Here is a really good article about how GPS works, and the new satellites going up to replace the aging ones out there now:
GPS has become critical to EVERYTHING (to include GPS Insight...)
It’s really worth reading if you are interested in this world-changing technology.
Rob.
May 26th, 2010 2:11 am
Rob,
Thanks so much for the point out on the L.A. Times article. It is indeed well worth the time to read, I r3ecommend to all.
One thing a lot of folks may not have a “read” on … the reason the latest replacement birds … the Block II/F (Follow-on)’s are approximately three years behind schedule if caused, at least partially, by a surplus of riches.
The earlier Block II SV’s have performed way better than specs in many cases and have been kept operating far beyond their expected end of life by the military, USAF civil service and contractor team out there in the wilds of Colorado … hat’s off — no need to spend billions to replace what is already operating better than the ICD (Interface Control Document) calls for.
But I surely do think the time has come, and it’s going to be great news for the whole industry. Thanks for caring and sharing.
One of the things I noticed when I was working actively in this business was the number of folks making their living at it who sometimes had no concept of what the GPS really was, who built it and who kept it operating. I enjoy the fact that you are “plugged in” to the program.
For those who have read this far, the launch of the first Block II/F bird is currently scheduled for about 11pm Thursday, EDT … any night launch from the Cape is well worth missing some TV re-runs to see … it will be streamed live here:
http://www.ulalaunch.com/site/pages/Launch.shtml#/8/
Official launch schedule info at:
http://www.patrick.af.mil/