Article 2: Losing the way
Why in news: NavIC is in news due to declining operational capacity after multiple satellite and atomic clock failures, raising concerns about India’s ability to maintain an independent regional navigation system.
Key Details
- ISRO’s NavIC constellation is currently in crisis, with only three functional satellites, which is insufficient to provide reliable Position, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) services.
- The failure of atomic clocks, especially in IRNSS-1F, has significantly reduced the operational capability of the system.
- Multiple satellites have either failed, been decommissioned, or suffered technical issues, weakening the constellation over time.
- Institutional gaps, including the absence of a dedicated navigation authority and space law, have overburdened ISRO.
- Future recovery is uncertain due to low launch rates, budget constraints, and competing priorities despite plans for new satellite launches.
Operational Crisis in NavIC Constellation
- ISRO’s NavIC system, built with 11 satellites since 2013, is currently facing serious operational issues.
- Only three satellites remain functional for Position, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) services.
- A minimum of four operational satellites is required, making the system currently ineffective.
- The failure of the atomic clock onboard IRNSS-1F (March 13) further weakened the constellation.
Technical Failures and Satellite Setbacks
- First-generation satellites used rubidium atomic clocks from SpectraTime, which have shown repeated failures.
- IRNSS-1F, launched in 2016, failed just after completing its design life.
- Several satellites have been decommissioned, failed to reach orbit, or suffered clock malfunctions.
- The launch of NVS-02 (second-generation) failed due to incorrect orbital placement.
Institutional and Structural Challenges
- NavIC originated after the U.S. denied GPS access during the Kargil War (1999), making it defence-focused.
- ISRO is currently handling both design and operational roles, leading to overburdening.
- India lacks a dedicated agency like the GPS Directorate (U.S.) or EUSPA (EU) for navigation systems.
- Absence of a national space law further complicates governance and coordination.
Future Plans and Persistent Constraints
- ISRO has shifted to indigenous atomic clocks (since 2018), first used in NVS-01 (2023).
- Plans include adding five clocks per satellite to improve reliability.
- Progress is slowed by low launch rates, PSLV issues, budget constraints, and multiple competing missions.
- Despite plans to launch three more satellites in 2026, concerns remain over feasibility and confidence in recovery.
Conclusion
NavIC’s current distress highlights deeper structural, technical, and policy shortcomings in India’s space programme. While indigenous advancements and planned launches offer hope, systemic issues like weak institutional frameworks, funding constraints, and slow deployment rates must be urgently addressed. Without timely reforms and execution, India’s ambition for a reliable, independent navigation system risks remaining unfulfilled and strategically vulnerable.