GPS-Aided Geo Augmented Navigation (GAGAN) uses a system of ground to provide necessary augmentation. Which of the following statements is/are correct in respect of GAGAN? [Space]

I. It is designed to provide additional accuracy and integrity.
II. It will allow more uniform and high quality air traffic management.
III. It will provide benefits only in aviation but not in other modes of transportation.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.

The correct option is I and II Only.

Let us analyze each statement step-by-step to understand why this is the correct answer:

Statement I: "It is designed to provide additional accuracy and integrity."
GPS-Aided Geo Augmented Navigation (GAGAN) is a Satellite Based Augmentation System (SBAS) jointly developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Airports Authority of India (AAI). The primary purpose of GAGAN is to augment the standard GPS signals over the Indian flight information region. By receiving signals from GPS, calculating corrections at ground reference stations, and broadcasting these corrections via geostationary satellites, GAGAN significantly improves the positional accuracy, reliability, and integrity of the satellite navigation data. Therefore, Statement I is correct.

Statement II: "It will allow more uniform and high quality air traffic management."
With enhanced accuracy and integrity of navigation signals, air traffic controllers can safely reduce the separation limits between aircraft. This allows for more direct flight routes, reduced fuel consumption, safer landing approaches (especially in poor weather conditions), and a highly efficient, uniform, and high-quality air traffic management system. Therefore, Statement II is correct.

Statement III: "It will provide benefits only in aviation but not in other modes of transportation."
Although GAGAN is primarily designed for civil aviation, its high-accuracy positioning signals are freely available to other sectors. It provides significant benefits to various other modes of transportation and fields, including maritime navigation, railways (such as collision avoidance systems), road transport, surveying, agriculture, and disaster management. Thus, the claim that it benefits only aviation is incorrect. Therefore, Statement III is incorrect.

Based on the analysis, Statements I and II are correct, while Statement III is incorrect. Hence, the correct option code is I and II Only.