The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has launched India’s 7th navigation satellite, IRNSS 1G, part of the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS).
The satellite was sent into a Sub-Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (Sub-GTO) using the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) C-33 from Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. IRNSS 1G is the final satellite in the IRNSS system, making India one of the few countries with its own navigation system.
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The IRNSS system is similar to other navigation systems such as the US’s GPS, Russia’s GLONASS, Japan’s QZSS, Europe’s Galileo, and China’s Beidou.
About IRNSS 1G
- IRNSS 1G satellite has a lift-off mass of 1425 kg. Its configuration is the same as that of IRNSS-1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, and 1F.
- Payloads are equipped with two types of payloads, viz., navigation payload and ranging devices.
- The navigation payload will be mainly used to transmit navigation service signals to the users.
- The ranging payload consists of a C-band transponder that will facilitate the accurate determination of the range of the satellite.
About the IRNSS System
- IRNSS System includes seven satellites: three are geostationary, and four are non-geostationary.
- The four geosynchronous satellites orbit in pairs, creating a ‘figure of 8’ pattern as seen from the ground.
- The three geostationary satellites are positioned over the equator, matching Earth’s rotation and staying fixed in the sky.
- This satellite system provides real-time, accurate positioning for users within 1,500 km.
- It offers two types of services: (i) Restricted Service (RS), an encrypted service for authorised military users, and (ii) Standard Positioning Service (SPS) for all users.
Applications
Terrestrial, Aerial, and Marine Navigation play crucial roles in various sectors, enabling effective movement and transportation across different terrains and bodies of water, allowing users to efficiently reach their destinations while ensuring safety and compliance with regulations.
Disaster Management incorporates advanced technologies to assess and respond to emergencies, optimizing resource allocation and ensuring timely intervention to minimize the impact of catastrophic events on communities. Vehicle tracking and fleet management systems provide real-time monitoring of vehicles, improving efficiency, reducing costs, and enhancing accountability within logistics and transportation industries.
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Integration with mobile phones empowers users by providing navigation services at their fingertips, enhancing convenience and accessibility regardless of location. Precise Timing is essential for coordinating activities across various sectors, including communication networks and scientific research, ensuring synchronization and reliability.
Mapping and Geodetic data capture enable the creation of detailed geographical representations, crucial for urban planning, environmental studies, and infrastructure development. Terrestrial navigation aids for hikers and travelers ensure they can safely explore and enjoy the outdoors, providing vital information on routes, landmarks, and potential hazards.
Visual and voice navigation for drivers enhances the driving experience by delivering clear directions and guidance, helping to reduce distractions and improve road safety through intuitive systems that respond to user needs.
Credit: Third Party Reference
Earlier, the six satellites of the series, namely IRNSS-1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, and 1F, were successfully launched in a series of missions that took place in July 2013, April 2014, October 2014, March 2015, January 2016, and March 2016, respectively.
Each launch marked a significant milestone in the development of satellite navigation capabilities for the region. These satellites collectively form the core of India’s autonomous satellite navigation system. Once all satellites were deployed into their intended orbits, the focus shifted to ensuring that the entire system would function seamlessly.
It will become operational after thorough verification and testing, which includes checking the functionality and alignment of the satellites in space, assessing the performance of ground stations, and ensuring compatibility with user-end signal receivers to provide accurate positioning and timing information.
This comprehensive approach will ensure that users benefit from reliable and precise navigation services across various applications.
Reference: https://www.gktoday.in/isro-successfully-launches-7th-navigation-satellite-irnss-1g/
