IRNSS now part of World Wide Radio Navigation System

Context:

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).

What is IRNSS?

• IRNSS is an independent regional navigation satellite system developed by India.
• It is designed to provide accurate position information service to assist in the navigation of ships in Indian Ocean waters.
• It could replace the US-owned Global Positioning System (GPS) in the Indian Ocean extending up to approximately 1500 km from the Indian boundary.
• IRNSS will provide 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 authorized 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 travelers
• Visual and voice navigation for drivers

Which other countries have their navigation systems?

• After the US, Russia, and China have their navigation systems, India has become the fourth country to have its independent regional navigation system.