Eye in space for aircraft

India is developing a new satellite-based navigation system that will increase the number and safety of flights in Indian skies. Aptly named GAGAN (GPS-aided geo-augmented navigation), the Rs 644-crore project involves a network involving a ground-based system linked to a designated satellite.
Civil aviation minister Praful Patel says "The Airports Authority of India, in collaboration with ISRO, is implementing the futuristic project to meet aviation industry's emergency needs in communication, navigation, surveillance and air traffic management."
Patel adds, "It's aimed as a modern positioning aid for aircraft pilots.The immediate benefit will be greater efficiency and safety for aircraft, across all airports."
Work on the project began in 2002 and is slated to be completed by December 2008. It will augment the standard positioning signals from GPS satellites, with an additional signal to improve the accuracy, integrity, continuity and availability of the aircraft receiver.
SK Saraswati, AAI executive director, says, "Space-based navigation is the future of air navigation. This will not only enhance air navigation capability in Indian airspace but also the safety of flights.
It will result in smooth communication with ground control, neat landings, timely warnings and fewer collisions, and more flights."
It will pitchfork India into a privileged club. Currently, the US is the only one using the system; Europe and Japan are in the process of acquiring it. The system can also be used for rail, maritime and road traffic and defence purposes also.