IT Week Suggests GPS Outages Likely
There is an article over at ITweek that suggests the current GPS network of satellites may be unreliable and people who rely on the technology should be prepared for alternative sources for global positioning data.
Norman Bonnor, a retired RAF Air Commodore and president of the Royal Institute of Navigation, said the GPS signal is more fragile than many users might suppose. “Too many people don’t understand its foibles and vulnerabilities,” he added.
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.
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