THE 3 SEGMENTS OF A GPS

Question 1

3 segments of a gps

Answer 1

space segment (the satellite)

control segment (ground station)

user segment (you & your gps receiver)

Question 2

gps segments - space segment

Answer 2

consists of 24 satellites (21active + 3 operating spares) is the heart of the system

the satellites are in ‘high orbit’ (12,000 miles above earth’s surface). operating at such high altitude allows signals to cover greater area

powered by solar energy and have backup batteries

Question 3

gps segments - what type of signal does the space segment transmit

Answer 3

each satellite transmits low power radio signals on several frequencies

civilian gps receivers listen on the L1 frequency

Question 4

gps segments - what type of coding is L1 frequency

Answer 4

two pseudorandom signals

protected (P) code & coarse/acquisition code

Question 5

gps segments - what is the main purpose of coded signal

Answer 5

allow for calculating travel time from satellite to gps receiver on earth

Question 6

gps segments - control segment

Answer 6

controls gps satellite by tracking them then providing them with corrected orbital/time info

Question 7

gps segments - how many control segments are there

Answer 7

5 around world

4 unmmanned monitoring stations. constantly receiving data from satellites then send info to master control station

master corrects satellite data, together with two other antenna sites, uplinks info to gps satellites

Question 8

gps segments - user segment

Answer 8

you/gsp receiver