Can We Rely on GPS? GPS is increasingly a part of our everyday life, but it is kept operating by some very tired satellites.

摘要

Australians are enthusiastic users of the global positioning system. By and large, they take uninterrupted position, navigation and timing services for granted. However, 2009 was not without its troubles - and 2010 and beyond will bring more challenges. Can we continue to rely on GPS? Let's start with the US Government Office Accountability report published back in May 2009, titled Global Positioning System: Significant Challenges in Sustaining and Upgrading Widely Used Capabilities. Its take-home message: GPS is not in danger of falling out of the sky, but nor is it as well maintained or robust as many would like to believe.