| Description |
1 online resource (iii, 55 p.) : ill. |
| Note |
Title from title screen (GAO, viewed May 12, 2009). |
|
"April 2009." |
| Summary |
The Global Positioning System (GPS), which provides positioning, navigation, and timing data to users worldwide, has become essential to U.S. national security and a key tool in an expanding array of public service and commercial applications at home and abroad. The United States provides GPS data free of charge. The Air Force, which is responsible for GPS acquisition, is in the process of modernizing GPS. In light of the importance of GPS, the modernization effort, and international efforts to develop new systems, GAO was asked to undertake a broad review of GPS. Specifically, GAO assessed progress in (1) acquiring GPS satellites, (2) acquiring the ground control and user equipment necessary to leverage GPS satellite capabilities, and evaluated (3) coordination among federal agencies and other organizations to ensure GPS missions can be accomplished. To carry out this assessment, GAO's efforts included reviewing and analyzing program documentation, conducting its own analysis of Air Force satellite data, and interviewing key military and civilian officials. GAO's recommendations include that the Secretary of Defense appoint a single authority to oversee development of GPS space, ground control, and user equipment assets, to ensure they are synchronized, well executed, and potential disruptions are minimized. |
| Bibliography |
Includes bibliographical references. |
| Subject |
Global Positioning System.
|
|
Artificial satellites in navigation.
|
|
Astronautics, Military -- United States.
|
|
United States. Air Force -- Procurement.
|
| Added Author |
United States. Congress. House. Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. Subcommittee on National Security and Foreign Affairs.
|
| Added Title |
Significant challenges in sustaining and upgrading widely used capabilities |
| Standard No. |
CBT /p266401coll4 CNTNT |
| Gpo Item No. |
0546-D (online) |
| Sudoc No. |
GA 1.13:GAO-09-325 |
|
