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Thursday 26 May 2011

GAGAN (GPS Aided Geo Augmented Navigation) system

India will launch the new GPS Aided Geo Augmented Navigation (GAGAN) satellite to aid air traffic navigation in the country and neighbouring regions.The satellite-based navigation system has been developed by Airports Authority of India and Indian Space Research Organisation.


The Rs. 7.74 billion (774 crore) project is being implemented in three phases through 2008 by the Airport Authority of India with the help of the Indian Space Research Organization's (ISRO) technology and space support. The goal is to provide navigation system for all phases of flight over the Indian airspace and in the adjoining area. It is applicable to safety-to-life operations, and meets the performance requirements of international civil aviation regulatory bodies. The final, operational phase of GAGAN is likely to be completed by May 2011. 






The first GAGAN transmitter was integrated into the GSAT-4 geostationary satellite, and had a goal of being operational in 2008.
             Following a series of delays, GSAT-4 was launched on 15 April 2010, however it failed to reach orbit after the third stage of the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mk.II that was carrying it malfunctioned.
                 The project involves establishment of 15 Indian Reference Stations, three Indian Navigation Land Uplink Stations, three Indian Mission Control Centers and installation of all associated softwares and communication links. GAGAN is planned to get into operation by the year 2014. 
               It will be able to help pilots to navigate in the indian airspace by an accuracy of 3 Meters. This will be helpful for landing aircrafts in tough weather and terrain like Managalore airport and Leh.





Expectations of GAGAN

  • Enhanced navigation performance for critical applications like
  • Civil Aviation
  • Mining
  • Marine Navigation
  • Train & Road Transport
  • Precision Farming
  • Search and Rescue (SAR) operations
  • Surveying and Mapping (Geodetic & Geodynamic)




Uses of GAGAN for Civil Aviation Sector

  • Improved Efficiency/Economy
  • Direct Routes
  • Increased Fuel savings
  • Precision approach at all Runways
  • Significant cost savings due to withdrawal of ground aids
  • Reduced workload of Flight Crew and ATCOs
  • Improved Capacity through reduced aircraft separation
  • Higher Accuracy, Global Coverage
  • Improved Safety
  • Controlled Flight into Terrain (CFIT)
  • Enhanced Air-to-Air Surveillance: ADS-B
  • Availability of MSAW facility (Min. Safe Altitude Warning)
  • Reduced Noise Pollution

Uses of GAGAN for Non-Civil Aviation Sector


  • Marine Navigation




  • Train & Road transport




  • Precision Farming




  • Search and Rescue (SAR) operations




  • Surveying (Geodetic & Geodynamic)




  • Scientific community







  • India's latest communication satellite GSAT-8 was successfully launched on 21 may by Arianespace from Kourou in French Guiana to give a boost to direct-to-home services in the country.






    GSAT-8 carried 24 transponders to augment India's Ku-band relay capabilities - primarily for direct-to-home TV broadcast services - with a coverage zone including the entire Indian subcontinent.

    Additionally, GSAT-8 carried the
    two-channel GAGAN system for aircraft navigation assistance over Indian airspace and adjoining areas.






















    India has 30-year-old relationship with the French space agency Ariane. Since 1981, Ariane has been launching Indian satellites and could even be called as the unsung hero of India’s INSAT programme. Till date it has launched 14 satellites for India, and will launch the GSAT-10 as well in 2012.



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