1. U.S. Space-Based Positioning, Navigation, and Timing Policy and Program Update Briefing to the Fifth Meeting of the GREPECAS ATM/CNS Subgroup Lima, Peru 14 November 2006 Kenneth Alexander, Senior Advisor U.S. National Coordination Office for Space-Based Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT)

2. Fifth Meeting of the GREPECAS ATM/CNS Subgroup, 14 November 2006 2 Overview Introduction GPS Constellation & Performance Modernization Plans U.S. National Space-Based PNT Policy International Cooperation Summary

3. Fifth Meeting of the GREPECAS ATM/CNS Subgroup, 14 November 2006 3 GPS is a space-based radio-navigation system –Satellites broadcast precise, synchronized time signals and data allowing users to estimate position, velocity, and time Augmentations improve performance of space- based PNT systems such as GPS Space-based positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) includes: –Global navigation satellite systems (e.g. GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, etc.) and their augmentations What is Space-Based PNT

4. Fifth Meeting of the GREPECAS ATM/CNS Subgroup, 14 November 2006 4 Global Positioning System Baseline 24 satellite constellation in medium earth orbit Global coverage, 24 hours a day, all weather conditions Four dimensional positioning worldwide Satellites broadcast precise time and orbit information on L-band radio frequencies Two types of signals: –Civil (free of direct user fees) –U.S./Allied military Three segments: –Space –Ground control –User equipment

5. Fifth Meeting of the GREPECAS ATM/CNS Subgroup, 14 November 2006 5 U.S. Augmentations Nationwide Differential GPS Wide Area Augmentation (SBAS) Local Area Augmentation (GBAS) Continuously Operating Reference Stations

6. Fifth Meeting of the GREPECAS ATM/CNS Subgroup, 14 November 2006 6 International Augmentations Differential GPS Networks International GNSS Service Space-Based Augmentation Systems Global Differential GPS System

7. Fifth Meeting of the GREPECAS ATM/CNS Subgroup, 14 November 2006 7 Commercial GPS Applications Span a Wide Range of Economic Activities Satellite Operations Communications Network Synchronization Communications Network Synchronization Surveying & Mapping Surveying & Mapping Fishing & Boating Fishing & Boating Offshore Drilling Offshore Drilling Recreation Trucking & Shipping Trucking & Shipping Personal Navigation Personal Navigation Aviation Railroads Power Grid Management Power Grid Management Financial Transactions

8. Fifth Meeting of the GREPECAS ATM/CNS Subgroup, 14 November 2006 8 New Applications Developed Every Day Environmental monitoring Excavation/Open pit mining Child safety, E-911 and other wireless applications Automatic snowplow guidance Spacecraft control

9. Fifth Meeting of the GREPECAS ATM/CNS Subgroup, 14 November 2006 9 GPS: a Global Public Service Free access to civilian signals –One-way broadcast, like FM radio Public domain documentation –Anyone can develop user equipment Worldwide utility providing consistent, predictable, dependable performance –Critical component of global information infrastructure Owned and operated by the U.S. Government –Acquired and operated by Air Force on behalf of U.S. –Paid for by U.S. taxpayers –Guided at a national level as multi-use asset Available Now—Empowering the Future

10. Fifth Meeting of the GREPECAS ATM/CNS Subgroup, 14 November 2006 10 Overview Introduction GPS Constellation & Performance Modernization Plans U.S. National Space-Based PNT Policy International Cooperation Summary

11. Fifth Meeting of the GREPECAS ATM/CNS Subgroup, 14 November 2006 11 GPS Performance 1990s L1 C/A Signal Selective Availability On 100 m or better

12. Fifth Meeting of the GREPECAS ATM/CNS Subgroup, 14 November 2006 12 Providing worldwide position, navigation & timing GPS IIR-12 23 Jun 04 GPS IIR-13 06 Nov 04 Recent Launches GPS IIR-14(M) 25 Sep 05 1 st Modernized GPS Satellite GPS IIR-15(M) 25 Sep 06 2nd Modernized GPS Satellite Next Launch scheduled for Thursday, 16 November 2006

