GPS Aided GEO Augmented Navigation

• 30 Apr 2022

Why in News?

Recently, Airports Authority of India (AAI) Successfully conducted a light trial using GAGAN {GPS (Global Positioning System) Aided GEO Augmented Navigation} based LPV (Localizer Performance with Vertical Guidance) Approach Procedures.

• Many airports including the ones under Regional Connectivity Scheme are being surveyed for the development of GAGAN-based LPV Instrument Approach Procedures.
• This is being done so that suitably equipped aircraft can derive maximum benefit in terms of improved safety during landing, reduction in delays, diversions and cancellations, reduction in fuel consumption, etc.

What is LPV?

• LPV is a Satellite Based Procedure which has been used by aircraft for landing purposes.
• LPV approaches make aircraft possible to land at airports not equipped with expensive Instrument Landing Systems, which includes many small regional and local airports.
• Lowering the decision height up to 250 ft provides a substantial operational benefit in poor weather and low visibility conditions.
• Thus, any airport which hitherto would require higher visibility minima, will be able to accept aircraft benefiting remote airports which are devoid of precision approach capability equipment.

What is GAGAN?

• About:
  • It is a Space Based Augmentation System (SBAS) jointly developed by ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) and AAI to provide the best possible navigational services over Indian FIR (Flight Information Region) with the capability of expanding to neighboring FIRs.
  • GAGAN is a system of satellites and ground stations that provide GPS signal corrections, giving you better position accuracy.
  • It is the first such system developed for India and neighboring countries in the equatorial region.
  • GAGAN System was certified by DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) in 2015 for Approach with Vertical Guidance (APV 1) and en-route (RNP 0.1) operations.
    • There are only four Space-Based augmentation systems available in the world namely India (GAGAN), US (WAAS) Europe (EGNOS) and Japan (MSAS).

• Services Offered:
  • Aviation, Forest management, Railways signaling, Scientific Research for Atmospheric Studies, Natural Resource and Land Management, Location based services, Mobile, Tourism.
• Coverage Area:
  • GAGAN GEO footprint expands from Africa to Australia and GAGAN system has capability to cater 45 reference stations for expansion to neighboring countries.
  • GAGAN provides a civil aeronautical navigation signal consistent with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) as established by the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) Panel.

What is a Global Positioning System?

• GPS is a satellite navigation system, used to determine the ground position of an object. It is a U.S.-owned utility that provides users with Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) services.
• It is a network 24 satellite which provides service to civilian and military users. The civilian service is freely available to all users on a continuous, worldwide basis. The military service is available to U.S. and allied armed forces as well as approved Government agencies.

Source: PIB