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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.'"
So maybe the US will stop its attemps to prevent the European Galileo...
That's the only reason for this article. To put negative spin on the US-based system and give positive PR for Galileo.
Move along.
God forbid they'd have to rely on their own wits in the event of failure! Imagine what would have happened to the American revolutionaries in the War of Independence if the GPS had failed!
Oh, wait...
C17H21NO4
I think you are omitting the critical point of the article. The satellites have onboard redundant systems that already have been used - there are no more onboard backup systems to use in the current orbiting fleet. The implication is that the failure rate is going to accelerate beyond the replacement rate real soon now.