GAGAN-GPS Aided Geo Augmented Navigation
GAGAN (GAGAN-GPS Aided Geo Augmented Navigation) is a navigation system operated by ISRO and Airports Authority of India. It is a Satellite Based Augmented System (SBAS). GAGAN purifies and provides GPS signals over Indian territory. The GAGAN system does not require dedicated satellites, but the payloads of GAGAN are launched by placing them in communication satellites. Three GAGAN payloads have been installed in GSAT-8, GSAT-10, GSAT-15 communication satellites, which are receiving navigational signals by GAGAN system. The accuracy of GPS signals in India can be up to 50 meters, but in the US and many other countries, GPS signals
Accurate up to 3 meters. Therefore, foreign airlines consider Indian airports inferior from commercial and security point of view due to poor accuracy of GPS signals in India. To solve this problem, GAGAN was developed by ISRO and AAI, whose main objective was to increase the accuracy of GPS signals and use it for international air craft traffic management. With the successful launch of GSAT-15 in November 2015, GAGAN has become fully operational.• With the activation of this system, India has joined the US, European Union and Japan among the nations which have Satellite Based Augmentation System (SBAS). This will be the first such SBAS, which will also provide its services in the equatorial regions.• The activation of GAGAN system will help air traffic not only from India but also from South-East Asia to Africa, West Asia and Australia.
Advantages of Gagan System
The implementation of GAGAN has many benefits for the aviation sector, such as fuel savings, equipment cost savings, flight safety,increased space capacity, efficiency, increased reliability, reduced work load for operators, for air traffic control Marine area coverage,high positioning accuracy etc.Following are some of the potential benefits of GAGAN for the civil aviation sector
Safety Benefits: Improved safety with field guidance, especially during adverse weather
Environmental benefits: Improved energy and final descent profile management with ease of field guidance procedures
Will help,World-class smooth navigation for all phases of flight, including arrival departure, sea and land
With airlines getting direct routes and multiple options, fuel consumption Significant savings and increased capacity of airports and airspace
Gagan' provides benefits for sectors other than the aviation sector, such as navigation and security enhancements in railways, roadways, ships,
spacecraft,Geographical data collection;Scientific research for atmospheric studies;Geodynamics, Natural Resources and Land Management Location based services, mobile, tourism, etc.
