You should be aware that this is more than somewhat overblown.
The problems with GPS are basically problems with the on-orbit spares, satellites that aren't used but are available as fill-ins should one of the ones being used fail. Even if one should fail and not be replaced, the only impact would be a slight degradation of accuracy. The Air Force already has launches scheduled to remedy the deficiency.
The scare is a turf fight. There is an older system, LORAN-C, whose proponents advocate its maintenance as a support and backup for GPS, and there have been recent threats of defunding for it. I very strongly support maintaining LORAN-C and even improving it, but I regret the tactics being used.
1 comment:
You should be aware that this is more than somewhat overblown.
The problems with GPS are basically problems with the on-orbit spares, satellites that aren't used but are available as fill-ins should one of the ones being used fail. Even if one should fail and not be replaced, the only impact would be a slight degradation of accuracy. The Air Force already has launches scheduled to remedy the deficiency.
The scare is a turf fight. There is an older system, LORAN-C, whose proponents advocate its maintenance as a support and backup for GPS, and there have been recent threats of defunding for it. I very strongly support maintaining LORAN-C and even improving it, but I regret the tactics being used.
Regards,
Ric
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