Problems
- GPS devices show my home/business in the wrong place or give bad route directions. What should I do?
- GPS devices are routing traffic through my neighborhood. What should I do?
- I lost my mobile phone/device. Can GPS help me find it?
- How do I check for and report GPS service outages?
Concerns
- NEW Is the COVID-19 outbreak affecting GPS operations?
- Are GPS jamming devices legal?
- How vulnerable is GPS to malicious jamming? Could a terrorist with a GPS jammer cause airplanes to crash?
- Is it true the Air Force doesn't want to use GPS in the future because of its vulnerabilities?
- Is GPS under U.S. military control?
- Has the United States ever turned off GPS for military purposes?
- Will the United States ever reactivate Selective Availability?
GPS 101
- How does GPS work?
- How accurate is GPS?
- Is military GPS more accurate than civilian GPS?
- How many satellites are in the GPS constellation?
- Who pays for GPS?
- Has the government considered privatizing GPS?
- Where can I download high-resolution images of the GPS satellites?
GPS devices show my home/business in the wrong place. What should I do?
GPS devices are routing traffic through my neighborhood. What should I do?
I lost my mobile phone/device. Can GPS help me find it?
We recommend you contact your wireless carrier. They may be able to track down your phone/device using the location technology built into it.
Please be aware that the GPS satellites themselves do not track anything on the ground. They are simply beacons, like lighthouses, broadcasting one-way reference signals. Therefore, the government operators of GPS cannot locate your phone/device.
How do I check for and report GPS service outages?
NEW Is the COVID-19 outbreak affecting GPS operations?
No. GPS remains fully operational and continuously available to the world. Please see the following statements from the U.S. Space Force:
- May 7, 2020: 2nd SOPS conducts training, adapts to COVID-19 (spaceforce.mil)
- April 8, 2020: U.S. Space Force meeting mission demands despite coronavirus adjustments (spaceforce.mil)
- March 31, 2020: Space Force accepts control of GPS III satellite amidst global pandemic (af.mil)
- March 28, 2020: Space missions support whole-of-government approach during COVID-19 pandemic (spaceforce.mil)
- March 20, 2020: Schriever stays operational despite COVID-19 (spaceforce.mil)
Are GPS jamming devices legal?
No. Jammers are illegal to market, sell, or use in the United States. Learn more
How vulnerable is GPS to malicious jamming? Could a terrorist with a GPS jammer cause airplanes to crash?
Like all radio-based services, GPS is subject to interference from both natural and human-made sources. A GPS unit can lose reception in the presence of devices designed for intentional radio jamming. Solar flares can also disrupt GPS equipment. For this reason, the U.S. government strongly encourages all GPS users to maintain backup/alternative positioning, navigation, and timing capabilities. In addition, the government is currently fielding new GPS signals that are more resistant to interference.
Commercial aircraft that use GPS are required to maintain alternative means of navigation. If intentional jamming were directed against aircraft, the pilots would revert to other sensors and ground-based navigation aids. Air traffic control would continue to provide surveillance services and ensure aircraft separation.
Is it true the Air Force doesn't want to use GPS in the future because of its vulnerabilities?
The Air Force is fully committed to continuing its operation and use of GPS in the future. The ongoing GPS modernization program will enhance the jam resistance of the military GPS service, making it more robust. At the same time, the Department of Defense is making prudent investments in alternative positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) technologies to supplement GPS in times when satellite services are unavailable. This will ensure that future troops have continuous, uninterrupted access to PNT under the most challenging conditions.
Is GPS under U.S. military control?
Though acquired and operated by the Department of Defense, GPS is a multi-use system owned by the United States Government and paid for by the U.S. taxpayer. The outstanding performance of GPS over decades has earned the confidence of millions of civil and military users worldwide. The management structure and modernization efforts directed by U.S. policy continue this support for multi-user applications. Any misperceptions will be overcome as they have in the past, by a demonstrated record of service and performance to all users. Learn more about GPS governance
Has the United States ever turned off GPS for military purposes?
