If an astronaut has a GPS unit with him, what kind of reading does he get with it?

Answer 1

OK I'm not the complete expert in this but here is my take on your question. GPS works via triangulation, to determine how far an opbject is from satalites of know position. Using this method it can determin it's position on the earth, and it's altitude. The more satalites it can find transmitting the more precise the determination is. As astronauts mostly conduct thier activities in lower earth obit underneath the "canopy" of gps satalites it should get normal readings, in fact the GPS system will prolly work better in space as thier is no interferance from the satalites and as being at such a high altitude they can "see" more satalites over the horizon.

My thoughts for what it's worth.

Answer 2

A GPS unit is basically just a satellite telling you your latitude and logitute on the earth, then some fairly simple computer software software finding that latitude and logitude on a map in real-time, with the cooresponding areas of interest (roads, restaurants, parks, whatever).

So, first of all, since the satellite obviously points TOWARDS the earth, if you were outside the orbit of the satellite and it couldn't DIRECTLY transmit information to your GPS unit, you wouldn't get a reading at all, just like if you are travelling through a tunnel here on earth and the GPS goes blank.

BUT, if somehow the GPS satellite transmitted in ALL directions, including out towards space (which they don't), then you would just get the reading of the point you were at above the earth, like if the earth expanded out in all directions into space.

So, if you were 250,000 miles above Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, DC, the GPS reading would say you were on Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, DC. If you were stationary while the earth moved, or if you were orbiting the earth in a retrograde motion (counter to the earth's rotation), the GPS would show you moving along the surface of the earth in the corresponding direction.

GPS isn't anything techniologically groundbreaking, people, it is a fairly simple computer program that has been around for a LONG time. In the grand scheme of things, it is just the logic of a standard compass converted into computer code. It is just that it only recently became cost effective to be able to offer it to consumers, since it does involve the large cost of launching and maintaining a series of satellites!!

Answer 3

In 1993, the Space Shuttle Program selected an off-the-shelf Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver to eventually replace the three Tactical Air Navigation units on each space shuttle orbiter. A proven, large production base GPS receiver was believed to be the key to reducing integration, certification, and maintenance costs. More GPS software changes, shuttle flight software changes, and flight and ground testing were required than anticipated. This resulted in a 3-year slip in the shuttle GPS certification date. A close relationship with the GPS vendor, open communication among team members, Independent Verification and Validation of source code, and GPS receiver design insight were keys to successful certification of GPS for operational use by the space shuttle.

Answer 4

I would imagine that he is on the satellite already and only needs to look out his window. If he is space traveling this would be more of a homing beacon than a GPS.

Answer 5

He will get a reading that is triangulated between different satelites and will have a normal reading of x(horizontal), y(vertical), and z(azimuth/depth/height). A GPS unit is what they use in NASA to determine the angle of descent and approach to enter our atomsphere.

Answer 6

If the software is written correctly, he should get the same type of reading you would - just a much higher altitude.

Answer 7

good question