Space: Super GPS Satellite Goes Up

Archives

September 28, 2005: On September 25th, the first of a new generation of GPS satellites was put into orbit. This bird offers many new goodies, like a more powerful GPS signal, making it easier, and faster, for receivers to pick up a signal, and report where the user is. There are also two new encrypted signals for military users, which will increase the accuracy of smart bombs. Along those lines, there are new encryption and anti-jamming capabilities for military users. Seven more of these GPS IIR-14 (M) satellites are to be launched over the next few years. There are currently 28 GPS satellites in orbit, providing coverage for the entire planet, as well as spare satellites to take over if one in-use breaks down. By the end of the decade, military users will have access to the better accuracy and anti-jamming features over most of the planet.

 

X

ad

Help Keep Us From Drying Up

We need your help! Our subscription base has slowly been dwindling.

Each month we count on your contribute. You can support us in the following ways:

  1. Make sure you spread the word about us. Two ways to do that are to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.
  2. Subscribe to our daily newsletter. We’ll send the news to your email box, and you don’t have to come to the site unless you want to read columns or see photos.
  3. You can contribute to the health of StrategyPage.
Subscribe   contribute   Close