GAGAN (GPS-aided GEO augmented navigation)
GAGAN (GPS-aided GEO augmented navigation) is a satellite-based navigation system developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in collaboration with the Airports Authority of India (AAI) to provide navigation services over the Indian airspace and its surrounding regions. The system is designed to provide precise navigation, surveillance, and landing guidance to aircraft, thus increasing safety, efficiency, and capacity of the Indian airspace.
The GAGAN system uses a network of ground-based reference stations, geostationary satellites, and a master control center to determine the precise position and velocity of aircraft in real-time. The reference stations are spread across India and its neighboring countries and are responsible for receiving signals from the GPS (Global Positioning System) satellites and transmitting correction signals to the geostationary satellites.
The geostationary satellites, in turn, broadcast these correction signals to the aircraft using a specially designed receiver called a GAGAN receiver. The receiver uses the correction signals to improve the accuracy, integrity, and availability of the GPS signals, thus providing precise navigation information to the aircraft. The GAGAN system also provides additional features such as air traffic management, search and rescue, and weather forecasting to enhance the safety and efficiency of the airspace.
The GAGAN system has several benefits over traditional navigation systems. First and foremost, it provides more accurate and reliable navigation information to the aircraft, which reduces the risk of accidents and improves the overall safety of the airspace. The system is also designed to provide seamless navigation services across the entire Indian airspace, including remote and mountainous regions, which were previously difficult to access.
Another significant advantage of the GAGAN system is its ability to provide continuous and uninterrupted navigation services even during adverse weather conditions such as heavy rain, fog, and low visibility. This is because the system uses signals from both GPS and geostationary satellites, which are not affected by weather conditions that can affect ground-based navigation systems.
The GAGAN system also has economic benefits, as it helps airlines reduce their fuel consumption and operating costs by providing more accurate and efficient navigation information. The system also helps airports increase their capacity and reduce delays by providing accurate landing guidance to the pilots, thus allowing for more precise and efficient aircraft movements.
The GAGAN system has been operational since July 2015 and has been widely adopted by airlines and airports across India and its neighboring countries. The system has also been certified by international aviation authorities such as the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), which ensures that the system meets the highest standards of safety, reliability, and accuracy.
In conclusion, the GAGAN system is an advanced satellite-based navigation system that provides accurate and reliable navigation information to aircraft, improving the safety, efficiency, and capacity of the Indian airspace. The system has several benefits over traditional navigation systems, including more accurate and reliable navigation information, seamless navigation services, continuous and uninterrupted navigation services, economic benefits, and international certification. The GAGAN system is a significant achievement for the Indian Space Research Organisation and the Airports Authority of India, and it demonstrates India's commitment to developing advanced technology and infrastructure for the benefit of its citizens and the global community.