Tech Report: GPS Published May 27, 2015 By Air Force News Service FORT GEORGE G. MEADE, Md. (AFNS) -- The Global Positioning System is a constellation of orbiting satellites that provides navigation data to military and civilian users all over the world. The system is operated and controlled by the 50th Space Wing, located at Schriever Air Force Base, Colorado. The first GPS satellite was launched in 1978 and since then, the program has grown to approximately 30 satellites orbiting in space that can be used to help triangulate someone’s location within a few feet. The Air Force Tech Report is a video series that airs every other week and gives viewers a quick look at current technology the Air Force uses to fly, fight and win.