Space-Based Positioning, Navigation and Timing Policy (The Tension between Military and Civil Requirements)
Abstract
Since the Air Force declared the Global Positioning System (GPS) fully operational in 1995 it has transformed U.S. military operations as well as civil services and business. Recognizing the vital role GPS has in both enabling modern U.S. military operations as well as powering the global information-based economy President Bush signed the National Security Presidential Directive (NSPD): U.S. Space-Based Positioning Navigation and Timing (PNT) Policy in December 2004. The policy's intent is to protect and advance U.S. military capabilities while at the same time protecting and advancing U.S. civil and commercial PNT interests including the economic well being of the U.S. space-based PNT industry. The policy seeks to balance competing PNT security and civilian requirements but gives priority to military and security interests. How well the policy will be able to meet these often competing requirements is still undetermined. In light of Galileo's forthcoming challenge to GPS's civil and commercial viability the effectiveness of the President's policy is questionable concerning the U.S.'s ability to protect and promote GPS's civil and commercial interests. This research paper will determine if the recently signed National Security Presidential Directive; Space-Based Positioning Navigation and Timing Policy protects Global Positioning System civil applications or will it cede them to the European Union's forthcoming Galileo PNT system and if so what are the ramifications?
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 10, 2006
- Accession Number
- ADA448754
Entities
People
- Bruce G. Smith
Organizations
- United States Army War College