Global Positionning System Versus the Right To Privacy :: GPS Globarl Positioning System Papers

Global Positionning System Versus the Right To Privacy From the beginning of time, man has tried to find out where he was and where he was going. Locating places as well as himself has long been a quest. Mankind developed a number of early inventions to help with this search including the compass, the sextant, the map with longitude and latitude, charts, plans, graphs, telescopes, binoculars and numerous other tools to assist him. The most current, extensive, far-reaching and comprehensive of these is the Global Positioning System (GPS). GPS is a satellite navigation system made up of a network of 24 satellites. The original designers and engineers had military use in mind. It was placed into orbit by the U.S. Department of Defense, and it was originally intended to aid navigation, troop deployment and artillery fire. The official U.S. Department of Defense name for the GPS is the NAVSTAR system, which stands for Navigation Satellite Timing and Ranging. This system cost the United States billions of dollars to develop and build, with the constant additional cost of maintenance. The first GPS satellite was launched in 1978, predating the introduction of the personal computer. The full constellation of 24 satellites was completed in 1994. Each satellite is built to last about 10 years, and replacements are constantly being built and launched into orbit. In the 1980's, by an executive order, the United States Government made the system available for civilian use, and there are no subscription fees or setup charge s. GPS works anywhere in the world, in any weather condition. A GPS satellite weighs approximately 2,000 pounds and is approximately 17 feet across with solar panel extended. The 24 GPS satellites orbit the earth about 12,000 miles above us. They make two complete orbits in less than 24 hours. Currently there are 21 active satellites with 3 operating spares. These satellites are traveling at speeds of approximately 7,000 miles per hour. The GPS satellites are powered by solar energy.