What is the usual arrangement of GPS...

🔍 Key Concepts

• Global Positioning System (GPS) is a U.S. Department of Defense system with a specific constellation design to give worldwide coverage • Think about how many orbital planes are typically used and how many satellites per plane are needed for continuous global coverage • Recall the typical altitude (~20,000 km) and inclination (~55°) of medium Earth orbit (MEO) navigation satellites

💭 Think About

• Which choice matches the commonly cited GPS constellation description used in most navigation textbooks and training materials? • If each orbital plane must provide good coverage, is it more practical to have more planes with fewer satellites per plane, or fewer planes with more satellites per plane? • Compare the altitudes listed: which one is closest to the well-known GPS medium Earth orbit height around 20,000 km?

✅ Before You Answer

• Make sure the altitude you select is close to the standard GPS MEO altitude (around 20,000 km, not low Earth orbit or geostationary) • Confirm that the inclination you pick matches the standard GPS value (mid‑latitude tilt, around 55°, not polar or equatorial) • Check that the number of satellites and planes you choose is consistent with a design intended for continuous global coverage with redundancy

What is the usual arrangement of GPS satellites?

18 satellites in 3 orbital planes, 6 satellites in each plane, 23,400 km altitude and 55 degrees inclination.

24 satellites in 6 orbital planes, 4 satellites in each plane, 20,200 km altitude and 55 degrees inclination.

30 satellites in 5 orbital planes, 6 satellites in each plane, 20,200 km altitude and 60 degrees inclination.

36 satellites in 6 orbital planes, 6 satellites in each plane, 23,600 km altitude and 60 degrees inclination.

🔍 Key Concepts

💭 Think About

✅ Before You Answer