13. Fifth Meeting of the GREPECAS ATM/CNS Subgroup, 14 November 2006 13 Current Constellation 16 Block II/IIA satellites operational 12 Block IIR satellites operational 2 Block IIR-M satellites operational –Transmitting new second civil signal (L2C) Continuously assessing constellation health to determine launch need –2 nd New IIR-M satellite launched 25 Sep 06 –Next IIR-M launch 16 November 2006 –5 Additional Block IIR-M satellites Global GPS civil service performance commitment met continuously since ‘93 30 Operational Satellites (Baseline Constellation: 24) 30 Operational Satellites (Baseline Constellation: 24) 31 Operational Satellites (with planned 16 Nov launch) (Baseline Constellation: 24) 31 Operational Satellites (with planned 16 Nov launch) (Baseline Constellation: 24)

14. Fifth Meeting of the GREPECAS ATM/CNS Subgroup, 14 November 2006 14 GPS Performance Current Commitment (since 2001) 13 m (95%) 36m or better (global worst case) L1 C/A Signal Selective Availability Off Improved Orbit Determination 13 m (95%) 36m or better (global worst case)

15. Fifth Meeting of the GREPECAS ATM/CNS Subgroup, 14 November 2006 15 Civil GPS Performance Standards U.S. commitments to civil GPS performance documented in GPS Standard Positioning Service Performance Standard (2001) In support of the service availability standard, 24 operational satellites must be available on orbit with 0.95 probability (averaged over any day) At least 21 satellites in the 24 nominal plane/slot positions must be set healthy and transmitting a navigation signal with 0.98 probability (yearly averaged) System accuracy far exceeds current standard

16. Fifth Meeting of the GREPECAS ATM/CNS Subgroup, 14 November 2006 16 Civil GPS Performance Actual Performance - Single Frequency Standard URE - Signal in Space User Range Error Continuously Improving Performance

17. Fifth Meeting of the GREPECAS ATM/CNS Subgroup, 14 November 2006 17 Ground Control System Expansion Accuracy Improvement Initiative (AII) Vandenberg AFB Master / Backup Control Stations: Provide navigation estimation (ephemeris and clock), control the satellites, control the operations network, and schedule missions GPS / NGA monitor stations: Monitor navigation messages to collect system performance metrics, collect environment data, send data to OCS to calculate accurate satellite uploads Ground antennas: Transmit navigation data / commands and collect telemetry Schriever AFB Cape Canaveral Hawaii Ascension Diego Garcia Kwajalein Australia USNO Wash, DC England Bahrain Ecuador Argentina South Africa Tahiti New Zealand Alaska South Korea South Africa

18. Fifth Meeting of the GREPECAS ATM/CNS Subgroup, 14 November 2006 18 GPS users on approximately half of the Earth’s surface (shown in white) see at least one unmonitored GPS satellite 100 % of the time Monitoring Before L-AII A GPS satellite is considered to be “monitored” if it is seen by at least two GPS tracking stations; the minimum of two stations ensures that an alarm is caused by a problem on the satellite and not at a tracking station. Monitoring enables GPS operators to identify errors in satellite transmissions; further upgrades to GPS are needed to ensure that corrective action can executed with sufficient timeliness.

19. Fifth Meeting of the GREPECAS ATM/CNS Subgroup, 14 November 2006 19 No GPS users anywhere on the Earth’s surface ever see an unmonitored GPS satellite Monitoring After L-AII (2006) A GPS satellite is considered to be “monitored” if it is seen by at least two GPS tracking stations; the minimum of two stations ensures that an alarm is caused by a problem on the satellite and not at a tracking station. Monitoring enables GPS operators to identify errors in satellite transmissions; further upgrades to GPS are needed to ensure that corrective action can executed with sufficient timeliness.

20. Fifth Meeting of the GREPECAS ATM/CNS Subgroup, 14 November 2006 20 Legacy Accuracy Improvement Initiative (L-AII) All users see a small accuracy improvement –Specialized defense systems see greater improvement More importantly, all users enjoy improved satellite monitoring Additional tracking data eliminates monitoring gaps –Without L-AII some satellites were out of view of any tracking station for over two hours at a time –Every satellite now “watched” by at least two tracking stations at all times Controllers can now see satellite problems sooner User exposure to erroneous satellite signals reduced

21. Fifth Meeting of the GREPECAS ATM/CNS Subgroup, 14 November 2006 21 Overview Introduction GPS Constellation & Performance Modernization Plans U.S. National Space-Based PNT Policy International Cooperation Summary

