global positioning system（全球定位系统）.docVIP

Laurea Specialistica in Ingegneria Spaziale 2° anno Corso ‘Stazioni di Terra’ Appendice 10 Il Sistema GPS: una sintesi Giorgio Perrotta Anno accademico 2007Global Positioning System The Global Positioning System (GPS), is the only fully-functional satellite navigation system. More than two dozen GPS satellites orbit the Earth, transmitting radio signals which allow GPS receivers to determine their location, speed and direction. Since the first experimental satellite was launched in 1978, GPS has become indispensable for navigation around the world and an important tool for map-making and land surveying. GPS also provides a precise time reference used in many applications including scientific study of earthquakes, and synchronization of telecommunications networks. Developed by the United States Department of Defense, it is officially named NAVSTAR GPS (Navigation Signal Timing and Ranging Global Positioning System). The satellite constellation is managed by the United States Air Force 50th Space Wing. Although the cost of maintaining the system is approximately US$ 400 million per year, including the replacement of aging satellites, GPS is free for civilian use as a public good. In late 2005, the first in a series of next-generation GPS satellites was added to the constellation, offering several new capabilities, including a second civilian GPS signal called L2C for enhanced accuracy and reliability. In the coming years, additional next-generation satellites will increase coverage of L2C and add a third and fourth civilian signal to the system, as well as advanced military capabilities. introduction A GPS receiver calculates its position by measuring the distance between itself and three or more GPS satellites. Measuring the time delay between transmission and reception of each GPS radio signal gives the distance to each satellite, since the signal travels at a known speed. The signals also carry information about the satellites location. By