The Global Positioning Satellite system that allows millions of civilians and the US Armed Forces to accurately determine their position is, according to a recent study, facing an imminent collapse.
The system has 31 satellites in orbit, 24 is the minimum number of satellites needed to provide accurate GPS data to GPS units around the globe. The network has been operating since the early 90’s and has been maintained by the US Air Force. Many of the satellites have surpassed their original life span and this has led to the startling realisation that the network could soon collapse.
A replacement system was due to be launched in 2007 but delayes have pushed back the launch to November this year. Should a replacement network not be in place before the existing one collapses many people could find themselves lost.
The US Government Accountability Office (GAO) predicts that there is a 20% chance that the satellite network could drop to below 24 satellites by 2012. While a number below 24 would still be usuable the accuracy would be significantly affected.
