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Description

The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a satellite-based navigation system consisting of several dozen satellites orbiting Earth. These satellites transmit radio signals, which are used to determine precise positioning and time anywhere on Earth's surface or even above it. The signals can be received by common devices such as mobile phones, car navigation systems, and other GPS-enabled equipment. Currently, GPS includes 31 active satellites arranged in approximately six circular orbits around Earth at an altitude of 20,200 kilometers. Each orbit is inclined at 55° relative to Earth's equatorial plane, and the orbits are spaced 60° apart. Each orbit contains five to six irregularly spaced active satellites, along with several inactive backup satellites as part of the system. Each satellite completes an orbit around Earth in 11 hours and 58 minutes, which equates to about two orbits per day. To accurately determine position and time based on satellite signals, visibility of at least four satellites is required simultaneously. For greater accuracy, the system is designed so that typically seven to ten satellites are visible from any given point on Earth's surface at any time. This configuration allows positions to be determined with an accuracy of a few meters.