SOURCE: AFI
In a move towards self-reliance in navigation technology, India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has commissioned a Bengaluru-based firm to develop a receiver chip specifically for the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS), also known as NavIC.
Developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), NavIC offers an indigenous satellite navigation system for India. It aims to provide precise positioning and timing services to land, rail, and air users, aiding in easier route navigation. Currently, India relies heavily on the US-operated Global Positioning System (GPS) for these services.
While ISRO has successfully launched the IRNSS satellites, DRDO is focusing on developing a receiver chip specifically designed for NavIC. This chip will be crucial for receiving and disseminating IRNSS Network Timing (IRNWT) time signals.
Accord Software and Systems Pvt Ltd (ASSPL), a Bengaluru-based company, has been entrusted with this task. They are developing a fully indigenous receiver chip suitable for both defense and commercial applications.
The development of this chip stems from the experience of the Kargil War, where India’s request to use American GPS technology was denied. This incident highlighted the need for an independent navigation system. Additionally, India’s current dependence on GPS for even mobile phone functionality underscores the importance of a domestic alternative.