Abstract:
Satellite technology has been around for quite some time. It all began in 1957 when the
Soviet Union launched the first satellite1. Since then, the Global Positioning System (GPS) has
become an essential part of modern navigation and location-based services. Satellite
communications are crucial for global connectivity and provide vital support for services like
telecommunications, broadcasting, and data transfer. However, with the increasing demands on
satellite networks, balancing performance and financial restrictions is becoming more
challenging. Satellite communications play a vital role in connecting the world and enabling
important services like telecommunications, broadcasting, and data transfer. But it is becoming
increasingly difficult to maintain high performance while also managing financial limitations due
to the growing demands on these networks.
1 Britannica, T. Editors of Encyclopedia (2022, March 14). Sputnik. Encyclopedia Britannica.
https://www.britannica.com/technology/Sputnik
Introduction:
GPS, or Global Positioning System, is a network of satellites orbiting Earth that work together to
provide positioning, navigation, and timing services. The system has three main components: the
space segment, the control segment, and the user segment. The US military founded GPS in 1968
through the Advanced Research Project (ARPA)2, and it has been fully operational since then.
Today, GPS is an essential asset, with the Satellite service sector bringing in an estimated $113.3
billion USD3 in revenue, highlighting the number of people who rely on GPS.
Methods:
The core of the Global Positioning System (GPS) lies in its space segment, which
consists of a constellation of 36 operational satellites distributed evenly in medium Earth orbit to
ensure global coverage. These satellites, orbiting the Earth at a velocity of approximately 14,000
kilometers per hour, continuously transmit signals, completing two orbits per day for real-time
positioning. Complementing the space segment is the control segment, a network of ground-
based stations responsible for satellite management. These stations monitor satellite positions,
track movements, and analyze system health, crucially uploading ephemeris data for accurate
user location calculations. The Boeing 7024 (Boeing, 2013) bus, a spacecraft platform employed
for various satellites, including the Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS) satellite, integrates key
components for optimal functionality. Notably, the solar array and battery provide continuous
power, the attitude control system maintains precise positioning, phased array electronics support
2 2 Manning, C. G. (2023, September 25). GPS - NASA. NASA. https://www.nasa.gov/directorates/somd/space-
communications-navigation-program/gps/#hds-sidebar-nav-2
3 Topic: Navigation devices & services. (2024, January 10). Statista. https://www.statista.com/topics/2221/navigation-
devices-and-usage/#topicOverview
4 Boeing. (2013). Satellite Engineer’s Handbook- System Summary: Vol. II (Satellite Engineer’s
Handbook-System Summary II). BOEING.
high-capacity communication, and the propulsion subsystem enables precise orbital
maneuvering. The thermal control system ensures operational temperatures within acceptable
limits. Together, these components contribute to the efficiency and reliability of the WGS
satellite, offering power, communication capabilities, maneuverability, and thermal regulation.
The satellite system under discussion completes two orbits per day, (Manning, 2023)5.
facilitating real-time positioning. The operational control, or control segment, comprises a
network of ground-based stations responsible for satellite management. These stations diligently
monitor satellite positions, track movements, and assess system health. Additionally, they upload
crucial ephemeris data to satellites, essential for precise user location calculations.
Results:
5 Manning, C. G. (2023, September 25). GPS - NASA. NASA. https://www.nasa.gov/directorates/somd/space-
communications-navigation-program/gps/#hds-sidebar-nav-2
GPS satellites have helped generate $1.4 trillion in economic benefits. (Brief History of GPS |
the Aerospace Corporation, 2024b)6. The GPS founded by the Advanced Research Project
Agency (ARPA) has employed over 25,000 at the Pentagon, while there are over 900 million
receivers utilizing GPS. In the aviation industry alone, there are 164,000 being utilized in
experimental aircraft not to mention the 7,600 that are currently in use for the commercial
airline industry.
Discussion:
With the use and availability of GPS not only has it generated revenue and employment, but it
has also made moving around throughout earth that much easier. Although the GPS systems
have some accuracy, a device’s accuracy depends on a few factors that include timing reference
signal, earth to satellite geometry, its clock, where the sun is in relation to the satellite and
atmospheric conditions. The military releasing the use of GPS has allowed each and every
industry to benefit and profit from the use of GPS. As mentioned previously the airline industry
has had the capability to fly worldwide by utilizing GPS, while the automobile industry has
profited from it in terms of being able to sell onboard navigation. The automobile industry has
also been able to track down customers who become negligent on their payments and shut down
their vehicle with the use of GPS. Being in the military we are able to utilize GPS to know where
we are in the world amongst many other capabilities that are classified.
Conclusion:
Being a Satellite Communications Operator/Maintainer in the military allows me to lean on my
military occupation and having a solid understanding of the fundamentals of GPS is crucial for
users and developers alike. This abstract provides a succinct overview of the core components,
6 Brief history of GPS | The Aerospace Corporation. (2024b, January 1). Aerospace Corporation.
https://aerospace.org/article/brief-history-gps
References:
1. Britannica, T. Editors of Encyclopedia (2022, March 14). Sputnik. Encyclopedia
Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/technology/Sputnik
2. Brief history of GPS | The Aerospace Corporation. (2024, January 1). Aerospace
Corporation. https://aerospace.org/article/brief-history-gps
3. Topic: Navigation devices & services. (2024, January 10). Statista.
https://www.statista.com/topics/2221/navigation-devices-and-usage/#topicOverview
4. Boeing is Building Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS)-11+ Satellite Using Advanced
Techniques to Deliver Unrivaled Capability at “Record-Breaking Speed.” (2022, March
5. Manning, C. G. (2023, September 25). GPS - NASA. NASA.
https://www.nasa.gov/directorates/somd/space-communications-navigation-program/
gps/#hds-sidebar-nav-2
6. Brief history of GPS | The Aerospace Corporation. (2024b, January 1). Aerospace
Corporation. https://aerospace.org/article/brief-history-gps
