There are at least 24 GPS satellites in operation at any given time with a number of on-orbit spares in case one fails. Each one is in a 12 hour orbit (meaning it takes 12 hours to orbit the earth). They are in a variety of six different orbits and are not just locked into a geosynchronous orbit (meaning they stay over roughly the same place on earth at all times, like your satellite TV and communications satellites) like some satellites.
All GPS satellites are owned and operated by the US Air Force and are controlled specifically by the 2d Space Operations Squadron at Schriever AFB in Colorado Springs, CO. There is not an easy way to deny the GPS capability to our enemies without also denying our own capability, so it is a free system open to anyone that has the technology to utilize it.
GPS satellites carry not only positional data but also extremely precise timing signals, which help the GPS receivers on the ground to triangulate their position and are even used to validate and secure financial transactions, etc. When the system was first created, artificial timing errors were put into the signal to try to reduce the effectiveness of the system for non-military users, but it was removed in 2000.
The GPS satellites also have NUDET (Nuclear Detonation) sensors on them to detect nuclear detonations almost anywhere on earth.
To use GPS you need to be in clear view of at the very least 3 satellites but you should be in view of 6 satellites at any given time unless some are blocked by objects, mountains, etc. So, GPS usually doesn't work well in-doors or even in a forrest or valley at times.
GPS satellites do not 'find' anything, that is not their purpose.
A minimum of 4 satellites is needed to obtain a full GPS signal. These satellites are used to triangulate your position accurately on Earth.
Every GPS unit needs a minimum of four (4) satellites to compute a 3-dimensional position, and performs more accurate calculations with more satellites. I think my TomTom is capable of using 12 simultaneous satellites if it can see that many. Yours may be different.
best to get intouch with military or nasa to find out
A GPS receiver gets its signal from a network of satellites orbiting the Earth. These satellites continuously transmit signals that the GPS receiver uses to calculate its position and determine accurate time information. By receiving signals from multiple satellites, the GPS receiver can triangulate its position with high precision.
There are currently 30 healthy GPS satellites in orbit.
GPS satellites do not 'find' anything, that is not their purpose.
Geostationary satellites are the ones used for GPS satellites.
A minimum of 4 satellites is needed to obtain a full GPS signal. These satellites are used to triangulate your position accurately on Earth.
Currently 31 in both GPS and GLONASS (Russian navigation system, similar to GPS)
24 active with 6 spares.
32
GPS IIA-1 NAVSTAR 1 (Both GPS satellites)
Every GPS unit needs a minimum of four (4) satellites to compute a 3-dimensional position, and performs more accurate calculations with more satellites. I think my TomTom is capable of using 12 simultaneous satellites if it can see that many. Yours may be different.
GPS signals are processed in the GPS unit and displayed, and they are also processed via three Global Position Satellites. All four units work together and process GPS signals (some to the satellites from the GPS, and some from the satellites to the GPS) to create an accurate position.
A GPS works by satellites that are located in outer space. These satellites are connected with cameras that show the whole earth. You GPS and the satellites systems are working together to provide maps for you.
No. GPS Satellites are free to receive.