NAVSTAR GPS (Global Positioning System) is a satellite-based navigation system. Its primary objective is to provide three key services: positioning, navigation, and timing.
Step 1: Understanding the services of GPS
- Positioning: GPS determines the precise position (latitude, longitude, and altitude) of an object on Earth by using signals from multiple satellites. This is the fundamental service provided by GPS.
- Navigation: GPS helps users navigate by providing directions and guiding them from one location to another. This is especially useful for navigation in unfamiliar areas.
- Timing: GPS also provides accurate time synchronization. The system has highly precise atomic clocks on each satellite, which help provide accurate time across the globe.
Step 2: Analysis of the options
- Option (A): Positioning, Velocity and Timing. While velocity is important in GPS systems, it is not the primary service provided by NAVSTAR GPS. Hence, this option is incorrect.
- Option (B): Positioning, Navigation and Timing. This is the correct answer, as these are the three main services provided by NAVSTAR GPS.
- Option (C): Velocity, Navigation and Timing. This is not correct, as velocity is not a primary service of GPS.
- Option (D): Positioning, Velocity and Navigation. This option is incorrect because velocity is not one of the core services of GPS.
Thus, the correct answer is (B) Positioning, Navigation and Timing.