The Global Positioning Satellite System has three integrated parts that are both dependent and independent of each other. These are labeled segments and they comprise the whole system of data requests, transmitting and processing, and data retrieval. The three segments are the user segment, space segment and the control segment. Without the other, the system will fail.
The space segment is probably one of the most expensive and highly advanced of the three. This segment consists of a net of twenty four satellites that make a routine orbit around the whole planet. Each satellite is specifically located eleven thousand nautical miles in the earth’s outer layer, and have their own orbits to follow. Orbits take 12 earth hours, and each satellite is equipped with an atomic clock that synchronizes both data transmission and space allowance between each satellite to prevent bumping towards each other and to also prevent service localization.
The control segment entails various ground stations located in different parts of the world. These are observation towers or radio towers that continuously transmit data from various satellites that pass by the area. Some of these locations are located in Hawaii, at the Kwajalein. Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean, the Ascension Island located in the Atlantic, Cape Canaveral in Florida, and one more in Colorado. There are other large ground antenna stations that send data for monitoring purposes to keep the satellites in working order. The master station for all the ground segments is located in Colorado, in the Schriever Air Force Base.
The user segment are those that are being held by people that use this system. They are called GPS receivers, as they receive data that is scattered and sent across the world by satellites, processed by ground stations. There are at least a hundred of these models scattered around without some even knowing it. Like your wristwatch or in the car. The smallest receivers weigh as little as an ounce.
The request sent in by the user is handled by the satellites. The space segment sends back data according to location by which the user receives he fastest response. Monitoring stations make sure that the satellites send integral data back to the reciever. All data that is collected is then sent to the master control station for data processing and storage. The ground antenna is needed from the master control station to send critical information from the satellites to adjust in cases where it is not needed.
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