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StoolieNZ t1_iyabwre wrote

Reply to comment by 8instuntcock in Space Force orders three GPS satellites for $744 million by Corbulo2526

Yeah - isn't GPS less effective the higher in altitude you go? Are they contributing to requirement they have in LEO?

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sleepyzalophus t1_iyahkao wrote

Distance/altitude does attenuate the signal, but these are planned for MEO—not LEO. There are other improvements on these satellites that improve signal strength rather than just going to lower orbits.

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StoolieNZ t1_iyaokrj wrote

Oh I wasn't suggesting the satellites were in LEO - they surely need to be up with the rest of the constellation - but where does SpaceForce work where they would need them? Or has SpaceForce taken over custodianship of the system?

Perhaps they just need them to ensure the repairs to the OLS launcher are perpendicular :)

GPS wouldn't be of much help in navigating to the moon.

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sleepyzalophus t1_iyar0yx wrote

Oh I see your question now. Yes, the USSF owns and operates GPS. It does not necessarily have a PNT requirement in LEO. There are emerging requests for PNT at GEO and cis-lunar travel. So there seems to indeed be some use for traveling to the moon :)

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