Global Positioning System :: Space Satellites Technology Essays

spheric Positioning System Did you know that there ar 24 GPS satellites in orbit at this moment? The 24 satellites comprise an estimated $12 billion to build and launch. Each satellite weighs near 1,735 lb and takes 12 hours to orbit the Earth once. They are in orbit about 12,500 mi above the Earth. The first GPS satellite was launched in 1978 followed by the entryway of the first Block 2 satellite, second generation of GPS satellites, in 1989. GPS stands for Global Positioning System, which is a worldwide radio navigation system. It is a net profit made up of 24 satellites which orbit the earth and allow a person to receive information about their location. These satellites allow for allow to leg point your exact location and calculate your coordinates. Now with the advancement in technology, you empennage make 6measurements of where you are to the nearest cen ageter. So GPS allows to determine your on the nose longitude, latitude and altitude any where in the planet. GPS works through take hold GPS units which are easily available anywhere. Nowadays with the advancement in technology they are being used not only in ships and airplanes, only are now built into cars as well. This helps a driver if they contain lost. As for the hand held units, they are great for hikers or those who travel on foot or bikes. It wont be soon before GPS will become as basic as telephones. As mentioned before, there is a network of 24 satellites that orbit the Earth. It is required to have at to the lowest degree four of them above the horizon. Usually though, there are around 8 satellites available. GPS works using these satellites to measure the distances between places by means of radio waves. Distance is calculated by the amount of time taken by signal to travel from satellite to receiver. This time can be calculated using two kinds of clocks. An atomic clock or an quartz clock. An atomic clock would be extremel y precise for this operation, further with its mettlesome cost it is not feasible to use. So then with its high costs, atomic clocks are only employed in satellites.