Research Brief
A Policy Direction for the Global Positioning System: Balancing National Security and Commercial Interests
Jan 1, 1995
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The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a military space system operated by the U.S. Air Force that continuously broadcasts precise time signals. These signals can be used worldwide to aid position location, navigation, and timing. GPS is an information resource that supports a wide range of civil, scientific, and commercial functions as well as U.S. forces. National policy toward GPS has not, however, kept pace with the system's rapidly expanding international uses. This study identifies major opportunities and vulnerabilities created by GPS for U.S. defense, commercial, and foreign policy interests, and makes recommendations for U.S. policy toward GPS, including future governance and funding. If the United States promotes GPS as a global standard, it should address the dual-use nature of the technology through international agreements. If the United States becomes an unreliable steward for GPS, it risks losing the economic and diplomatic benefits from past investments in this technology.
Chapter One
Introduction
Chapter Two
National Interests and Stakeholders in GPS Policy
Chapter Three
National Security Assessment
Chapter Four
Commercial Assessment
Chapter Five
Institutional and Legal Assessment
Chapter Six
Conclusions and Recommendations
Appendix A
GPS Technologies and Alternatives
Appendix B
GPS History, Chronology, and Budgets
Appendix C
GPS Policy References
Appendix D
International Legal References for GPS
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