Function Satellite-Tracking

Satellite tracking has become an integral part of our lives today, even if we do not always realize it. We use it for navigation, vehicle monitoring, tracking our packages, and it also plays a key role in industry, agriculture, scientific research, and military applications. In this article, we will explore in detail how satellite tracking works, what technologies it is based on, and what its practical applications are.

Basics of satellite tracking

The essence of satellite tracking is to determine the geographical location of a device or person with the help of a satellite network. The best-known system is GPS (Global Positioning System), but there are alternatives such as GLONASS (Russia), Galileo (European Union), and BeiDou (China).

The system works based on time measurement and signal reception. Satellites transmit precise time signals, which are detected by ground receivers. Based on these signals, the receiver calculates its own position by determining the distances from the satellites.

How does satellite positioning work?

The GPS system consists of more than 24 active satellites orbiting Earth at about 20,200 km altitude. These satellites continuously transmit radio signals containing their exact position and the time of transmission.

Ground receivers (e.g., smartphones, GPS tracking devices) need signals from at least four satellites to perform accurate 3D positioning. The device calculates the time taken for the signal to reach it and determines the distance to each satellite. Using signals from multiple satellites, it calculates the exact position through trigonometric calculations.

Main satellite positioning systems

• GPS (USA): the most well-known and widely used system.
• GLONASS (Russia): for both military and civilian use.
• Galileo (EU): a high-precision, civilian system.
• BeiDou (China): continuously developing with global coverage.

Modern devices often support multiple systems simultaneously for more accurate and reliable positioning.

What are the applications of satellite tracking?

Transportation and navigation
Car GPS navigation is one of the most popular applications today. Combined with real-time traffic information, it helps select the optimal route.

Fleet tracking
Transport companies and logistics firms use GPS-based fleet tracking to monitor their vehicles’ movements in real time.

Personal tracking
Smartwatches, fitness trackers, and other wearable devices use satellite tracking for sports, safety, or family purposes.

Package and freight tracking
Not only vehicles but the goods themselves can be tracked using GPS-equipped sensors.

Agricultural applications
In precision farming, tractors and machinery can be guided by GPS-based systems for automated operation.

Scientific research
Satellite positioning is used to study natural phenomena, animal migrations, and climate research.

Military applications
It plays a central role in controlling strategic equipment, troop movements, and weapon systems.