GPS is owned by the US Department of Defense and can be shut down if necessary, but concerns about terrorist interference are unfounded. The GPS constellation includes old and new satellites, with 31 operational as of 2015. GPS coordinates are accurate to within 53 feet, but a random error is intentionally inserted for security. Funding is provided by US taxpayers and users should report errors.
Nowadays, some people can’t find their way around town without consulting the Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers in their vehicles. GPS data comes from at least 24 satellites in medium earth orbit. These satellites are operated and maintained by the US Air Force. Therefore, the GPS program is owned by the US Department of Defense and they can shut it down if they deem it necessary. However, GPS has not been disabled since it became operational in 1995. Concerns about terrorists interfering with GPS receivers in US civilian aircraft are largely unfounded, as all aircraft are required to maintain a means of navigation secondary and air traffic control would still be able to maintain proper flight operations. The GPS constellation includes both old and new satellites, with new satellites entering service when older ones become obsolete or inoperative. The newest satellites have a lifespan of between 12 and 15 years, unlike older satellites, which have a lifespan of around seven years. As of 2015, the Air Force has 31 operational GPS satellites, just in case of problems with one of the active units.
Learn more about Global Positioning System:
The GPS coordinates are accurate to within about 53 feet (16 m), but to deny the exact navigation coordinates to potential “hostile forces”, a random error of between 130 and 330 feet (40 and 101 m) is intentionally inserted into the reading.
Funding to maintain the GPS project is provided by US taxpayers.
GPS users should report navigation errors from within the receiver or app. Updating the app or device can also help fix the problem.
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