An aircraft's navigation system displays maps using the Global Positioning System. GPS satellites and ground stations have revolutionized navigation, but the system needs an upgrade, a Raytheon expert says. (Photo by Alex MacNaughton)
Souping Up the Satellites: Why the Global Positioning System Needs an Upgrade
July 10, 2012 | All Stories, Photo, Infographic, Multimedia | Satellite Communications
Some GPS satellites are "old enough to vote," Raytheon official says.
Work is underway to overhaul the Global Positioning System, the network of satellites and ground systems that have revolutionized navigation. Steve Moran, director of GPS Mission Solutions at Raytheon Intelligence and Information Systems, explains why the upgrade is so urgent.
Why is GPS modernization important now?
People around the world rely on GPS technology to make daily activities, from car navigation and banking to farming and emergency response, easier.
The current system is aging. The reality is, there are a lot of old satellites on orbit, some of which are old enough to vote, and as these satellites degrade, they must be taken out of service.
It is critical that we replace the aging satellites and upgrade the ground system to support the advanced GPS capabilities for the benefit of global military, civil and commercial users.
What role is Raytheon playing?
From developing new military user equipment and anti-jam antennas to space-based augmentation systems and the next-generation operational control system (OCX), Raytheon is contributing to the GPS modernization efforts in a big way. OCX is a critical element of GPS modernization because it serves as the bridge between space satellites and users around the world.
Why so much focus on the ground stations? Aren't satellites the most important part of GPS?
Most people tend to look at GPS from space, but there is a lot more happening to ensure users get accurate GPS information. The Raytheon-built ground system provides real-time information to military and civil users over the net to improve the service they get from the signals in space.
What's the risk from hackers?
Our country's economy depends on GPS. It's part of our banking and transportation system, as well as the basis of our precision military operations. Our advanced technology and global positioning system make the U.S. a target to cyber-attack. OCX will help protect the U.S. from these evolving cyber threats.
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