Report indicates GPS in jeopardy

WASHINGTON, May 20 (UPI) -- The reliability of the U.S. global positioning system could be in jeopardy next year because of its aging satellites, a federal government report warns.

The U.S. Government Accountability Office report states the U.S. Air Force may not be able to get new satellites aloft fast enough to prevent disruption in GPS service for military and civilian users, InformationWeek.com reported Wednesday.

"Of particular concern is leadership for GPS acquisition, as GAO and other studies have found the lack of a single point of authority for space programs and frequent turnover in program managers have hampered requirements setting, funding stability and resource allocation," the report said. "If the Air Force does not meet its schedule goals for development of GPS IIIA satellites, there will be an increased likelihood that in 2010, as old satellites begin to fail, the overall GPS constellation will fall below the number of satellites required to provide the level of GPS service that the U.S. government commits to."

The GAO report did add that the Air Force and others involved in the GPS system could take enact contingency plans, if necessary.

Beside the aging satellites, the Air force also has had headaches getting the next generation of satellites to interface properly with equipment on Earth, the agency said.