Status of the NAVSTAR Global Positioning System

The NAVSTAR Global Positioning System (GPS) is a space-based radio navigation system designed to provide users with worldwide three-dimensional position and velocity information. The system consists of three segments: (1) space satellites that transmit radio signals; (2) ground-based monitoring equipment; and (3) user equipment for a variety of service applications. Initial operational capability is planned for 1983.

Performance requirements relating to specific user needs have not been established. As with most development programs, technical development problems have developed; not all solutions to these problems have been tested. Development problems with user equipment and satellites caused a schedule delay of almost a year, but by compressing the testing from 22 to 14 months, officials expect to limit schedule slippage to 2 or 3 months. This revised test schedule provides no leeway for unforeseeable problems. Estimated cost for the initial phase of the program has increased significantly because of additions to support a Navy program. The total report cost is over $1.3 billion; this amount does not include the cost for user equipment or replenishment satellites. GAO believes that the total program will cost in excess of $3 billion.

Recommendations

Our recommendations from this work are listed below with a Contact for more information. Status will change from "In process" to "Open," "Closed - implemented," or "Closed - not implemented" based on our follow up work.

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