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Doubts About Future GPS Reliability

Posted by Zonk on from the ground-control-to-major-tom dept.

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.'"

2 of 213 comments (clear)

  1. I think I'm still OK by $RANDOMLUSER · · Score: 5, Funny

    I use one of these as my GPS.

    --
    No folly is more costly than the folly of intolerant idealism. - Winston Churchill
  2. Re:There is only one solution... by amliebsch · · Score: 5, Funny

    Exactly! Sure, the US invented the system, launched all the satellites, and bears the maintenance cost, but everybody else in the world depends on it, so it's obviously right that the UN control it!

    --
    If you don't know where you are going, you will wind up somewhere else.