Satellite Navigational Systems

Satellite Navigational Systems

Satellite navigational systems, also known as Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), are a network of satellites that provide geolocation and time information to receivers on Earth. These systems are used for a wide range of applications, including navigation, surveying, mapping, and tracking. The most well-known GNSS is the Global Positioning System (GPS), which was developed by the United States Department of Defense and became fully operational in 1995. GNSS works by using a constellation of satellites in orbit around the Earth, which transmit signals to receivers on the ground. These signals contain information about the satellite's position and the time the signal was transmitted. By comparing the time it takes for the signal to reach the receiver from multiple satellites, the receiver can calculate its own position on the Earth's surface. In addition to GPS, there are several other GNSS systems in operation or development around the world. These include the Russian GLONASS system, the European Galileo system, and the Chinese BeiDou system. Each of these systems uses a similar basic technology to GPS, but with some differences in the way the signals are transmitted and received. The use of GNSS has revolutionized navigation and positioning technology, making it possible to accurately determine one's location almost anywhere on the planet. This has led to a wide range of applications, from guiding ships and aircraft to tracking wildlife and monitoring the movement of tectonic plates. However, GNSS is also vulnerable to interference and jamming, which can disrupt or even disable the system. As a result, efforts are underway to develop more robust and resilient GNSS systems for the future.

Global Navigation Satellite Systems, GPS, geolocation, navigation, positioning

— Christopher Martin

CITATION : "Christopher Martin. 'Satellite Navigational Systems.' Design+Encyclopedia. https://design-encyclopedia.com/?E=394766 (Accessed on August 02, 2025)"