Figure 2 shows different types of satellite orbits labelled A, B, C and D.
(a) Label the types of orbits in Figure 2 with the following abbreviations.
GEO HEO LEO MEO
(b) Based on Figure 2, name the type of orbit for GPS satellites.
Answer:
(a)
A: HEO
B: MEO
C: LEO
D: GEO
(b) MEO
The clock in a GPS satellite needs to be adjusted from time to time.
What is the importance of accurate time information from GPS satellites in our daily activities?
Answer:
Accurate and synchronised time information from the GPS satellite is used in the following daily activities:
• In the field of transport
Safety of flights and landing of aeroplanes as well as ship and train routes depend on accurate and synchronised time.
• In the field of telecommunications
Connections between handphones, live TV broadcasts and video conferences can be carried out continuously in accurately synchronised time
• In the field of science
Accurate time and location of natural phenomena such as volcano eruptions, earthquakes and tsunami can be recorded.