Oh, did I just ask not to address NAVIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation) as our own GPS (Global Positioning System)? Have I lost my mind to go against the trend media has created? Am I actually serious about it? Well, let’s see why I am making such a preposterous appeal.
I have realised while talking to a lot of people on social media that they think GPS is a technology per se in generic terms, which is completely incorrect. And the headlines all over the media are reflecting as such. So first, let’s talk about different satellite-based navigation systems.
What is GPS?
GPS (Global Positioning System) is a global satellite-based navigation system made up of a network of 24 satellites placed into orbit by the U.S. Department of Defence (DoD). This sophisticated technology plays a crucial role in various applications, ranging from civilian uses like vehicle navigation to military operations.
It is a U.S.-owned utility that provides users with positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) services, enabling accurate location tracking across the globe. The system operates by transmitting signals from satellites, which are received by GPS devices on the ground, enabling precise calculations of a user’s location and movement.
Over the years, GPS has become integral to many sectors, including aviation, maritime, agriculture, and telecommunications, enhancing safety, efficiency, and reliability in various activities.
This system consists of three segments: the space segment, the control segment, and the user segment. GPS is operated and maintained by the U.S. Air Force. It is currently the world’s most utilised satellite navigation system.
About GNSS
The generic name of what we assume to be GPS is GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System). Currently, there are two operational GNSS:
1) The Global Positioning System (GPS) is owned by the United States.
2) GLONASS is owned by Russia.
The third GNSS- GALILEO of the European Union isn’t completely operational yet, with 12 of 30 satellites in orbit.
The fourth BeiDou (Chinese Navigation system) is a limited test system; its full-scale global navigation system or GNSS, also known as COMPASS or BeiDou-2, is currently under construction, and it has about 20 satellites in orbit at present.
About NAVIC
NAVIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation) is the operational name of India’s Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS), an Indian-developed navigation satellite system. Note that it’s regional, not global.
It has deployed 3 satellites in GEO orbit and 4 satellites in GSO orbit, although the full version comprises 9 satellites, including 2 on the ground as stand-by. NAVIC is developed by the ISRO Deep Space Network (DSN).
The 7th satellite, IRNSS-1G, was launched on 28 April 2016 and is often referred to as “Our own GPS.” While I understand the sentiment, I disagree with this label. GPS is a global system, while NAVIC is regional, so calling NAVIC “GPS” is not technically accurate. I have no issue with GPS itself, as we use it regularly; my concern is with the portrayal of NAVIC.
Then what’s the issue?
See, by now we have developed GPS isn’t a generic term, it’s just most popular and we human race runs after something that’s always more popular and it’s exactly what needs to be changed if we want to create our own identity in this world, if we want to stand with pride, if we want other nations to respect and recognise us then we need to be own people and not some ripped off identity of other nation and that’s what NAVIC deserve.
NAVIC was created through the hard work of ISRO scientists, extensive research, and significant funding. It’s not just another satellite navigation system; it made India the fifth country in the world to have its own. While I appreciate GPS, we developed NAVIC to provide services specifically needed by our defence forces, which were not fully available through GPS.
China has its own search engine, Baidu, and they do not call it ‘Chinese Google’. Just as we respect the unique identity of each brand in different markets, we do not refer to Flipkart as ‘India’s Amazon’, Ola as ‘India’s Uber’, or every smartphone as an iPhone.
Each company has carved out its own niche, offering distinct services tailored to the needs and preferences of its local audience. This holds for consumers as well; even you wouldn’t like to be called by others’ names, as it undermines your individuality and personal identity.
Acknowledging the distinctiveness of brands not only promotes healthy competition but also encourages innovation within their respective sectors, emphasising that each player has its own strengths and contributions to the market.
If you agree with me, kindly share this post, raise your voice, talk about it, and help raise awareness among more people. All I want is for NAVIC to be known as NAVIC worldwide, and I need your help to do so.
NAVIC is developed by ISRO. It is a quite good GPS system specially used for Military Purposes.