India's First SLS Approach Using GAGAN

Why in News

DGCA successfully conducted India's first Satellite-Based Landing System — SLS approach on a commercial jet using an IndiGo Airbus A320 at Udaipur.

Location

Maharana Pratap Airport, Udaipur

Technology Used

GAGAN

Full form:

GPS Aided GEO Augmented Navigation

Developed By

ISRO + Airports Authority of India — AAI

What is GAGAN?

India's indigenous:

Satellite-Based Augmentation System — SBAS

for civil aviation.

LPV Approach

Localiser Performance with Vertical Guidance

Provides pilots with:

• Lateral guidance → left/right
• Vertical guidance → up/down

It offers precision comparable to an Instrument Landing System while reducing the need for specialised ground infrastructure at individual airports.

Current Expansion

• 23 LPV approaches published
• Expected to exceed 40 by year-end

UPSC Significance

GAGAN demonstrates:

Space Technology → Civil Aviation → Safety + Connectivity + Strategic autonomy

Potential importance for:

• Regional airports
• Difficult terrain
• Aviation safety
• Reduced dependence on ground navigation infrastructure

GS Link

GS III: Space Technology, Aviation