North of 60
Posted 24 April 2008 - 02:00 PM
Posted 25 April 2008 - 06:48 AM
Posted 28 April 2008 - 02:41 PM
I think I'll give it a go.
Posted 29 April 2008 - 11:23 AM
The GPS constellation has until recently consisted of 24 satellites in 6 orbital planes of about 55 degree inclination and RAANs about 60 degrees apart. This arrangement allows for visibility of at least 6 satellites from any point on the planet. An additional 7 satellites (31 in all) have been added to improve accuracy and redundancy.
Since GPS uses multiple satellites that are in relative motion to the Earth's surface (not geostationary) you should have no problem using it at high latitudes, although I have heard that accuracy is reduced above about 87 degrees. That's pretty far up there!
Geostationary satellites, which orbital mechanics requires to have an inclination of 0 degrees, cannot cover enough of the planet to be viable for GPS usage.
So feel free to go boony-bound and not get lost!
Posted 30 April 2008 - 01:32 PM