Indian GPS system
I: WhenPSLV-C22lifts off withIRNSS-1Asatellite in tow from Sriharikota on Monday, it will mark India's first step towards building its own satellite navigation system. Named IRNSS for Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System, it will be one of the few navigation systems in the world and will provide an alternative to systems like the GPS (global positioning system) owned by the US, for navigation in and around India.Most countries build their own navigation systems because global systems like GPS owned by a single country cannot be relied upon in times of war and conflict. This system will ensure India has accessto navigation systems in hostile situations. While the US operates a GPS, Russia has its own GLONASS (global navigation satellite system). China is building its BeiDou navigation satellite system (also called COMPASS) and the EuropeanUnion is developing Galileo for its own needs."Apart from making us self-reliant, it is also about building technological capability. ...