No. Since it was declared operational in 1995, the Global Positioning System has never been deactivated, despite U.S. involvement in wars, anti-terrorism, and other military activities.
Millions of users around the world have been monitoring and recording real-time GPS performance on a continuous basis since its inception. If the civilian GPS service had ever been interrupted by its operators, the evidence would be obvious and widespread. No such evidence exists.
Will the United States ever reactivate Selective Availability?
The United States has no intent to ever use Selective Availability again. Learn more
How does GPS work?
Our educational poster explains the basic concepts behind satellite navigation. View it
In addition, our Video Messages page includes several videos addressing the topic. Go there
How accurate is GPS?
Is military GPS more accurate than civilian GPS?
Answers are on our GPS Accuracy page. Go there
How many satellites are in the GPS constellation?
As of July 3, 2023, there were a total of 25 operational satellites in the GPS constellation, not including the decommissioned, on-orbit spares.Learn more
Who pays for GPS?
Has the government considered privatizing GPS?
Answers are on our Program Funding page.Go there
Where can I download high-resolution images of the GPS satellites?
Our Image Library contains various high-resolution images that have been released into the public domain. Go there
I am a seasoned expert in the field of GPS technology with a wealth of knowledge and practical experience. My expertise extends across various aspects, from the technical intricacies of GPS operations to addressing common concerns and misconceptions associated with this technology.
Addressing Common Problems:
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GPS Devices Showing Incorrect Locations:
- This issue can arise due to signal interference, device malfunctions, or outdated map data.
- To resolve, ensure your device's software is up-to-date and recalibrate its location settings.
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GPS Routing Traffic Through Neighborhoods:
- Contact local authorities or your city's traffic management to report the issue.
- Provide detailed information about the problem, and they may be able to adjust traffic routes.
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Lost Mobile Phone/Device:
- Contact your wireless carrier for assistance in tracking your device using built-in location technology.
- Clarify that GPS satellites do not actively track devices but provide signals for location services.
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Checking and Reporting GPS Service Outages:
- Check official statements or websites for updates on GPS service status.
- Report issues to relevant authorities or your GPS device manufacturer.
Addressing Concerns:
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Impact of COVID-19 on GPS Operations:
- Official statements from the U.S. Space Force confirm that GPS operations remain unaffected by the pandemic.
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Legality of GPS Jamming Devices:
- GPS jamming devices are illegal to market, sell, or use in the United States.
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GPS Vulnerability to Jamming:
- GPS can be vulnerable to intentional jamming, but the U.S. government is actively working on more resistant signals.
- Commercial aircraft have alternative navigation means in case of GPS disruption.
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Air Force's Stance on GPS Use:
- The Air Force is committed to continuing GPS operations, enhancing jam resistance, and investing in alternative technologies.
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GPS Control and Deactivation:
- GPS is operated by the U.S. Department of Defense but is a multi-use system owned by the U.S. government.
- GPS has never been deactivated since its operational declaration in 1995.
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Reactivation of Selective Availability:
- The United States has no intention to reactivate Selective Availability, ensuring continuous, accurate GPS access for all users.
GPS 101:
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How GPS Works:
- Reference educational materials and videos explaining satellite navigation concepts.
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Accuracy of GPS:
- Information on the GPS Accuracy page provides insights into the system's precision.
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Military vs. Civilian GPS Accuracy:
- Explore the GPS Accuracy page for a comparison between military and civilian GPS accuracy.
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GPS Constellation Details:
- As of July 3, 2023, there were 25 operational satellites in the GPS constellation.
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Funding and Privatization Considerations:
- Explore the Program Funding page for details on who pays for GPS and whether privatization has been considered.
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High-Resolution Images of GPS Satellites:
- The Image Library contains downloadable high-resolution images of GPS satellites.
In summary, whether you're dealing with common GPS issues, addressing concerns about GPS vulnerabilities, or seeking fundamental knowledge about GPS technology, I am here to provide comprehensive and accurate information based on my in-depth expertise in the field.
