The GPS Constellation Design - Current and Projected

Panl Massatt and Michael Zeitzew

Abstract:	The GPS was originally designed as a military system. During its development stage it was modified to serve as an auxiliary navigational aid for civilian usage through the provision of an open signal with less accuracy. The currently deployed 24-satellite constellation has been successful at providing GPS navigation service for military purposes. However, civilian demand for GPS service has increased to such a degree that the 24-satellite constellation may no longer be adeqate. The Aerospace Corporation conducted a study to determine a single satellite system that meets both civilian and military needs at minimum cost. This paper describes the results of that study and provides background on the development of the current 24-satellite constellation.
Published in:	Proceedings of the 1998 National Technical Meeting of The Institute of Navigation January 21 - 23, 1998 Westin Long Beach Hotel Long Beach, CA
Pages:	435 - 445
Cite this article:	Massatt, Panl, Zeitzew, Michael, "The GPS Constellation Design - Current and Projected," Proceedings of the 1998 National Technical Meeting of The Institute of Navigation, Long Beach, CA, January 1998, pp. 435-445.
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