page_title: Satellite navigation
section_title: Global navigation satellite systems
hierarchical_section_title: Satellite navigation / Global navigation satellite systems
caption_attribution_description: English: launched GNSS satellites until 2014
context_page_description: A satellite navigation or satnav system is a system that uses satellites to provide autonomous geo-spatial positioning. It allows small electronic receivers to determine their location to high precision using time signals transmitted along a line of sight by radio from satellites. The system can be used for providing position, navigation or for tracking the position of something fitted with a receiver. The signals also allow the electronic receiver to calculate the current local time to high precision, which allows time synchronisation. These uses are collectively known as Positioning, Navigation and Timing. Satnav systems operate independently of any telephonic or internet reception, though these technologies can enhance the usefulness of the positioning information generated.
  A satellite navigation system with global coverage may be termed a global navigation satellite system. As of June 2020, the United States' Global Positioning System, Russia's Global Navigation Satellite System and China's BeiDou Navigation Satellite System are fully operational GNSSs, with the European Union's Galileo scheduled to be fully operational by 2020.
context_section_description: In order of First Launch year:
caption: Launched GNSS satellites 1978 to 2014
exif: {"Image Orientation": "Horizontal (normal)"}