22. Fifth Meeting of the GREPECAS ATM/CNS Subgroup, 14 November 2006 22 Why Modernize System-wide service improvements in: –Accuracy –Availability –Continuity & Reliability –Integrity –Robustness against interference Multiple frequencies enables user equipment ionospheric error corrections Interoperability with other GNSS constellations While maintaining Backward compatibility

23. Fifth Meeting of the GREPECAS ATM/CNS Subgroup, 14 November 2006 23 Second Civil Signal (L2C) Designed to meet commercial needs Freely available since Dec 2005 –Currently on 2 satellites –Will be on all future satellites Expected to generate over $5 billion in user productivity benefits Increases accuracy for consumers Supports miniaturization, possible indoor use Benefits existing professional receivers

24. Fifth Meeting of the GREPECAS ATM/CNS Subgroup, 14 November 2006 24 Third Civil Signal (L5) Designed to meet aviation safety requirements –ARNS band –Higher power –Wider bandwidth = 10x gain –Longer spreading codes (10x C/A) May also enable global, centimeter- level accuracy using new techniques Opportunity for international interoperability

25. Fifth Meeting of the GREPECAS ATM/CNS Subgroup, 14 November 2006 25 Fourth Civil Signal (L1C) Designed with international partners for interoperability –Specifically for interoperability with the Galileo Open Service Modernized civil signal at L1 frequency –Original signal retained for backward compatibility More robust navigation across a broad range of user applications Improved performance in challenged tracking environments Under trees Inside cities

26. Fifth Meeting of the GREPECAS ATM/CNS Subgroup, 14 November 2006 26 GPS III Revised acquisition strategy –Incremental block approach to reduce risk and increase flexibility –Separate contracts for space and ground segments Next-generation satellite bus accommodates increased power requirements Provides L2C and L5 full operational capability –In combination with GPS IIR-M and IIF satellites Delivers L1C for interoperability with Galileo, QZSS and other potential systems Significant increase in system accuracy Improved availability of accuracy with integrity

27. Fifth Meeting of the GREPECAS ATM/CNS Subgroup, 14 November 2006 27 GPS III Performance 1 - 2 m L1 C/A Signal (legacy users) Selective Availability remains Off Improved Orbit Determination L1C, L2C, L5, L1C Signals with new user equipment Improved resistance to interference Estimated 1.8 m horizontal. & 3.2 m vertical Based on: - Dual frequency - 95% Global Average - SIS URE: 0.25 meters - UEE: 0.8 meters Ref: GPS III System Spec (SS-SYS-800)

28. Fifth Meeting of the GREPECAS ATM/CNS Subgroup, 14 November 2006 28 Improving GPS Performance with Augmentations - Today Augmentations enhance GPS accuracy, monitor integrity. and can improve availability –<3 m Vertical accuracy with <6 sec time to alarm for aviation – 2 cm Accuracy for real-time positioning, surveying, etc. – Sub-centimeter accuracy for geodesy, geology, etc..

29. Fifth Meeting of the GREPECAS ATM/CNS Subgroup, 14 November 2006 29 GPS Performance with WAAS (SBAS) FAA developed Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) to provide accuracy, integrity, availability and continuity to support all phases of flight Based on observations from January to March 2006. Results are valid when the Localizer Approach with Vertical Guidance (LPV) service is available. During this time frame, LPV was available 98% to 99% of the time. SBAS fulfills rigorous user needs today

30. Fifth Meeting of the GREPECAS ATM/CNS Subgroup, 14 November 2006 30 Overview Introduction GPS Constellation & Performance Modernization Plans U.S. National Space-Based PNT Policy International Cooperation Summary

31. Fifth Meeting of the GREPECAS ATM/CNS Subgroup, 14 November 2006 31 U.S. Policy History 1983: President Reagan offered free civilian GPS access 1996: National GPS policy declared GPS a dual-use system under joint civil/military management 1997: Congress passes law requiring civil GPS to be provided free of direct user fees 2000: President Clinton turns off Selective Availability 2004: President Bush issues Space-Based PNT Policy -Updates policy while retaining principles in previous policy -Recognizes changing national & international scene since 1996

