GPS stands for ?

The correct answer is Global Positioning System.

Important Points

• GPS, or the Global Positioning System, is a global navigation satellite system that provides location, velocity, and time synchronization.
• The satellite system consists of a constellation of 24 satellites in six Earth-centered orbital planes.
  • Each with four satellites, orbiting at 13,000 miles (20,000 km) above Earth and traveling at a speed of 8,700 mph (14,000 km/h).
• GPS is made up of three different components, called segments, that work together to provide location information.
  • The three segments of GPS are:
    • Space (Satellites) — The satellites circling the Earth, transmitting signals to users on geographical position and time of day.
    • Ground control — The Control Segment is made up of Earth-based monitor stations, master control stations, and ground antenna. Control activities include tracking and operating the satellites in space and monitoring transmissions.
    • User equipment — GPS receivers and transmitters including items like watches, smartphones, and telematics devices.

Key Points

• GPS works through a technique called trilateration.
  • It is used to calculate location, velocity, and elevation, trilateration collects signals from satellites to output location information.

Additional Information

• The first launch of Russia’s Sputnik I satellite in 1957, for the possibility of geolocation capabilities.
• The Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS) is officially called NAVIC which is an acronym for NAVigation with Indian Constellation.
  • The regional geo-positioning system has been designed in India by ISRO to provide accurate positioning in India and around the Indian mainland.