Global Positioning Systems
In the context of aerospace engineering, Global Positioning Systems (GPS) refer to a network of satellites that orbit the Earth and provide precise positional and timing information to GPS receivers located anywhere on the planet. The system is made up of at least 24 satellites, which are distributed in six Earth-centered orbital planes with four operation satellites and a spare. The system was developed and is maintained by the U.S. Department of Defense but is freely accessible to anyone with a GPS receiver. The satellites transmit signal information, which is used by the receivers to calculate the user's exact location through a process called trilateration. The accuracy of these systems is enhanced by techniques such as Differential GPS (DGPS) and Real Time Kinematic (RTK) systems. In aerospace engineering, GPS is used for navigation and control of aircraft, spacecraft, and unmanned aerial vehicles. It is also used for monitoring and control of vehicle systems and operations.
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