32. Fifth Meeting of the GREPECAS ATM/CNS Subgroup, 14 November 2006 32 Growth in International Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) Sep 2005 – 2 nd civil GPS signal Dec 2005 –first Galileo test satellite Dec 2005 –3 GLONASS satellites 2006 – European EGNOS (non aviation) 2007 – WAAS LPV 200’ Decision Height 2007 – Japan MSAS ops and then future QZSS 2008 – European EGNOS aviation ops (Galileo I) TBD– Indian GAGAN and then future IRNS 2011 – European Galileo Phase II TBD China – Compass Interoperability key to seamless global operations

33. Fifth Meeting of the GREPECAS ATM/CNS Subgroup, 14 November 2006 33 U.S. Policy Goals Provide uninterrupted availability of positioning, navigation, and timing services Continue to provide civil services that exceed or are competitive with other civil space-based positioning, navigation, and timing services and augmentation systems Meet growing national, homeland, economic security, and civil requirements, and scientific and commercial demands Remain essential components of internationally accepted positioning, navigation, and timing services Promote U.S. technological leadership in applications involving space-based positioning, navigation, and timing services Remain the pre-eminent military space-based positioning, navigation, and timing service

34. Fifth Meeting of the GREPECAS ATM/CNS Subgroup, 14 November 2006 34 National Space-Based PNT Organizational Structure White House State Commerce Homeland Security Joint Chiefs of Staff NASA Defense Transportation National Space-based PNT Executive Committee Co-Chairs: Deputy Secretaries Defense & Transportation National Space-based PNT Executive Committee Co-Chairs: Deputy Secretaries Defense & Transportation Advisory Board Sponsor: NASA Advisory Board Sponsor: NASA Coordination Office Host: Commerce Coordination Office Host: Commerce

35. Fifth Meeting of the GREPECAS ATM/CNS Subgroup, 14 November 2006 35 Key Executive Committee Actions 5-Year National Space-Based PNT Plan –Plan is in draft and FY08 program assessment is in progress Interference Detection and Mitigation Plan –Department of Homeland Security coordinating U.S. capabilities to detect and mitigate sources of interference to GPS and its augmentations National Space-based PNT Architecture –Led by DoD’s National Security Space Office and DOT’s Research and Innovative Technology Administration In 2006, Executive Committee met four times –Last meeting held October 27

36. Fifth Meeting of the GREPECAS ATM/CNS Subgroup, 14 November 2006 36 U.S. Space-Based PNT Advisory Board Board will conduct assessments and make recommendations to accomplish policy goals and objectives –As tasked by the Executive Committee –NASA is hosting Advisory Board Board established and membership being finalized –Includes 6 international members First meeting projected for February 2007

37. Fifth Meeting of the GREPECAS ATM/CNS Subgroup, 14 November 2006 37 Web-based Information www.PNT.gov established to disseminate information on the U.S. National Executive Committee –Contains information on Membership, Policy, the Advisory Board, frequently asked questions, and recent public presentations www.GPS.gov established to disseminate information on GPS applications –Brochure on GPS applications available in hardcopy –Contains additional links to various other websites

38. Fifth Meeting of the GREPECAS ATM/CNS Subgroup, 14 November 2006 38 www.PNT.gov

39. Fifth Meeting of the GREPECAS ATM/CNS Subgroup, 14 November 2006 39 www.GPS.gov

40. Fifth Meeting of the GREPECAS ATM/CNS Subgroup, 14 November 2006 40 Overview Introduction GPS Constellation & Performance Modernization Plans U.S. National Space-Based PNT Policy International Cooperation Summary

41. Fifth Meeting of the GREPECAS ATM/CNS Subgroup, 14 November 2006 41 U.S. National Policy on Space-Based Positioning, Navigation, and Timing Provide civil GPS and augmentations free of direct user fees on a continuous, worldwide basis Provide open, free access to information needed to develop equipment Encourage international development of PNT systems based on GPS Improve performance of civil GPS & augmentations to meet or exceed other international systems Seek to ensure international systems are interoperable, or at a minimum, are compatible, with civil GPS and augmentations

42. Fifth Meeting of the GREPECAS ATM/CNS Subgroup, 14 November 2006 42 Address mutual security concerns with international providers to prevent hostile use Provide uninterrupted access to U.S. space- based PNT services for U.S./allied national security purposes Improve capabilities to deny hostile use of any space-based PNT services without unduly disrupting civil and commercial access U.S. National Policy on Space-Based Positioning, Navigation, and Timing

