Is the GPS system considered a one-way or two-way system?

The GPS system is categorized as a one-way system because satellites primarily transmit signals that provide location, navigation, and timing information to GPS receivers on the ground. These satellites do not have the capability to receive signals back from the GPS receivers. The receivers interpret the signals from multiple satellites to determine their position, but this interaction does not involve sending data back to the satellites.

Understanding the mechanics of the GPS system is essential for recognizing its functionalities. The satellites continuously emit signals that carry important data, such as their location and the precise time the signals were sent. This allows GPS receivers to accurately calculate their position based on the time it takes for the signals to reach them. Thus, emphasizing the nature of the communication—where there is no feedback loop from the ground to the satellite—reinforces why the system operates as a one-way transmission.