The satellites that provide the global positioning system (GPS)
for missile defence and vehicle navigation are falling apart,
according to a report by the United States Government
Accountability Office.
According to a
report on
the state of the satellite network, which was built in the 1990s,
the US Air Force will not be able to acquire new satellites in time
to maintain current GPS service without interruption.
"Some military operations and some civilian users could be
adversely affected," the report said.
The GAO warned, "If the Air Force does not meet its schedule
goals for development of GPS IIIA satellites, there will be an
increased likelihood that in 2010, as old satellites begin to fail,
the overall GPS constellation will fall below the number of
satellites required to provide the level of GPS service that the US
government commits to."
Europe is building its own global positioning system to rival
the US service. Called
Galileo,
the European service will be under civilian control. Galileo is
expected to have four satellites operational later this year.