The story of GPS begins in the late 1950s, shortly after the Soviet Union shocked the world with the launch of the first artificial satellite: Sputnik.
All along the way, L3Harris has played a critical role in enabling GPS – from the invention of the rubidium atomic clock, to providing the GPS signal from every GPS satellite ever launched.
THE EVOLUTION OF A WORLD-
CHANGING TECHNOLOGY
Click on each satellite to learn how our expertise is at the core of GPS' availability, accuracy and integrity.
Millions of people and systems rely on GPS. EXPLORE ITS IMPACTS.
1957
1959
1966
1973
1991
1995
1996
2008
2010
HISTORIC MILESTONES
FOR GPS
GPS has come a long way since Sputnik.
Click through the timeline to follow its evolution.
"In the history of mankind, has there ever been a technology that has been as influential, has changed as radically as many people's lives as GPS?"
Barbara Barrett, Secretary of the Air Force
The first and second Navigation Technology Satellites (NTS-1 and NTS-2) launch carrying navigation payloads built by L3Harris. These prototype GPS satellites are the first with rubidium atomic clocks, designed by L3Harris, which provide the incredibly precise and stable timekeeping that makes today's GPS possible.
NTS-1 & NTS-2
1974-1977
L3Harris provides payloads for the first block of GPS satellites, which convert the digital signals generated by each satellite into a radio signal beamed to the ground. With the proper equipment, users can receive these navigation signals to calculate time, location and velocity.
BLOCK I
1978-1985
L3Harris continues to leverage its radio frequency (RF) expertise to provide additional payloads for the program, delivering a total of 40 navigational payloads for Blocks I and II/IIA.
BLOCK II/IIA
1990-1997
L3Harris sees its role in the GPS program expand when chosen to provide the entire navigation payload for Block IIR, including both the signal conversion portion and the sophisticated atomic clocks.
BLOCK IIR
1997-2004
Block IIR Modernization (IIR-M) is born after L3Harris helps retrofit some IIR payloads (several had yet to launch) to upgrade the system with a more powerful signal, improved accuracy and higher security.
BLOCK IIR-M
2005-2009
L3Harris is working on navigation payloads and control software for the next generation of GPS: GPS III. The advanced payload generates signals with three times more accuracy, provides an eight-times increase in anti-jamming capabilities and extends satellite life to 15 years.
BLOCK III/IIIF
2008-Present
L3Harris continues to improve payload technologies for Block IIF – enhancing time keeping, accuracy and security for the nation's GPS satellites.
BLOCK IIF
2010-2016
L3Harris is also building the third Navigation Technology Satellite (NTS-3) for the Air Force. Set to launch in 2022, NTS-3 is an experimental satellite serving as a pathfinder to improve the resiliency of positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) technologies for the warfighter.
NTS-3
2018-Present
The story of GPS begins in the late 1950s, shortly after the Soviet Union shocked the world with the launch of the first artificial satellite: Sputnik.
All along the way, L3Harris has played a critical role in enabling GPS – from the invention of the rubidium atomic clock, to providing the GPS signal from every GPS satellite ever launched.
Click on each satellite to learn how our expertise is at the core of GPS' availability, accuracy and integrity.
THE EVOLUTION OF A WORLD-
CHANGING TECHNOLOGY
1958
1974
1997
Present
The Concept of Satellite Navigation is Born
Scientists at Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory discover that radio signals emitted by Sputnik can be used to determine the satellite’s position in space. Consequently, they find, if the satellite’s position is known, its signals can be used to calculate the position of an object on Earth.
The First Satellite Navigation System is Developed
The discoveries at Johns Hopkins lead to the development of the first satellite navigation system, called TRANSIT, which allows Navy missile submarines to determine their latitude and longitude to within a few hundred feet every couple of hours.
L3Harris Transforms Atomic Timekeeping
L3Harris helps design the first atomic clock containing rubidium gas. It becomes the most commonly used atomic clock for GPS and other applications due to its high accuracy, small size, low cost and long lifetime.
A Global Positioning System is Envisioned
Aerospace Corporation develops the blueprint for a GPS constellation that can provide continuous three-dimensional location information (latitude, longitude, altitude) anywhere on the globe.
Pentagon Greenlights GPS
The Department of Defense approves development of the Global Positioning System to be led by the Air Force.
L3Harris Helps Builds out a GPS Constellation (1974-1997)
Prototype GPS satellites NTS-1 and NTS-2 launch with the first navigation payloads built by L3Harris. L3Harris goes on to provide integral technology for every GPS satellite launched, with 100% mission success. The navigation payload is the brains of the GPS satellite – linking atomic clocks, processors and transmitters together to generate the GPS signal.
GPS Provides Battlefield Advantage
Even before the GPS constellation is fully deployed, the technology provides the U.S. and its allies with a distinct advantage over Iraqi forces during the Persian Gulf War by enabling precision-guided bombing and precise navigation of ground troops across hostile terrain.
