation:
NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation) is India's own independent regional satellite navigation system, developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). This system is primarily designed to provide accurate positioning information within India and a region extending approximately 1,500 kilometers beyond its mainland.
NavIC currently comprises a constellation of 7 satellites, with 3 satellites positioned in geostationary orbits and 4 satellites in geosynchronous orbits. The system offers two types of services: the Standard Positioning Service (SPS) for civilian use, and the Restricted Service (RS) for military and strategic applications. It reduces India's reliance on foreign navigation systems (such as the USA's GPS).
Additional Points:
NavIC is considered to be more accurate than GPS within the Indian region because its satellites are positioned directly over India.
It is utilized for disaster management, vehicle tracking (particularly commercial vehicles), maritime navigation, and precise timing.
Global Systems: While NavIC is a regional system, the USA's GPS, Russia's GLONASS, the European Union's Galileo, and China's BeiDou are global navigation systems.
Potential Exam Questions and Answers:
Question: What is the former or official technical name of NavIC?
Answer: IRNSS (Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System).
Question: How many satellites are currently active in the NavIC system's constellation?
Answer: 7 satellites.