Orbiting the Earth

As of 2008 there were thirty-one orbiting satellites working in tandem as part of our Global Positioning System. They are designed in planes so that six or more satellites are within line of site from anywhere on earth at all times. We've come a long way since the early '90's when the full complement of satellites were finally launched, but we still haven't achieved perfect accuracy.

Sure we can pinpoint something to within fifteen feet or so - maybe ten on a good day. But if you're like me and travel all over the country spending more time than necessary on frontage roads, those few feet can be a source of extreme aggravation. And when you factor in how the signal is absolutely worthless in rental car parking garages you begin to understand how my love hate relationship with my Tom Tom (named Murray) developed.

So imagine my interest at an article in Wired Magazine (May 2010) about how the Air Force is soon going to be sending up new generation of GPS satellites that will have accuracy of three feet, the ability to use the navigation unit in parking garages and bonus - zero visibility auto pilot landings.

In case you are wondering, it isn't only my need for a more accurate Tom Tom that is driving me to learn about these things. February's mystery has much to do with the first GPS units launched in the '70's by the Navy. Or rather what the public was told were GPS units. I mean, a simple navigation satellite can't murder someone can it?