Global Positioning System (GPS) is a utility that provides
users with positioning, navigation, and timing services. It consists of three segments:
- Space segment: • Space segment: consists of a constellation of
approximately 30 satellites that transmit signals giving current GPS satellite position and
time.
- Control segment: comprises of stations that maintain the satellites in
their proper orbit and manage the information transmitted by the satellites.
- User segment: GPS receivers receive GPS satellite signals and use the
information to compute user’s 3-D position and time.
The US Air Force, through the Space Force, develops and operates the space and
control segments.
