The History and Physics of GPS

This research project explores the history, applications, and physics behind the Global Positioning System (GPS) satellites. The idea for GPS satellites was born in 1957 when the Doppler Effect was observed from the Russian launched Sputnik Satellite. Since then GPS has grown from an idea to an everyday part of life with applications ranging from precision bombing to agriculture to banking. It has not gone without it\u27s trials as the first GPS satellites faced problems with General Relativity, and wave diffraction in the ionosphere. GPS has come a long way and is continuing to make strides in becoming faster, and more precise and will continue to be an integral part of the world from here on out