ION Technical Content
Ideas for GPS IV
| Abstract: | The US Government has launched studies for a future GPS III system that would have an operational period through 2030. This thus sets the timeline within which to begin thinking about the GPS system-after-next. With this timeline, it is possible to make grounded projections regarding future capabilities, and the implications of those capabilities. A major projection one can make about 2030 is estimates on the performance of computing equipment. This is addressed, along with the possible use of quantum computing, and trends in wireless communications. 2030 is also an appropriate timeframe to consider the operational fielding of systems that depend on the development of molecular nanotechnology, defined here as a robust ability to design and build systems to atomic precision. This paper reviews estimates for the performance of molecular nanotechnology for space operations. These estimates then suggest ideas for a GPS IV, including larger satellites, halo orbits, large towers, and high power. The possibility of changing the operational requirement is illustrated with the potential for air traffic changing. Finally, the possibility of a solar system positioning system is raised. |
| Published in: |
Proceedings of the 14th International Technical Meeting of the Satellite Division of The Institute of Navigation (ION GPS 2001) September 11 - 14, 2001 Salt Palace Convention Center Salt Lake City, UT |
| Pages: | 2745 - 2750 |
| Cite this article: | McKendree, Thomas L., "Ideas for GPS IV," Proceedings of the 14th International Technical Meeting of the Satellite Division of The Institute of Navigation (ION GPS 2001), Salt Lake City, UT, September 2001, pp. 2745-2750. |
| Full Paper: |
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