43. Fifth Meeting of the GREPECAS ATM/CNS Subgroup, 14 November 2006 43 U.S. International Cooperation U.S. Government has engaged in formal cooperative arrangements with Europe, Japan, and Russia since 1996 –To ensure compatibility (non- interference) and interoperability with foreign systems –To maintain and promote a level playing field in the global market Additional efforts ongoing with Australia, India, Brazil and others Multilateral cooperation established through U.N. International Committee on GNSS –As well as ICAO, IMO, and NATO

44. Fifth Meeting of the GREPECAS ATM/CNS Subgroup, 14 November 2006 44 GPS-Galileo Agreement In 2004, United States and European Community signed agreement on GPS-Galileo cooperation –Recognizing importance of compatibility and interoperability for all parties –Agreed to spectrally separate signals for military, civilian, and public regulated services Agreed to implement a common, open, civil signal on both Galileo and GPS III, free of direct user fees Working groups established to continue cooperation: –Compatibility and Interoperability –Trade and Commercial Applications –Next-Generation GNSS –Security Issues June 26, 2004, press conference at U.S.-EU Summit in Ireland (U.S. Sec. of State Colin Powell, Irish Foreign Minister Brian Cowen, EU Vice-President Loyola De Palacio)

45. Fifth Meeting of the GREPECAS ATM/CNS Subgroup, 14 November 2006 45 Caribbean and South America U.S. Government interested in expanding cooperation to broader mutual interests –Civil applications aviation and more –Free market access, nondiscrimination –International standards –Workshop support –WAAS test bed activities Seeking continued dialogue with Governments of Caribbean and South America

46. Fifth Meeting of the GREPECAS ATM/CNS Subgroup, 14 November 2006 46 International Committee on GNSS Multilateral group chartered through United Nations –First Meeting: November 2006 Purpose: Promote use of GNSS to improve efficiency and security of transport, search and rescue, geodesy, etc., particularly in developing countries –Coordination among GNSS providers to ensure both compatibility and interoperability –Assistance to developing countries in use of PNT services –Focal point for international information exchange –Forum for addressing future user needs

47. Fifth Meeting of the GREPECAS ATM/CNS Subgroup, 14 November 2006 47 GPS/GNSS Measures of Effectiveness Accuracy Bounded Inaccuracy Availability Continuity Integrity Resistance to Interference/Jamming

48. Fifth Meeting of the GREPECAS ATM/CNS Subgroup, 14 November 2006 48 Spectrum Protection Protect spectrum for GNSS (GPS, Galileo, etc) and other current/future critical systems from interference –Degradation harms wide variety of plans and programs –Ultra Wideband, Mobile Satellite Ventures, etc. Focus areas: –Equitable spectrum management and coordination –U.S. National Spectrum Management legislation –Galileo cooperation for compatibility and interoperability Requires vigilance and early action on emerging issues – World Radio Conference 2007 rapidly approaching

49. Fifth Meeting of the GREPECAS ATM/CNS Subgroup, 14 November 2006 49 Managing Backup Capabilities New GPS and Galileo signals improve interference resistance However, all GNSS systems are subject to interference –Never totally eliminate threat of interference and other disruptions that can have harmful consequences Galileo is not robust backup to GPS; nor GPS for Galileo Adequate independent backup systems and/or procedures must be maintained in the future for critical applications –Must determine the minimum level of backup capability recognizing constrained budgets –Acceptable from safety and economic impact points of view Consider “fail soft” versus “equivalent” backup capability

50. Fifth Meeting of the GREPECAS ATM/CNS Subgroup, 14 November 2006 50 Evolution of GPS Performance: Cooperation ~ 1 m * GPS + Other GNSS Services L1 C/A Signal (legacy users) Selective Availability remains Off Improved Orbit Determination L1C, L2C, L5/E5, L1C Signals with new user equipment GNSS Interoperability Improved satellite availability Improved resistance to interference Improve Interference Detection and Mitigation Maintain Adequate Backups for Critical Applications * cm level with augmentation

51. Fifth Meeting of the GREPECAS ATM/CNS Subgroup, 14 November 2006 51 Overview Introduction GPS Constellation & Performance Modernization Plans U.S. National Space-Based PNT Policy International Cooperation Summary

