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Satellite navigation facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
GPSTest GNSS 2019 Android
GPSTest showing the available GNSS in 2019. Since the 2010s, satellite navigation is widely available on civilian devices.

A satellite navigation or satnav system is a way of pinpointing position very exactly.

Satnav uses a system of satellites. The system gives exact positioning. It allows small electronic receivers to find their position (longitude, latitude, and altitude/elevation). The position is given within a few metres using time signals transmitted along a straight line (line of sight) by radio from satellites. The signals also allow the electronic receivers to calculate the current local time to high precision, which allows time synchronisation. A satellite navigation system with global coverage may be called a global navigation satellite system (GNSS).

Images for kids

  • GPS Block IIIA

    The U.S. Space Force's Global Positioning System was the first global satellite navigation system and was the first to be provided as a free global service.

  • GPSTest GNSS 2021 Android

    GNSS satellites used for navigation on a smartphone in 2021

  • Launched GNSS 2014

    Launched GNSS satellites 1978 to 2014

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Sistema global de navegación por satélite para niños

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