Previous Year Question
GPS-Aided Geo Augmented Navigation (GAGAN) uses a system of ground stations to provide necessary augmentation. Which of the following statements is/are correct in respect of GAGAN?
I. It is designed to provide additional accuracy and integrity.
II. It will allow more uniform and high quality air traffic management.
III. It will provide benefits only in aviation but not in other modes of transportation.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
I, II and III
II and III only
I only
I and II only
Correct Answer: D
Detailed Solution
Statement I is correct.
GAGAN is India’s Satellite-Based Augmentation System (SBAS), jointly developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Airports Authority of India (AAI).
Its ground-based reference stations receive GPS signals and assess the errors present in them. Correction data and integrity information are transmitted to users through geostationary satellites.
This increases the accuracy of the position provided by GPS. Here, integrity means that if a navigation signal does not conform to the prescribed safety standards, the user can receive a timely warning.
Statement II is correct.
GAGAN provides aircraft with more accurate satellite-based navigation. This enables aircraft to follow prescribed routes and approach procedures more effectively.
Consequently, navigation and Air Traffic Management across different regions and airports can be made more uniform, safer and of higher quality.
Statement III is not correct.
GAGAN was developed primarily for the requirements of civil aviation, but its benefits are not confined only to aviation.
Its augmented positioning services can also be used in other fields such as maritime transportation, railways, road transportation, surveying, mapping, agriculture and disaster management. Therefore, the expression “only in aviation” makes the statement incorrect.