Of Popular Mechanics
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A new third-generation GPS satellite adds two new types of signal and improves the precision and intensity of the signal.
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The Lockheed Martin satellite was launched by SpaceX.
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GPS started in the 1970s, but all satellites in use today are second and third generation technology.
Elon Musk tweeted this week that a new orbiting satellite launched by SpaceX has already improved its GPS. That’s right?
GPS is a technology from decades ago, beginning with the first Timing and Ranging Navigation System (NAVSTAR) satellite in orbit in 1978. In 1993, a network of 24 satellites covered the world in a way that allowed triangular satellites to locations. and distances.
The new generations of GPS satellites represent better technology not only in the level of precision, but also in terms of the expected lifespan and other uses of GPS such as time. All original generations of GPS satellites are out of service as of 2019, and today, there are 29 “generation II” GPS satellites and 2 “generation III” satellites.
Historically, something called Selective Availability reserved the best-performing GPS signals for government use, and it’s true that the government still uses the latest GPS capabilities. But selective availability was suspended in 2000, and today, the military and government hijacking of GPS capability is limited to having its own signal section, the same as with terrestrial radio, 5G and more.
So the most accurate and cutting-edge Generation III GPS capability is what Musk is discussing. Earlier this week, a new SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket successfully launched a US Space Force satellite from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The new and improved GPS III SV03 navigation satellite, developed by Lockheed Martin, is replacing an older satellite currently in orbit.
New Satellite Takes Overall GPS Accuracy “From 28 Inches To Nine Inches Very Accurate” Reverse It also has improved security measures and other features, which simply represent the way science has improved in 20 or 30 years.
GPS III supports two new types of signals: L2C and L5. L5 is where civilian GPS will get a tune-up: “Through a technique called trilaning, the use of three GPS frequencies can allow accuracy less than one meter without increases, and very long-range operations with increases,” explains the government. Trilaning will probably use L1, L5 and a third signal band to triangulate the signals.
L2C is designated for commercial use, which could mean everyone from top contractors to telecommunications. Having another type of signal available to these groups, the government says, can lead to better studies, more accurate models for construction, and much more.
Where GPS for civilians will improve at the level of the navigation system (and, as Reverse points out, Pokemon Go), L2C will take commercial metering to an even finer grain in applications where that can save time, money and labor.
The signals from Generation III satellites are eight times stronger, with improved security and a much longer lifespan. And while you may not notice an immediate change in the accuracy of your built-in GPS or Google Maps on your phone, the improved accuracy and robustness at all levels will help make your life run a little more smoothly in the future.
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