18,519
edits
Global Positioning System: Difference between revisions
From ScoutWiki, For Everyone, Everywhere involved with Scouting and Guiding...
m
Robot: Automated text replacement (-United States Department of Defense +United States Department of Defense)
m (Robot: Automated text replacement (-George W. Bush +George W. Bush)) |
m (Robot: Automated text replacement (-United States Department of Defense +United States Department of Defense)) |
||
| Line 12: | Line 12: | ||
Since the first experimental satellite was launched in 1978, GPS has become an indispensable aid to [[navigation]] around the world, and an important tool for [[cartography|map-making]] and [[surveying|land surveying]]. GPS also provides a precise [[time transfer|time reference]] used in many applications including scientific study of [[earthquake]]s, and [[synchronization]] of telecommunications networks. | Since the first experimental satellite was launched in 1978, GPS has become an indispensable aid to [[navigation]] around the world, and an important tool for [[cartography|map-making]] and [[surveying|land surveying]]. GPS also provides a precise [[time transfer|time reference]] used in many applications including scientific study of [[earthquake]]s, and [[synchronization]] of telecommunications networks. | ||
Developed by the | Developed by the United States Department of Defense, it is officially named '''NAVSTAR GPS''' ('''NAV'''igation '''S'''atellite '''T'''iming '''A'''nd '''R'''anging '''G'''lobal '''P'''ositioning '''S'''ystem). The [[satellite constellation]] is managed by the [[United States Air Force]] [[50th Space Wing]]. The cost of maintaining the system is approximately [[United States dollar|US$]]750 million per year,<ref name="GPS overview from JPO" /> including the replacement of aging satellites, and research and development. Despite this fact, GPS is free for civilian use as a [[public good]]. | ||
== Simplified method of operation == | == Simplified method of operation == | ||
| Line 240: | Line 240: | ||
*On [[February 14]], [[1989]], the first modern Block-II satellite was launched. | *On [[February 14]], [[1989]], the first modern Block-II satellite was launched. | ||
*In 1992, the 2nd Space Wing, which originally managed the system, was de-activated and replaced by the [[50th Space Wing]]. | *In 1992, the 2nd Space Wing, which originally managed the system, was de-activated and replaced by the [[50th Space Wing]]. | ||
*By December 1993 the GPS system achieved initial operational capability<ref> | *By December 1993 the GPS system achieved initial operational capability<ref>United States Department of Defense. [http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/ftp/gps/ARCHIVES/gpsdoc/IOCLTR.TXT Announcement of Initial Operational Capability]. [[December 8]], [[1993]].</ref> | ||
*By [[January 17]], [[1994]] a complete constellation of 24 satellites was in orbit. | *By [[January 17]], [[1994]] a complete constellation of 24 satellites was in orbit. | ||
*In 1996, recognizing the importance of GPS to civilian users as well as military users, U.S. President [[Bill Clinton]] issued a policy directive<ref>[[National Archives and Records Administration]]. [http://clinton4.nara.gov/textonly/WH/EOP/OSTP/html/gps-factsheet.html U.S. GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM POLICY]. [[March 29]], [[1996]].</ref> declaring GPS to be a dual-use system and establishing an [[Interagency GPS Executive Board]] to manage it as a national asset. | *In 1996, recognizing the importance of GPS to civilian users as well as military users, U.S. President [[Bill Clinton]] issued a policy directive<ref>[[National Archives and Records Administration]]. [http://clinton4.nara.gov/textonly/WH/EOP/OSTP/html/gps-factsheet.html U.S. GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM POLICY]. [[March 29]], [[1996]].</ref> declaring GPS to be a dual-use system and establishing an [[Interagency GPS Executive Board]] to manage it as a national asset. | ||
