GPS Satellites
GPS (Global Positioning System) satellites are a constellation of orbiting satellites that transmit signals to GPS receivers on Earth. These signals allow the receivers to determine their precise location, velocity, and time. The GPS system is operated by the United States government and is freely accessible to anyone with a GPS receiver. The satellites are placed in medium Earth orbit, at an altitude of approximately 20,200 km, and are arranged in six orbital planes with four satellites in each plane. The GPS system is used for navigation, surveying, mapping, and timing applications, among others. The accuracy of GPS depends on the number of satellites visible to the receiver, the geometry of their positions, and the quality of the receiver. The system is constantly monitored and maintained by a network of ground control stations and backup satellites.
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