Final answer:
The coordination of ELF Tests with the NOAA is necessary for accurate positioning of aircraft, relying on GPS technology that can pinpoint location within 50 feet due to precisely synchronized satellite clocks.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question pertains to the coordination of ELF Tests with the National Oceanic Atmospheric Association (NOAA) by the aviation unit Operations Department, taking into account the requirement that aircraft must be located in a specific position where the GPS devices have satellites acquired. GPS technology relies on signals from a network of satellites equipped with atomic clocks to provide precise location data. As light takes only 50 billionths of a second to travel 50 feet, the time it takes for these signals to reach a GPS receiver is used to calculate position, fairly accurately to within a few feet. This level of accuracy demands that the clocks on the satellites are highly synchronized and that the effects of relativity are considered.
The NOAA provides important weather-related information that may affect aviation and the reliability of GPS systems. Therefore, coordination between the aviation unit's Operations Department and NOAA is crucial for ensuring the successful and safe execution of ELF tests.