What is the significance of the NVS-02 satellite launched in 2025?

Correct option is D

The correct answer is (D) It will enhance India's regional navigation capabilities.

Explanation:

• The NVS-02 satellite, launched on January 29, 2025, is the second in the next-generation series for NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation), India's indigenous regional navigation satellite system.
• Designed to replace the aging IRNSS-1E, NVS-02 aims to improve the accuracy, reliability, and coverage of NavIC services over India and the surrounding region extending approximately 1,500 km beyond its borders.
• Equipped with advanced navigation payloads operating in the L1, L5, and S bands, along with a C-band ranging payload, the satellite enhances positioning, velocity, and timing (PVT) services.
• The integration of indigenous rubidium atomic clocks further improves timing accuracy, which is crucial for various applications such as transportation, agriculture, disaster management, and defense.

Information Booster:

• The NVS series satellites are part of ISRO's efforts to bolster India's technological self-reliance in satellite navigation, reducing dependence on foreign systems like GPS.
• NavIC provides two types of services:
• Standard Positioning Service (SPS): Offers positioning accuracy better than 20 meters and timing accuracy better than 40 nanoseconds within the primary service area.
• Restricted Service (RS): A secure service for authorized users, including military applications.

Additional Knowledge:

(A) It will conduct scientific experiments in space.

• While satellites often carry scientific instruments, the primary mission of NVS-02 is to enhance navigation capabilities, not to conduct scientific experiments.

(B) It will provide weather forecasting services.

• Weather forecasting is typically managed by meteorological satellites, not navigation satellites like NVS-02.

(C) It will provide communication services to rural areas.

• Communication services are generally provided by dedicated communication satellites, not navigation satellites.