In the modern era of navigation and positioning, two significant terms emerge: Standard Positioning System (SPS) and Precision Positioning System (PPS), both integral components of the Global Positioning System (GPS). SPS refers to the basic civilian-grade GPS service, offering accurate positioning within a few meters, while PPS provides higher accuracy and security features primarily for military and authorized government users. These systems have revolutionized various sectors, including transportation, agriculture, and disaster management, by enabling precise location determination.
India’s ambitious Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS) aims to augment the GPS services by deploying a constellation of just seven satellites. Despite being smaller in scale compared to GPS, IRNSS provides several advantages for India. Firstly, it ensures regional self-reliance and reduces dependency on foreign systems like GPS. This autonomy is crucial for strategic and security reasons. Secondly, IRNSS enhances positioning accuracy in the Indian subcontinent, catering to diverse needs ranging from civilian applications like transportation and disaster management to military operations. Moreover, IRNSS offers better coverage in areas with challenging terrains or obstructed signals, such as urban environments or dense forests, where traditional GPS signals may weaken or fail. Additionally, IRNSS facilitates precise timing, aiding sectors like telecommunications and financial transactions. Overall, India perceives IRNSS as a strategic asset, not only enhancing national security but also fostering technological advancement and economic growth through its diverse applications.
Tag: Science and technology-developments and their application and effects in everyday life. Awareness in the field of IT, Computer, Space, Robotics, Nanotechnology, and issues relating to intellectual property rights.
Decoding the Question:
- In the introduction, try to write about the GPS Era.
- In Body,
- Write about “Standard Positioning System (SPS) and Precision positioning system(PPS )” in brief.
- Discuss advantages from IRNSS.
- In conclusion, try to write about the importance of IRNSS.
Answer:
With the beginning of the space age the foundation of the space guided navigation system was laid. The GPS(Global Positioning System) Era is the time in modern technology development when capability to use navigation is widespread and in the hands of common people. This Era is dominated by GPS is a multi-use, space-based radio navigation system owned by the US Government. First, the Navigation System with Timing and Ranging (NAVSTAR) satellite for GPS was launched 1978. The 24-satellite system became fully operational in 1993. At present, two GPS services are provided. They are:
- The Precise Positioning Service (PPS) is available primarily to the military of the United States and its allies for users properly equipped with PPS receivers.
- The Standard Positioning Service (SPS), as initially described in the SPS Signal Specification, was originally designed to provide civil users with a less accurate positioning capability than PPS.
Systems currently in place or planned are:
- Russia: Global Navigation Satellite System (GLONASS)
- China: BeiDou Satellite Navigation System (BDS) – regional; Compass (2020, global)
- European Union: Galileo
- India: Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS)
- Japan: Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZSS)
Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS): The Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System or IRNSS is an indigenously developed Navigational Satellite System that is used to provide accurate real-time positioning and timing services over India and region extending to 1500 km around India. The advantage India perceives from its ambitious IRNSS program:
- Navigation – Will provide time-location coordinates on land, sea and air & Fleet Management e.g. taxi or truck company can monitor whether their driver is on right path or not.
- Surveying and Town/Construction Planning.
- Disaster Management.
- IRNSS can provide synchronized time information.
- Security – During war, naval fleet management can use it.
- Agriculture – monitoring farms, etc.
- Satellites can be used for precision guiding of missiles, bombs and aircraft.
- Cell phone apps- for mapping, driving, hiking in jungle and remote areas.
- Troops can use satellite data- will serve both civil and military users.
- Forest department- putting out wildfire, tracking endangered animals
Thus, with just the use of 7 satellites India can opt for better, accurate, trustworthy, and most importantly making India self-reliant in advanced navigation technologies etc. become reality. Having our own navigation system will showcase our technological know-how and also making these technologies available for every citizen is crucial for the development of the country.
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