As part of our celebration of the 50th anniversary of GPS, three long-time players in the industry share their “GPS origin story,” recent breakthroughs, and their view on the next 50 years of positioning, navigation and timing (PNT).
The Educational Irish Research Satellite, EIRSAT-1, has successfully launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California on Dec. 1, 2023.
In the following articles, GPS World is lucky to benefit from the long memories of four gentlemen who were there to witness the birth of the GPS program.
Trimble Navigation, which had started out making Loran receivers, was looking for its next marine project when HP decided to cancel its GPS project. However, encouraging words from Brad Parkinson were enough for Trimble Navigation to buy the canceled project.
David Zilkoski discusses how NGS started performing GPS surveys in 1983, years before GPS was considered operational in 1993, changing the way NGS and others performed their surveying operations.
Martin Faga sheds light on the early days of the GPS program, including the attempts to halt it in the early 1980s. He emphasizes the significance of being able to navigate easily and accurately and have precise time, not only for military operations but also for civilian life.
GPS World contributor, Gaylord Green, reflects on a time when civilian interest in GPS was low due to uncertain funding. Today, the benefits of GPS are widely known.
The European Union is in the final stages of completing a deal with SpaceX to launch four Galileo navigation satellites in 2024.
Follow Us