52. Fifth Meeting of the GREPECAS ATM/CNS Subgroup, 14 November 2006 52 Summary U.S. policy promotes worldwide use of civil GPS, its augmentations, and its interoperability/compatibility with other GNSS systems, specifically Galileo GPS is getting better and will continue to improve –First new GPS signal now available –Augmentations enable high performance today –Additional improvements will continue in the future International cooperation – a priority for all nations –Compatibility and Interoperability of signals is critical to maintaining and improving performance –Adequate independent backup capability must be maintained for critical applications –Spectrum must continue to be protected Progress through Partnership

53. Fifth Meeting of the GREPECAS ATM/CNS Subgroup, 14 November 2006 53 Contact Information Kenneth Alexander Senior Advisor U.S. National Coordination Office for Space-Based PNT Herbert C. Hoover Bldg., Rm. 6822 14 th and Constitution Ave, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20230 USA Ph: +1.202.482.5809 Fax: +1.202.482.4429 Ken.Alexander@pnt.gov Presentation and other GPS information available at: www.PNT.gov

54. Fifth Meeting of the GREPECAS ATM/CNS Subgroup, 14 November 2006 54 Backup

55. Fifth Meeting of the GREPECAS ATM/CNS Subgroup, 14 November 2006 55 Questions and Answers Isn't GPS controlled by the U.S. military? Has GPS ever been turned off by the military? Will the United States ever reactivate Selective Availability, since there is a war? Has the U.S. Government thought about privatizing GPS? If so, what would that mean for the existing free access to GPS?

56. Fifth Meeting of the GREPECAS ATM/CNS Subgroup, 14 November 2006 56 Isn't GPS controlled by the U.S. military? GPS is owned by the United States Government and paid for by the U.S. taxpayer –United States Government acquires, maintains and operates GPS through the United States Air Force as a dual use, civil and military system. –The Air Force has successfully developed and operated GPS as a multi-use system for the international community since 1972 Outstanding performance of GPS over decades has earned the confidence of millions of civil and military users worldwide. Management improvements and modernization efforts directed by the President in his 2004 policy continue this support for multi-user applications.

57. Fifth Meeting of the GREPECAS ATM/CNS Subgroup, 14 November 2006 57 Has GPS ever been turned off by the military? 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. Doesn't President's 2004 policy call for deactivation of GPS during national security crises? No. The President’s policy does not include anything about deactivating GPS. In fact, the policy declares GPS to be an element of the nation's critical infrastructure that must be protected against disruption.

58. Fifth Meeting of the GREPECAS ATM/CNS Subgroup, 14 November 2006 58 Has GPS ever been turned off by the military? (continued) Policy reaffirms U.S. intent to deny hostile uses of space- based PNT through Navigation Warfare. Navigation Warfare involves protecting U.S. and Allied use of GPS while simultaneously preventing hostile forces access to space-based PNT services and preserving peaceful civil GPS use outside of an area of military operations. The U.S. is committed to fielding a range of necessary denial options to prevent hostile use of space-based PNT through regional denial of service, minimizing impact to peaceful users outside the area of conflict.

59. Fifth Meeting of the GREPECAS ATM/CNS Subgroup, 14 November 2006 59 Will the United States ever reactivate Selective Availability, since there is a war? Prior to development of Navigation Warfare, GPS employed a feature called Selective Availability, which degraded civilian accuracy on a global basis. Selective Availability was discontinued in 2000 and the United States has no intent to ever use it again The United States does not intend to ever implement Selective Availability again and is committed to preventing hostile use of space-based PNT through regional denial of service, minimizing the impact to peaceful users

60. Fifth Meeting of the GREPECAS ATM/CNS Subgroup, 14 November 2006 60 Has the U.S. Government thought about privatizing GPS? If so, what would that mean for the existing free access to GPS? There are no plans to privatize GPS President's 2004 policy –Established new management framework for GPS and its augmentations –Reaffirmed U.S. Government will provide on a continuous, worldwide basis civil space-based, positioning, navigation, and timing services free of direct user fees for civil, commercial, and scientific uses, and for homeland security through the Global Positioning System and its augmentations, and –Provide open, free access to information necessary to develop and build equipment to use these services