In news
The Maritime Safety Committee of IMO during its recent meeting (102nd session) held from 4 to 11 November 2020 has approved the recognition of the IRNSS as a component of the World-Wide Radio Navigation System.
Key highlights
- The Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS) has been accepted as a component of the World Wide Radio Navigation System (WWRNS) for operation in the Indian Ocean Region by the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
- This will enable merchant vessels to use IRNSS for obtaining position information similar to Global Navigation System(GPS) and Global Navigation Satellite System(GLONASS) to assist in the navigation of ships in ocean water approximately up to 1500 km from Indian boundary
What is the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS)?
- IRNSS is an independent regional navigation satellite system being developed by India.
- It is designed to provide accurate position information service to users in India as well as the region extending up to 1500 km from its boundary, which is its primary service area.
- IRNSS provides two types of services, namely,
- Standard Positioning Service (SPS) which is provided to all the users and
- Restricted Service (RS), which is an encrypted service provided only to the authorised users
Some applications of IRNSS are:
- Terrestrial, Aerial and Marine Navigation
- Disaster Management
- Vehicle tracking and fleet management
- Integration with mobile phones
- Precise Timing
- Mapping and Geodetic data capture
- Terrestrial navigation aid for hikers and travellers
- Visual and voice navigation for drivers
Source: PIB & ISRO
