Ten Facts About GPS (Global Positioning System)

Posted on February 24, 2008
Filed Under Outdoor Gadgets, Ten Facts About... |

Ten Facts About GPS (Global Positioning System)

• Part of the inspiration for developing the GPS system was American scientists monitoring the location of the Russian launched Sputnik spacecraft.

• Global Positioning System utilizes a minimum of 24 medium earth orbit satellites that transmit microwave signals constantly so that any GPS receiving unit can immediately know it’s exact position.

• Military uses for GPS: Guided missiles (smart bombs), locating of downed pilots, locating of friendly forces as well as military objectives, and map creation.

• The GPS system was originally developed by the United States Department of Defense and was named NAVSTAR.

• The GPS system was not open for civilian use until President Ronald Reagan made it so following the shooting down of Korean Air Lines Flight 007 by Russia.

• GPS satellites also carry nuclear weapon detection devices and are part of the United States Nuclear Detonation Detection System.

• Civilian uses for GPS: Navigation (both roadway and offroad), surveying, and scientific data collection (for instance, seismic activity).

• Normally a GPS receiver is in contact from four or more GPS satellites to get it’s correct reading.

• GPS was originally designed for military use; due to improper funding many soldiers in the Gulf War purchased their own civilian GPS models.

• The final of the 24 GPS satellites to be placed in orbit, completing the constellation, was launched in 1994.

Comments

One Response to “Ten Facts About GPS (Global Positioning System)”

  1. gps systems on March 25th, 2008 8:47 am

    GPS is the way to future. I see in next 20 years or so , may be no vehicle in our countries will be without gps. However , cost is still a problem , specially in developing nations. But I am sure , with increase in demand the cost will come down. Nice blog.

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