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GPS Glitches Cause Concern Over Future of Satellites

by Caleb Johnson on June 18, 2009 at 03:30 PM

At any given moment, there are dozens of advanced GPS satellites orbiting the Earth. These satellites help with everything from missile launches and aircraft flight paths to automated teller machines. In a way, it is frightening to think the world depends so much on these complicated devices and their functioning correctly. Now, it looks like paranoia may pay off.

According to a report from The Wall Street Journal, a GPS satellite launched by the Pentagon is producing less than accurate results and weakening the signals of other satellites in orbit. This satellite, developed by Lockheed Martin Corp., uses a new civilian frequency called L5 intended for use by air-traffic control systems. However, during tests, the Air Force discovered this signal is making others less accurate -- only to around 20 feet instead of the usual two feet. That difference may not sound like much, but it's critical when figuring the coordinates to deploy a smart bomb or tracking a 747's flight path.

While this particular satellite is still being tested and not fully operational, military and industry officials told The Wall Street Journal there is reason for concern about existing plans to replace existing GPS satellites with twelve L5-equipped, Boeing-built ones.

The fate of our world doesn't hinge entirely on these masses of high-tech equipment, does it? That's assuming, of course, it never becomes sentient. Impossible. [From: The Wall Street Journal]

Tags: government, gps, lockheed martin, LockheedMartin, military, pentagon, security, space, top

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