Establishing Next-Generation GPS Performance Standards

Rob Conley

Abstract:	GPS has been operating since IOC in adherence to performance standards established by the DoD in the SPS Signal Specification. GPS has successfully sup- ported these standards, but the user base is expanding and demanding greater levels of robustness in the ser- vice being provided than ever before. The demand in- creased in intensity after the decision to terminate the use of Selective Availability (SA). In addition, the U.S. military has increased its utilization of GPS to support its operations, with a concomitant increase in the de- mand for tight coordination between satellite operations and warfighters in the field. These factors are driving both a refinement of system performance standards, requirements, and the development of new feedback mechanisms for monitoring and controlling GPS per- formance levels. The purpose of this paper is to dis- cuss the development of new performance standards that support civil and military requirements, and how support for these new performance standards can be assured in day-to-day GPS constellation operations. The paper specifically explores the development of new service standards and their implications for the global user community, when viewed from the perspec- tive of assured service sustainment. The intimate rela- tionship between service provided to users and the command and control resources required to provide the service is explored, with particular attention paid to the dramatic changes experienced upon termination of SA in May 2000.
Published in:	Proceedings of the 13th International Technical Meeting of the Satellite Division of The Institute of Navigation (ION GPS 2000) September 19 - 22, 2000 Salt Palace Convention Center Salt Lake City, UT
Pages:	1340 - 1349
Cite this article:	Conley, Rob, "Establishing Next-Generation GPS Performance Standards," Proceedings of the 13th International Technical Meeting of the Satellite Division of The Institute of Navigation (ION GPS 2000), Salt Lake City, UT, September 2000, pp. 1340-1349.
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