Given below are two statements, one is labelled as Assertion (A) and other one labelled as Reason (R)
Assertion (A) : In Global Positioning System three satellites are accommodated in each orbit at an altitude of 20,185 km from surface of the Earth
Reason (R) : All the GPS satellites are placed in six orbits.
In light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below.
Show Hint
Remember the basic GPS constellation mathematics:
\[ 6 \text{ orbital planes} \times 4 \text{ satellites per plane} = 24 \text{ baseline satellites} \]
This simple formula helps identify statements claiming "3 satellites per orbit" as incorrect.
Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is NOT the correct explanation of (A).
(A) is true but (R) is false.
(A) is false but (R) is true.
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The Correct Option isD
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The Global Positioning System (GPS) relies on a structured constellation of satellites orbiting the Earth to provide precise positioning, navigation, and timing data. Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
1. Reason (R): The nominal GPS space segment consists of 24 operational satellites arranged in six orbital planes (labeled A through F). Thus, Reason (R) is true.
2. Assertion (A): To ensure that at least four satellites are visible from any point on Earth at any time, the 24 satellites are distributed symmetrically.
This means there are four satellites (not three) accommodated in each of the six orbital planes.
The altitude of these orbits is indeed approximately 20,185 km (or 20,200 km) above the Earth's surface.
Because the assertion incorrectly states that there are three satellites per orbit, Assertion (A) is false. Step 4: Final Answer:
The correct option is 4, which corresponds to (A) is false but (R) is true.
