Central Idea

• The Indian Space Research Organisation has successfully launched its fifth satellite of 2023.
• A 2,232-kilogram satellite named NVS-1 was launched into space as part of the NavIC

What is NAVIC?

• NavIC is a regional satellite navigation system consisting of seven satellites in orbit that provide positioning, navigation, and timing services to various sectors, including civil aviation and the military.

(1) Origins and Motivation:

• The idea of NAVIC emerged in the early 2000s as IRNSS (Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System) to address India’s need for an independent navigation system for strategic and civilian purposes.
• The motivation behind NAVIC was to reduce dependence on foreign systems like GPS and enhance national security, sovereignty, and economic growth.

(2) Satellite Deployment:

• The NAVIC constellation consists of a total of 7* satellites.
• The first satellite, IRNSS-1A, was launched in July 2013, followed by subsequent launches of IRNSS-1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1F, and IRNSS-1I.
• Each satellite is placed in a geostationary orbit or an inclined geosynchronous orbit, providing continuous coverage over the Indian landmass and surrounding regions.

(3) Renaming to NAVIC:

• In 2016, the system was officially named NAVIC, which stands for Navigation with Indian Constellation.
• The name change aimed to create a distinct brand identity for the Indian regional navigation system.

Key Features and Technical Details

(1) Coverage Area:

• NAVIC provides coverage within India and extends up to 1,500 kilometres beyond its borders.
• The system covers the Indian landmass, as well as the Indian Ocean region.

(2) Satellite Configuration:

• The NAVIC satellites are equipped with atomic clocks to provide accurate timing signals.
• They transmit signals on different frequencies, including L5 and S bands, for enhanced accuracy and reliability.

(3) Applications and Services:

• NAVIC has a wide range of applications, including terrestrial, aerial, and marine navigation.
• It is utilized in various sectors such as transportation, agriculture, disaster management, surveying, and geodetic applications.
• The system supports position determination, velocity measurement, and time synchronization services.

About NVS-1 Satellite

• NVS-1 is part of the second-generation NavIC satellite series and ensures continuity of existing services while introducing new services in the Li band.
• The satellite features two solar arrays generating up to 2.4 kW of power, a lithium-ion battery for eclipse support, and thermal management and propulsion systems.
• Notably, NVS-1 includes a Rubidium atomic clock developed in-house by the Space Applications Centre, showcasing India’s technical expertise in this advanced technology.

India’s launch capabilities and recent missions

• The NVS-1 launch marks the second successful mission in a month and the fifth launch of the year for ISRO.
• In April, ISRO completed the PSLV-C55 mission, deploying two satellites, including TeLEOS-2 with a synthetic aperture radar payload.
• The PSLV-C55 mission highlighted collaboration between India and Singapore in space exploration and technology.

*Note: The numbers of satellites in this constellation is disputed. It is given as 7 and 8 on different sources. Total Nine satellites were launched out of which the very first (IRNSS-1A) is partially failed because of some issue in its Atomic Clock. Another and the last satellite had a launch failure. Hence the number 7/8.

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