Gps Satellites Get Much Needed Upgrade

According to the Department of Defense, our current GPS satellites will begin to fail by the end of 2010. This could have serious consequences for our national security and for many businesses that rely on GPS technology.

GPS satellite usage has increased tremendously in just the last five years and our aging satellites may no longer be able to accommodate the increase. Emergency responders use GPS satellite technology to locate 911 trouble calls. Airlines rely on the technology to transport passengers safely. And businesses world-wide depend on GPS satellites for shipping and tracking.

Fortunately scientists and engineers are working tirelessly on a GPS upgrade that will make GPS satellites much more accurate and more widespread. They plan to replace the current 24 satellites one at time, with the first substitute planned for May, 2010.

This is a decade long transition being overseen and executed by the United States Air force at the El Segundo Air Force Base. In addition to the 24 replacement GPS satellites, another 6 will be created as back-ups. The Boeing Corporation will be assembling 12 of the sport-utility sized satellites and Lockheed Martin is constructing the other 18.

The project has a total cost to taxpayers of about $8 billion dollars. While Phase I is already 3 years behind schedule, when the project is complete, the new GPS satellites will triple the amount of commercial use. In addition, the project will introduce atomic clocks that are far more precise and keep time to a fraction of a billionth of a second.

By: Jared Z. Ingram

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