“GAGAN is the first SBAS (Satellite Based Augmentation System) in the world certified for approach with vertical guidance operating in the equatorial ionospheric region and the third SBAS to have achieved this feat, after WAAS of USA and EGNOS of Europe. GAGAN was already certified for en route operation since 30th December 2013,” he said.
Raju said that GAGAN is a joint effort of Airport Authority of India (AAI) and Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO).
“In the aviation field, GAGAN will support more direct air routes, reduce fuel consumption and improve safety. In addition, GAGAN provides benefits to agriculture, all modes of transportation and public services such a defence services, security agencies and disaster recovery management by aiding in search and rescue to locate the disaster zone accurately,” he added.
The minister further stressed that since February 14 2014, GAGAN has been continuously providing navigation signals from GSAT-8 and GSAT-10 satellites launched by ISRO, augmenting the performance of GPS signals received over Indian Airspace. (ANI)