GPS Declared Fully Operational
The Air Force declares the GPS constellation fully operational, with 24 satellites (plus three spares) providing continuous global coverage.
GPS Gives Rise to Precision Agriculture
John Deere releases its first GPS receiver. Farmers mount it to their tractors to guide efficient plowing — ultimately reducing time in the field and fertilizer use. Precision agriculture is born.
L3Harris Modernizes GPS Into the New Millennium (1997-2016)
L3Harris upgrades GPS with a more powerful signal, improved accuracy and higher security, starting with Block IIR.
GPS Revolutionizes Personal Navigation
Google Maps is released for Android and iOS, featuring turn-by-turn navigation enabled by GPS.
GPS Disrupts an Entire Industry
Uber launches a transformative smartphone app, which allows users to request a ride with the press of a button or by sending a text. The app is powered by GPS.
L3Harris Powers the Next Generation of GPS
The next generation of GPS will provide greater accuracy, better reliability and superior system security for military and civilian users worldwide. L3Harris is designing and delivering navigation payloads to GPS III satellite prime contractor Lockheed Martin that generate GPS signals with three times more accuracy and eight times more anti-jamming capabilities. These advanced payloads extend satellite life to 15 years.
HISTORIC MILESTONES
FOR GPS
GPS has come a long way since Sputnik.
Click through the timeline to follow its evolution.
Click on each satellite to learn how our expertise is at the core of GPS' availability, accuracy and integrity.
CLOSE
VIEW GPS MILESTONES
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NTS-1/2
BLOCK I
BLOCK IIA
BLOCK IIR
BLOCK IIR-M
BLOCK IIF
BLOCK III/IIIF
NTS-3
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Present
2008
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The impacts of GPS extend far beyond national security.
DISCOVER THE SURPRISING WAYS IT'S USED EVERY DAY.
GPS was born out of the U.S. military’s need to track the location of submarines in the late 1950s. Today, it enables everything from combat aircraft, warships and weapons systems, to individual soldiers on the ground.
It's integral to the warfighter's ability to operate safely, successfully and with precision across domains.
PROTECTING OUR NATION
Millions of people and systems rely on GPS for precise positioning, navigation and timing (PNT): the U.S. military, global stock exchanges, first responders, farmers and more.
In fact, you use GPS every time you turn on a light switch, check the weather or a map on your phone, make a purchase or call a friend.
EVERYDAY IMPACTS OF GPS
NAVIGATION
Each time you use your phone to view maps, avoid traffic jams, get step-by-step directions, request an Uber ride or check for nearby coffee shops, you’re tapping into the power of GPS.
Public Safety & Disaster Relief
Public safety personnel and disaster relief teams rely on GPS to save lives, reduce property loss and restore critical infrastructure during crises ranging from fires, floods, hurricanes and earthquakes, to car accidents, shootings and medical emergencies.
FLEET TRACKING
From providing enhanced dispatching and down-to-the-minute arrival times for customers, to increasing safety and cost savings, GPS has revolutionized logistics across industries.
ELECTRIC POWER DISTRIBUTION
Each time you switch on a light, use the refrigerator, run your air conditioner, watch TV or heat up lunch in the microwave, you’re benefiting from GPS technology. Energy companies and utilities rely on GPS timing to efficiently transmit and distribute the electricity that powers your home and devices.
PRECISION AGRICULTURE
GPS doesn't just help you find your way to nearby restaurants. It's also integral to putting food on the table. Farmers rely on this technology to increase yields, profitability and sustainability through precision agriculture.
FINANCIAL SYSTEMS
The GPS signal your phone uses to locate the nearest gas station is also relied on by financial systems worldwide to timestamp and verify transactions. In fact, ATMs, cash registers and even entire stock markets depend on GPS, because it is the most accurate timekeeping method on Earth (and it’s free).
AVIATION SAFETY
Each day, thousands of airplanes crisscross the globe transporting travelers and parcels to their destinations. The aviation industry relies on GPS to increase the safety and efficiency of these flight operations: from departure, en route and arrival, to airport surface navigation.
WEATHER FORECASTING
Did you know, GPS is used to make weather and space weather forecasts more accurate? By tracking how long it takes GPS signals to travel through the atmosphere, weather satellites are able to calculate precise temperature, pressure, humidity and electron density measurements.
TELECOMMUNICATIONS
Today's telecommunications services depend on the continuous, error-free transmission of location and time information made possible by GPS for tasks such as routing your phone calls.
Millions of people and systems rely on GPS for precise positioning, navigation and timing (PNT): the U.S. military, global stock exchanges, first responders, farmers and more.
In fact, you use GPS every time you turn on a light switch, check the weather or a map on your phone, make a purchase or call a friend.
EVERYDAY IMPACTS OF GPS
PHONE
WEATHER
TRAVEL
FINANCE
DINING
ELECTRICITY
PACKAGE
TRACKER
EMERGENCY
MAPS
Tap each icon to learn more about the ways you use GPS every day.
L3Harris is committed to advancing the GPS mission. LEARN MORE.
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