IRNSS
- November 22, 2020
- Posted by: OptimizeIAS Team
- Category: DPN Topics
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Subject : Science & tech
Context : India became the fourth country in the world to have its independent regional navigation satellite system recognised by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) as a part of the World Wide Radio Navigation System (WWRNS).
Concept :
- The 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 the 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. The system can offer a position accuracy of more than 20 m within India which is the primary area of service.
- The two kinds of services provided by IRNSS will be:
- Standard Positioning Service (SPS) and
- Restricted Service (RS).
IMO Recognition :
- The Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) of the IMO recognised the IRNSS as a component of the World-wide Radio Navigation System (WWRNS) during its 102nd session.
- With the recognition as a component of the of the WWRNS, the Indian navigation system is similarly placed as GPS, most commonly used by marine shipping vessels across the world or the Russian Global Navigation Satellite System (GLONASS).
- Unlike GPS, however, IRNSS is a regional and not a global navigation system.