Know more about the GPS System
GPS is an abbreviation for the Global Positioning System. This navigation program is based on the satellites. It is made up of a network of twenty four satellites that are located in its orbit by the defense department of the United States. The primary intention of GPS was to serve the military applications, but later on it began to be used even for the civilian purposes. One of the important features of the GPS System is that it can function anywhere in the world, in any cinematic condition for twenty four hours a day. To utilize the GPS System, you don’t need to give away any subscription charges.
Now let us see how this GPS System works. The satellites of the GPS rotate the earth two times a day in a very specific orbit and transfer the signal information to the earth. This information is taken by the GPS receiver and then the user’s exact location is calculated using triangulation. Now a comparison is made by the GPS users between the time taken by the satellite to transmit a signal and the time when it was received. This time difference helps in determining the GPS user is from the satellite. Then, by measuring the distance from some more satellites, the receiver is able to know the exact position of the user that is displayed on an electronic map.
A GPS System can also calculate other information like bearing, speed, trip distance, track, timings of the sunset and sunrise, distance to the destination, etc precisely. But what about its accuracy? You don’t need to worry about that because nowadays the GPS receivers are very accurate. This may be due to its parallel multi-channeled design. They can be locked quickly on the satellites and maintain strong locks even in urban areas or dense foliage having tall buildings.
The GPS Satellite System is a very precise system giving you accurate results. The 24 satellites of which the GPS system is made of keep orbiting the earth for about 12,000 miles above us. They are moving continuously and make two complete rotations around the planet Earth in a period less than 24 hours. They travel at a speed of about 7,000 miles per hour. Solar energy is used to power the GPS Satellites. They also have backup batteries on board. This helps them to be mobile even in case of a solar eclipse, when solar power is not available. There are small rocket boosters on both the sides of the satellite. This helps them to fly in the right direction.
There are some unknown, but interesting facts regarding the GPS System. The first GPS Satellite System is launched in the year 1978. Each satellite is made to last about atleast ten years. Replacements are made continuously and initiated into the orbit. The approximate weight of the GPS Satellite is about 2,000 pounds and it is extended 17 feet across the solar panels. The power of the transmitter is not more than 50 watts. The official name of GPS is NAVSTAR-GPS.
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