In a significant innovation in the field of geodesy [1], GPS satellites are set to become even more accurate and functional. The development of laser retro-reflex arrays, known as LRAS, now allows for high-precision tracking of the shape of the Earth, its rotation, and changes in the environment. This advancement greatly expands the capabilities of satellites [1].
While GPS satellites are primarily used for determining location in various scenarios, such as navigation on land, sea, and air, the use of LRAS enables them to contribute to accurate measurements of earthly dimensions [1]. The information gathered by these satellites can be shared among other satellites tasked with observing the ground [1].
This improvement in measurement accuracy is a collaborative effort [3]. NASA, well-known for its involvement in numerous scientific, aeronautical, astronautical, planetary research, space technology, and educational projects [3], is at the forefront of this development. Some of NASA’s noteworthy missions include the Apollo missions, which successfully landed the first humans on the moon, the Voyager missions, which explored the outer planets of our solar system, the Hubble Space Telescope, which captured revolutionary images of distant galaxies, and the International Space Station (ISS), an international orbital laboratory [3].
NASA works closely with other space agencies globally, including the European Space Agency (ESA), Roscosmos, and the Chinese National Space Administration (CNSA), to name a few [3]. Their collective goal is to expand mankind’s knowledge about the universe and utilize this information for the betterment of humanity [3].
Sources:
[1] SciTechDaily – Laser Sharp: GPS Satellites’ Reflectors Are Uprushing Our World