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).

Try this PYQ:

With reference to the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS), consider the following statements:

1. IRNSS has three Satellites in geostationary and four satellites the geosynchronous orbits.
2. IRNSS covers entire India and about 5500 sq. km beyond its borders.
3. India will have its own satellite navigation system with full global coverage by the middle of 2019.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only            

(b) 1 and 2 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) None

What is IRNSS?

• The IRNSS, with an operational name of NavIC (acronym for Navigation with Indian Constellation) is an Indian regional satellite navigation system that provides accurate real-time positioning and timing services.
• It covers India and a region extending 1,500 km around it, with plans for further extension.
• The system currently consists of a constellation of seven satellites, with two additional satellites on ground as stand-by.
• The constellation is in orbit as of 2018, and the system was expected to be operational from early 2018 after a system check.
• It will provide two levels of service, the “standard positioning service”, which will be open for civilian use, and a “restricted service” (an encrypted one) for authorised users (including the military).

Benefits of the move

• This move will enable merchant vessels to use IRNSS for obtaining position information similar to GPS and GLONASS.
• This will assist in the navigation of ships in Indian ocean waters within the area covered by 50°N latitude, 55°E longitude, 5°S latitude and 110°E longitude (approximately up to 1500 km from Indian boundary).

Back2Basics: International Maritime Organisation (IMO)

• IMO is the UN specialized agency with responsibility for the safety and security of shipping and the prevention of marine pollution by ships.
• Its primary purpose is to develop and maintain a comprehensive regulatory framework for shipping and its remit today includes safety, environmental concerns, legal matters, technical co-operation, maritime security and the efficiency of shipping.
• IMO is governed by an assembly of members and is financially administered by a council of members elected from the assembly.

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