We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.

Who Owns GPS?

Published: Sep 26, 2015
Views: 5,300
Share

These days, some people can't find their way across 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 U.S. Air Force. Thus, the GPS program is owned by the U.S. Department of Defense -- and they can shut it down if they deem it necessary. However, GPS has not been deactivated since it became operational in 1995. Concerns about terrorists interfering with the GPS receivers in U.S. civilian aircraft are largely unfounded, since all aircraft are required to maintain a secondary means of navigation, and air traffic control would still be able to maintain proper flight operations.

The GPS constellation includes both old and new satellites, with newer satellites rotating into service as older ones become obsolete or inoperative. The newest satellites have a lifespan of 12 to 15 years, as opposed to older satellites, which have a lifespan of about seven years. As of 2015, the Air Force has 31 operational GPS satellites, just in case of an issue with one of the active units.

More about the Global Positioning System:

  • GPS coordinates are accurate to within about 53 feet (16 m), but in order to deny exact navigational 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 U.S. taxpayers.
  • GPS users should report errors in navigation from within the receiver or app. Updating the app or device may also help fix the problem.
Share
Amy Pollick
By Amy Pollick
Amy Pollick, a talented content writer and editor, brings her diverse writing background to her work at All The Science. With experience in various roles and numerous articles under her belt, she crafts compelling content that informs and engages readers across various platforms on topics of all levels of complexity.
Discussion Comments
Amy Pollick
Amy Pollick
Amy Pollick, a talented content writer and editor, brings her diverse writing background to her work at All The Science...
Learn more
Share
https://www.allthescience.org/who-owns-gps.htm
Copy this link
All The Science, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

All The Science, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.