How do satellite guidance systems determine their position?

Satellite guidance systems determine their position primarily by triangulating signals from satellites. This process involves calculating the time it takes for signals transmitted from multiple satellites to reach the receivers. By measuring the distance to at least four satellites in space, the system can accurately pinpoint its location in three-dimensional space—latitude, longitude, and altitude.

This method is rooted in the principles of trilateration. The satellites continuously broadcast their current position and the exact time the signal was sent. The receiver uses this information to calculate its distance from each satellite based on signal travel time. With distances from three or more satellites, the receiver can determine its precise position.

The other options lack the capability to provide the necessary accuracy and reliability demanded in military operations. Internal sensors alone may provide information about movement or orientation but cannot determine geographical position with the precision that satellite triangulation can achieve. Manual input from pilots is not practical for consistent position updating, and relying on visual landmarks can be disadvantaged by adverse weather conditions or when operating in environments lacking clear visibility. Hence, triangulating signals from satellites is the method that provides the most precise and reliable positional data in various conditions.