Re: GPS at Risk: Doomsday 2010

So, all this GPS gear is now junk?

Charles wrote:

'Tis all in good shape... but each satellite has a finite
lifetime... many are headed into "old age".

As am I.

Rosy scenario.
The 1st IIF bird launches in November and performs flawlessly. IIF's
continue to launch and replace failing IIA birds.

Not so good scenario.
The 1st IIF goes in the drink because of a booster failure.

Really rotten scenario.
The IIF birds have a design flaw and don't launch anytime soon.
Reading the tea leaves, the two IIIA birds are insurance against this
happening. The IIIB and IIIC birds are too far out to help fill the
gap.

The GAO report may only be ammo to support the IIIA program against
budget cuts. But on the other hand, there are reasons to be
concerned. Those 15 IIAs are past their design lifespans.

--Mike Jr

The equipment in orbit? It's reaching it's lifetime and will need to be
replaced.

As for GPS receivers becoming useless, the answer is no, this is just a
publicity stunt to attract some budget dollars their way. I don't know
enough about the situation to know if the dollars are needed or not, my
guess is yes, but ultimately the solution will be to throw money at the
problem.