- It was the second successful spacecraft to be launched and marked its 25th consecutive successful mission.
- This space craft was required for the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS) and this will function on a regional scale unlike the GPS.
- GPS is based on a constellation of 24 satellites that transmit signals and picks up the signal and work accurately.
- Vehicles, aircraft, ships and smart phones depends on GPS signals widely.
- GLONASS from Russia, BeiDou from China do operate similarly and Europe and Japan will shortly establish the same to improve coverage.
- IRNSS will be serve as important security for military operations.
- Other countries may get to access it and there is no surety and guarantee on the same during crisis.
- ISRO has gathered 7 satellites to provide accurate navigation signals which can track up to 1,500 km from its borders.
- The first satellite is functioning satisfactorily. The second has been put into orbit. 2 more will be launched by this year.
- ISRO will take the lead to extend IRNSS services beyond India’s security services.
Exams Perspective:
- GLONASS
- Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS)
- Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)