GPS Satellite Systems Around the World
17 Jan 2013The United States is working on advancing its GPS satellite constellation through the replacement of aging satellites with new, modernized GPS III satellites. But the U.S. isn’t the only country developing and advancing GPS technology. Japan, China, India, Russia, and Europe are developing new technologies similar to the United States Global Position Satellite System.
United States (GPS)
The United States was the first country to introduce satellite technology with the global positioning system (GPS). This satellite navigation system, which is operated by the United States government, offers navigation and tracking technology, including location, time and other data, throughout the planet. Individuals, corporations, and military personnel utilize GPS devices and GPS trackers. In terms of advancements, Lockheed Martin is currently developing a new GPS III series for improved signal power, accuracy, and reliability, which will further help with navigation and more precisely timed services. Boeing is also developing new GPS technology with 12 satellites belonging to the IIF series; these will have higher accuracy and longer life expectancy.
Japan (QZSS)
The Quazi-Zenith Satellite System (QZSS) is Japan’s satellite system, which is similar to a GPS satellites with some slight variations. The QZSS is a system using three satellites and is expected to be fully functioning in 2013. The satellites in this constellation are expected to orbit Japan and other areas of Asia, which will further increase the accuracy of GPS signals in the US. The signal receiver from the QZSS will function with the GPS satellites as well as its own entity. “We are in an era of the gold rush for satellite launches,” said Ryo Kurokawa of the Core’s advanced embedded technology center in Japan. Kurokawa foresees approximately 140 launched satellites by 2018.
Russia (GLONASS)
Russia also has its own satellite system, called the Russian Global Navigation Satellite System (GLONASS). The design and development for GLONASS dates back to the 1970s though it was never fully functional. In the last 10 years, new satellites have been introduced into the system and it now has optimal signal coverage. GLONASS is similar to GPS and includes 24 satellites located in 3 orbit places. Each satellite has the same code with a variety of frequencies, unlike GPS systems where there are just two frequencies and a different code for each of its satellites. GPS receiver manufacturers are beginning to use GLONASS technology in order to receive signals from GPS and GLONASS satellites.
China Peoples Republic of China (BeiDou Navigation Satellite System)
In China, there is the BeiDou Navigation Satellite System, which will consist of more than 30 satellites. This satellite system intends to have two levels of signals to be used for military and civilians. Officials in China have reported that the satellite constellation (formerly referred to as Compass) is expected for global availability by 2020.
European Union (Galileo)
Another ambitious satellite system aside from GPS in development is the Galileo system in Europe, and is a Global Navigation Satellite System (GSNN). The development for Galileo began in 2003 and is expected to be fully completed by 2019. Galileo will have 30 satellites (27 active with 3 spares) with signals reaching throughout the globe. Galileo is funded by public and private sectors, as opposed to the public only funding of the US GPS system.
India (IRNSS)
Lastly, there is the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS) in India. This is most scaled down satellite system as opposed to the European, Chinese, Russian, and certainly the United States satellite systems, with seven satellites to cover India’s land and sea. It is expected to be completed and fully functional by 2014.
Technology, in conjunction with GPS and similar satellite systems, is changing the way communication, navigation, and tracking works across the globe. As countries embark on their own version of satellite systems, the accuracy of signals and applications around the world continues to improve and expand.
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