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The Global Positioning System Anna Reoch The global positioning system (GPS) is a satellite-based navigation system, consisting of a network of 24 orbiting satellites travelling on six different orbital paths. These satellites, referred to as NAVSTAR satellites, are constantly moving, making two complete orbits around earth per day. The first GPS satellite was launched in February, 1978. Satellites now weight approximately 1 tonne, and are about 5 metres across with extended solar panels. GPS needs at least 24 satellites to provide full coverage of every point on the earth, all the time. To calculate one position on the earth, at least 3 satellites are needed. Currently, there are 28 working GPS satellites, out of roughly 750 currently in miliary, civilian and commercial use. GPS satellites, quite simply, broadcast data - each satellite knows two things: its exact location in obit, and exactly what time it is. It knows its position within a few feet, whilst...

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