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Doubts About Future GPS Reliability
loped_index writes "IT Week reports that the U.S. GPS system is in a delicate state, and that full coverage could be lost if older satellites fail faster than the current rate. From the article: 'The system relies on a network of satellites, which cannot be repaired once launched and have a limited lifespan. Sixteen of the present 28 satellites were built to last seven and a half years, but are now between eight and 14 years old. Twenty-four satellites are required for full coverage.'"
Another bit of embarassing US diplomatic incompetence.
We so obviously didn't want Europe to have an independent positioning system, that anybody with half a brain would have to wonder if there were some ulterior motive, especially since we were at the same time thumping our chest about the irrelevance of the UN, and baiting key EU members with jibes about "Old Europe". Rumsfeld couldn't have made himself clearer if he banged on the table with his shoe.
For such a bunch of Bible Thumbers, they certainly don't seem to be aware of Proverbs 15:1 -- "A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger."
Post may contain irony: discontinue use if experiencing mood swings, nausea or elevated blood pressure.
What about their ability to bomb wedding parties with smart bombs?
Or allied soldiers doing exercises in Afghanistan?
It has to be pointed out that ``smart'' bombs are not much more accurate than plain old dumb bombs.
Unless you believe the bumpf, in which case the bombs are smart - more so than the guilible.
Oh, Lordy... I was wondering how far down the usual nationalistic dick-wagging was going to start. I hardly had to touch the scrollbar.