Jackson Parker

• January 17th, 2012
• Jackson Parker

ederal agencies involved with testing and analyzing LightSquared’s proposed wireless network have unanimously found that LightSquared “would cause harmful interference to many GPS receivers,” and “that conclusion applies both to LightSquared’s original plan, and to modifications the company pledged after earlier tests showed interference.”

The news was broken in a letter signed by Deputy Defense Secretary Ashton Carter and Deputy Transportation Secretary John Porcarito, written to the U.S. Commerce Department from the National Executive Committee for Space-Based Positioning, Navigation & Timing.

The Space-Based Positioning Navigation & Timing executive committee has representatives from nine federal departments including the Commerce Dept. and the Air Force. The group reports its conclusions to the Federal Communications Commission, which has the final say on whether Lightsquared can proceed with its network, into which New York hedge fund operator Phil Falcone has poured more than $2 billion.

• January 3rd, 2012
• Jackson Parker

gps satellite tracking systemLast week China launched Beidou, its own version of America’s GPS System. China’s new global positioning system, called the Beidou Navigation Satellite System started providing initial positioning, navigation and timing services ina and around China last week, said spokesman Ran Chengqi in a news conference.

To date China has launched 10 satellites for the Beidou GPS system. By the end of 2012 China plans to have six more satellites in orbit, to enhance the system’s accuracy and expand its service to cover most of the Asian-Pacific region.

China’s Beidou still can’t compete with the U.S.’s GPS system in terms of how long, and how accurately it can monitor any part of the globe from space, but this will be changing in the near future.

GPS, which was launched for civilian use in 1995, now consists of 30 satellites and can be accurate to within less than 10 meters, or 33 feet, although the U.S. military has access to more precise readings. Mr. Ran said Beidou was accurate to within 25 meters and would reduce that to 10 meters by the end of next year.

• December 14th, 2011
• Jackson Parker

Block III GPS satellites have a more powerful signal and will be able to determine position to within three feet, compared to 10 feet with current technology, the AP reported. Users are expected to see major improvements in navigation and driving directions.

GPS systems don’t currently work well indoors, so the improvements will be a major breakthrough. The Block III GPS system is expected to be more reliable in areas where the current technology is shaky, such as under heavy tree canopies or on city streets surrounded by skyscrapers, or even indoors.