Definition
A method of determining aircraft position, ground speed, and time by receiving signals from a network of orbiting satellites, most commonly the Global Positioning System (GPS) and other Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) constellations. The aircraft's receiver calculates its position by measuring the time it takes signals to arrive from multiple satellites simultaneously, and uses that position to support en route navigation, approaches, and other phases of flight.
Plain English
Finding out where the aircraft is by listening to signals from satellites in space, instead of by tuning into ground-based radio stations.
Context Anchor
Seen in instrument approach discussions, especially when an approach is flown using GPS or another approved satellite navigation system.
Derivation
Satellite comes from the Latin satelles, meaning attendant or follower — something that travels alongside. Navigation comes from the Latin navigare, to sail or steer a ship. Together the term simply means steering the aircraft using signals from objects orbiting alongside the Earth.
Why Pilots Care
It permits precise flight paths and approaches in locations without ground-based navigation aids.
Grounding Statement
In practice, the aircraft receives timing signals from several satellites and uses them to calculate its position.
Intuition Check
Satellite-based navigation does not just mean a moving map display. It means the aircraft is using satellite signals as the actual source for determining position and guidance.
Example Sentence 1
The flight plan was filed direct using satellite-based navigation, allowing the crew to bypass several ground-based navaids along the route.
Example Sentence 2
Satellite-based navigation allowed the pilot to maintain accurate position awareness over remote terrain.