Can I track a gadget on Mars using GSM or GPS

If you are wondering whether you can track a gadget on a different planet using GSM or GPS, this article will provide you with information you need to understand why this is impossible. GSM is an abbreviation for Global System for Mobile Communications. While the word “global” does mean “of or relating to the whole world; worldwide,” “worldwide”here means our planet, planet Earth.

GSM is a standard that outlines communication protocols in second-generation (2G) digital networks. GSM standard was created by The European Conference of Postal and Telecommunications Administrations (CEPT). CEPT is an organization that coordinates telecommunication and postal service providers in Europe.

GSM is a cellular network. This means that for devices to operate using the network, be it cellphones, mobile phone tracking gadgets or others, devices need to be located within cells. Devices in the network connect to a GSM network by searching for closest cells.

There are five kinds of cells in a GSM network:

Macro, micro, pico, femto and umbrella. Marco cells have an antenna above rooftop level. Micro cells have antennas that don’t go above rooftop level. Micro cells are the cells created for operation of GSM networks in cities and urban areas. Pico cells cover a diameter of a few hundred feet. Pico cells mostly exist indoors. Femtocells connect to a GSM network via an existing internet connection. Umbrella cells cover areas consisting of smaller cells. Umbrella cells exist to provide coverage in the areas between those smaller cells. The radius of cell coverage depends on antenna height and conditions of surroundings. GSM specification support radiuses up to 22 miles.

As you can see, in order to function a GSM network needs a lot of equipment. It’s no wonder GSM phones work great on Earth, because GSM networks have market share of over 90% and function in over 210 countries. This is why no GSM network will function on Mars or any planet other than Earth – there’s simply no coverage there. You can’t even get coverage in countries like North Korea, because they only have one secure government network and that’s it.

GPS stands for Global Positioning System. GPS tracking platform was created by the US military in the 1960s. There are around 30 satellites in the orbit of our planet. That’s approximately 12,500 miles away from the surface or Earth. GPS systems were allowed for common use in 1980’s, but the military had interference signals on until the year 2000, when President Clinton signed a law telling the military to stop using GPS interference. GPS interference was used so that only the military could use GPS systems with enough precision.

Now, here’s what you need to know about Mars: Mars is up to 250 million miles away from planet Earth, so a GPS on Mars will not be able to connect to satellites located in the orbit of Earth. Therefore, tracking a device with GPS would also be impossible.