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GPS History
GPS History
Such peace and comfort weren’t available only a handful of years ago, before the creation of
GPS. Instead, a map or two, or maybe more, would have been consulted, in the hope’s that you
could figure out where you actually were.
You probably would have made some wrong turns and maybe even had to stop to ask someone
for directions.
While GPS is an integral part of many peoples’ lives today, the common user likely knows little
about the system they rely on.
From its origins, GPS was meant to accomplish great things, but it wasn’t until 2000 that it really
took the U.S. by storm.
Looking to learn some GPS history? We’ve got you covered! Read on to learn more about where
the system came from, who developed it, and how it became what we know and love today.
Origin: The Beginning of GPS History
After Sputnik was launched, scientists at MIT made an interesting discovery: the radio signals
produced by the satellite changed as the satellite moved closer or farther away.
This information gave way to the idea that satellites could be tracked from the ground using their
radio signals. It also followed that items could be located on the ground by measuring their
distance from the satellites.
From these ideas was born the GPS system we have today.
What is GPS?
Before continuing, let’s define what we’re actually talking about. What, exactly, is GPS?
GPS, short for “Global Positioning System,” is a system that uses radio signals to determine the
location of items. Through the use of receivers, satellites, and ground stations, the system is able
to tell us this information.
Through this system, people, freight, animals, and more can be located. The way to get from one
point to another and how long it will take can also be determined using GPS.
Ground stations on earth keep track of satellites so we know exactly where they are. They also
ensure that they are where we expect them to be.
As a receiver receives signals from satellites, it measures the distance from at least four of these
satellites to determine exactly where you are. More than 30 satellites are positioned above the
earth to help with GPS location.
This system had a high degree of accuracy and should be able to tell you your location within
only a few yards of your exact point. Some higher-end receivers can tell you your location within
inches!
GPS can be used to track or locate just about anything, from rental cars to animals.
1957: Russia launches Sputnik. The satellite gives MIT scientists the idea for a positioning
system based on radio signals.
1959: The U.S. Navy builds TRANSIT, the first navigation system to really rely on satellites.
1963: A study is completed by the Aerospace Corporation for the U.S. Military. This proposed
the idea for satellites to send continuous signals to receivers to locate moving vehicles on earth
and in the air. This marks the beginning of the system we know today.
1974: Testing begins on the Military-created GPS system NAVSTAR. The proposed NAVSTAR
system included 24 satellites.
1978-1985: Testing continued on the NAVSTAR system. During this period, the system begins
to be referred to as simply “The GPS System.” By this point, atomic clocks had been added to
help provide more precise measurements.
1983: In response to Russia shooting down a plane, President Ronald Reagan offers GPS
services to all commercial aircraft once the system is completed. This was offered to enhance
safety.
1985: The U.S. Government begins contracts with private companies to develop GPS receivers.
1989: The first fully-operational GPS satellite is launched into space by the U.S. Air Force.
1989: Hand-held navigation devices appear in the US market. Magellan NAV 1000 is thought to
be the first.
1995: The last of 27 satellites is launched. Three of these were to be used as spares for when
repairs needed to be made. These satellites were specifically positioned so at least four would be
visible from any place on earth at all times.
1999: GPS-enabled cell phones become commercially available for the first time.
2000: The U.S. Government revokes a plan from 1990 that purposely made GPS less accurate as
a defensive mechanism. As accuracy skyrocketed, many industries, including forestry, fishing,
and freight management, started using GPS.
GPS history tells the story of one system that has vastly impacted our social lives. You likely use
GPS yourself, whether for tracking children, gaming with friends, locating animals, or something
else