Abstract: A locating system employs a multiple satellite configuration employing rotating scanning patterns for generating peak signal data which can be used to calculate the position of a signal source within a scanned region. One preferred embodiment utilizes two spaced satellites in high earth geosynchronous orbit and simultaneous narrow antenna beam rotation patterns to scan a substantial portion of the earth's surface. The invention is particularly advantageous for locating stolen vehicles and for tracking inventory. The system may also be used for determining altitude of a signal source that may, for example, be located on an aircraft in flight.An alternative embodiment employs a peak-detecting ground-based receiver and satellite or other scanning devices which generate and transmit a signal to the receiver indicating the precise current position of the antenna of each satellite.