US Global Positioning System Technology is Getting Old—Here’s Why We Need to Act Fast

We rely on GPS (an acronym for Global Positioning System) for just about everything these days, from getting directions on our phones to guiding planes, ships, and military operations.

But here’s the thing: America’s GPS system, the backbone of all this convenience and security, is aging and becoming increasingly vulnerable.

According to John Plumb, the Pentagon’s former space policy chief, America isn’t acting fast enough to modernize this critical technology.

So, why should we care, and what’s at stake if we don’t step up our game?

Here are the key points Plumb tackled at a GovExec Space Project event on Wednesday, August 28, that you need to know:

Falling Behind in the Space Race

While we’ve been using the same basic GPS setup for decades, other countries, like China, are rapidly advancing their own systems.

Beijing is not just catching up; they’re working on a modern position-navigation-timing (PNT) system that combines both space and ground elements. This gives them a more integrated and resilient setup—something we need but don’t have yet.

Meanwhile, the US is still heavily dependent on a constellation of about 24 satellites to provide all our GPS signals, whether it’s for commercial use, navigation, or guiding military weapons.

Plumb points out a scary reality: these 24 satellites could be targeted by anti-satellite missiles.

Imagine if all those satellites were suddenly knocked out—everything from Google Maps to military operations would be in trouble.

This isn’t just a theoretical problem; it’s a very real risk in today’s geopolitical landscape, where space is becoming the next frontier of strategic competition.

“We are falling behind. We aren’t modernizing constellation signals fast enough,” Plumb stated, cited by Defense One.

Exploring Alternatives to the Traditional GPS

The good news is that there are alternatives out there.

Technologies like quantum navigation and advanced onboard sensors that don’t rely on satellites, as reported by Breaking Defense earlier this year, could offer more robust and secure options.

But here’s the kicker: we’re not rolling these out nearly fast enough.

We’ve got the tech and the know-how, so why the delay? It’s like having a fire extinguisher but not bothering to check if it’s working until the house is already on fire.

Plumb suggests what he calls a “mosaic GPS architecture.”

Think of it as not putting all your eggs in one basket. Instead of relying solely on satellites floating thousands of miles above, this approach would combine space-based systems with ground-based alternatives.

It’s about having multiple layers of security so that if one part fails, others can pick up the slack.

While it’s promising, the question remains: why aren’t we moving faster to make it happen?

Why Modernization is Essential Now

Obviously, we can’t afford to be complacent.

But, as Plumb has discussed, the US not only needs a modern GPS system as the core framework but also needs to back it up with other timing and navigation systems.

This isn’t just about maintaining convenience for everyday use; it’s about national security. Imagine a military operation losing its navigation capability mid-mission. That’s a scenario we want to avoid at all costs.

Plumb also raises another important point: timing signals decay the further they are from their source.

So, keeping these signals strong and reliable is crucial.

As our systems age and our global rivals get bolder, the risk of losing these signals becomes even more pressing.

That’s why developing and deploying new technologies shouldn’t be a “someday” project—it needs to happen now.

Gaining Traction, But Is It Enough?

Recently, the President’s National Space-based PNT Advisory Board has started sounding the alarm about our slow pace in developing new PNT technologies.

This is good news because it means the issue is gaining some much-needed attention. But raising awareness is just the first step.

We need action and investment to match the urgency of the problem.

The reality is that modernizing our GPS and PNT systems isn’t just about keeping up with technology; it’s about staying ahead in a world where space is the new battleground.

We have the capability to build a more resilient, secure, and reliable system. What we need now is the will to do it.

Conclusion: Time to Act

The stakes are high. If we don’t act soon, we risk falling behind in a critical area that affects everything from our daily lives to our national security.

The time for debating is over; we need to put plans into action and modernize our GPS system now.

It’s not just about improving what we have but also preparing for what’s to come. The world is moving fast, and so should we.

—

Disclaimer: SOFREP utilizes AI for image generation and article research. Occasionally, it’s like handing a chimpanzee the keys to your liquor cabinet. It’s not always perfect and if a mistake is made, we own up to it full stop. In a world where information comes at us in tidal waves, it is an important tool that helps us sift through the brass for live rounds.