With reference to the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS), consider the following statements:
- 1.IRNSS has three satellites in geostationary and four satellites in geosynchronous orbits.
- 2.IRNSS covers the 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
2021.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 only
- B.1 and 2 only
- C.2 and 3 only
- D.None
▶ Answer & Explanation
Correct answer: A. 1 only
The Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS), now known as NavIC, consists of a constellation of satellites designed for regional navigation. The operational constellation includes both geostationary (GEO) and geosynchronous (GSO) satellites. Specifically, three satellites are placed in geostationary orbits, and four are in geosynchronous orbits. IRNSS provides standard positioning service and restricted service to users within India and a region extending approximately 1500 km beyond its borders. Statement 3 is incorrect because IRNSS is designed for regional coverage and not global coverage, unlike systems such as GPS or GLONASS.
Source: UPSC gs1 2018