Thursday, September 09, 2010

NGS Participates in GPS Power-flex Testing for Simulation of Potential Interference and Signal Jamming

The National Geodetic Survey (NGS) is participating in tests of civilian Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite receivers September 7-11. NGS will track the GPS receivers in coordination with tests of military receivers belonging to the Department of Defense. Power-flex testing will increase the signal strength of a number of GPS satellite signals in a simulation of a response to potential signal interference or jamming. NGS, with other civil agencies, including NASA, will test the response of their GPS receivers to ensure they continue to function properly under such circumstances. Given our reliance on GPS for transportation and commerce, maintaining the integrity of GPS signals is of utmost importance. In case of GPS signal jamming, for example, due to a malicious attack or a natural solar phenomena, the signal strength of GPS satellites would need to be increased. This power-flex testing will allow us to evaluate the integrity of GPS signals under such circumstances. For more information, contact Knute Berstis.