UPSC Prelims 2018 Question:

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 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?

Explanation:

• Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS) project envisages establishment of a regional navigational satellite system using a combination of geostationary earth orbits (GEO) and geosynchronous earth orbits (GSO) spacecrafts and state-of-the-art ground systems.The IRNSS space segment consists of 7 satellites (3 satellites in GEO and 4 satellites in GSO). So, statement 1 is correct.
  
  
• The IRNSS System provides navigation solutions all time with position accuracy better than 20m during all weather conditions, anywhere within India and a region extending about 1500 km around India. IRNSS provides Standard Positioning Service (SPS) and Restricted Service (RS) to the users on dual frequencies in L5 and S band. So, statement 2 is not correct.
  
  
• Navigation satellite IRNSS-1I was put in orbit by the Indian Space Research Organisation's (ISRO) PSLV-C41 rocket early on April 12, 2018. IRNSS-1I up in space, completes the first phase of the Indian regional navigation constellation. India doesn't have any plans to have its own satellite navigation system with full global coverage by the middle of 2019. So, statement 3 is not correct.
  
  

Therefore, option (1) is the correct answer.

Subject: Science & Technology | Space and Related Developments