NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation) is India's own satellite-based navigation system developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). It provides accurate positioning, navigation, and timing services across India and surrounding regions. NavIC was erstwhile known as Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS). What is NavIC? NavIC is designed with a constellation of 7 satellites and a network of ground stations operating 24 x 7. Three satellites of the constellation are placed in geostationary orbit, at 32.5°E, 83°E and 129.5°E respectively, and four satellites are placed in inclined geosynchronous orbit with equatorial crossing of 55°E and 111.75°E respectively, with inclination of 29° (two satellites in each plane). The ground network consists of control centre, precise timing facility, range and integrity monitoring stations, two-way ranging stations, etc. NavIC offers two services: Standard Position Service (SPS) for civilian users and Restricted Service (RS) for strategic users. These two services are provided in both L5 (1176.45 MHz) and S band (2498.028 MHz). NavIC coverage area includes India and a region up to 1500 km beyond Indian boundary. NavIC signals are designed to provide user position accuracy better than 20m (2) and timing accuracy better than 50ns (2).NavIC SPS signals are interoperable with the other global navigation satellite system (GNSS) signals namely GPS, Glonass, Galileo and BeiDou. A new civilian signal is being introduced in L1 band(1575.42 MHz). NavIC L1 signal is also interoperable with the other GNSS signals. All forthcoming (2023 onwards) NavIC satellites will broadcast SPS signals in L1, L5 and S bands. Why was NavIC Developed? Achieve self-reliance in satellite navigation. Ensure uninterrupted navigation services during emergencies. Support defence, disaster management, and civilian applications. Improve accuracy for users in India and neighbouring regions. Uses of NavIC Transportation (terrestrial, aerial and marine) Location based services Personal mobility Resource monitoring Surveying and geodesy Scientific research Time dissemination and synchronisation Safety-of-life alert dissemination Source : ISRO