Launchpad: How GPS Works

[gussi111]

Is there any limit on how many people can access a satellite?

with GPS example?

[gordianknot555]

so these satellites are constantly broadcasting a radio signal... are these satellites solar powered or how do they ensure that they won't run out of power?

[SYorkston]

@gordianknot555 Solar powered untill they go into eclips (in the earth's shadow), then they run off of batteries for a little while. When they come out of eclips, the solar arrays power the satalite, transmitter, and recharge the batteries.

[gtalc03]

such a shady character

[olddemography31]

I'm in the market for a handheld, saw some good articles on gpssatnavreviews (.) com

[ebutuou123]

this didnt explain anything

[gtq838]

@ebutuou123 yeah it was a really bad video... actually had false information. it does not use trilatiation... that would mean three satellites would be required it need four to determin your elivation. here is the real way it works.

the satellites all have atomic clocks on them that broadcast the time... that is all they do. based on how far away the satellites are the time that it sent may take longer to reach the receiver and thus all will be off slightly. continued...

[gtq838]

@gtq838 based off this error caused by the time it requires for the radio signal to reach the receiver it is able to calculate the distance from the satellite and the quadralateration takes place. the gps is always able to pinpoint within centimeters but it required a special receiver that is encrypted and used only for military purposes.

[ufoolme]

the gps device can't be touched once the car starts moving. The car user must come to a complete stop and place the park break on etc.

[Sk8rkid1515]

Thanks, it really helped a lot :D. 5/5

[ufoolme]

Video seems a bit dated now, but info is still good. Don't think NASA would like the end of the video where his using the GPS device while driving, seeing as thats illegal in a fair few countries (e.g., Australia).

[gtq838]

@ufoolme using gps while driving in australia is illegal? sounds stupid to me. also nasa wouldn't care anyways since 1 they don't operate, own, or controll gps. the air force does. 2 in america its not illegal.

[sakuranbo888]

6,666 views  cool

[lodatJB]

I totally agree, LOL!

[quasar281]

Doesn't this guy (Johnny Alonso) look like a young Rob Schneider?

[ChristerX360]

lol good one that's what I thought so!