Headlines: Launch Success for 10th GPS IIF Satellite; Update on FY 2016 DOT Appropriations for GPS Activities; GPS-Related Provisions in the Transportation Appropriations Bill
Information for Policymakers from the National Coordination Office for Space-Based Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT)
July 30, 2015
Launch Success for 10th GPS IIF Satellite
Image courtesy ULA
On July 15, the Air Force successfully launched the tenth satellite in the Block IIF series of modernized GPS spacecraft. It will spend several weeks in check-out before entering service. The GPS IIF satellites feature new clocks, new civil and military signals, and other upgrades for enhanced accuracy and robustness. Video and more at GPS.gov
Update on FY 2016 DOT Appropriations for GPS Activities
Following our bulletins on GPS in the NDAA and defense appropriations for GPS, here is an update on the civil funding for GPS. The Senate Appropriations Committee and the full House of Representatives have passed their respective versions of the Fiscal Year 2016 Transportation/HUD appropriations bill. The GPS Civil Requirements line item, which funds designated civil elements of the U.S. Global Positioning System, is set to receive $10 million, $17 million below the request. The GPS Wide Area Augmentation System, which supports aircraft landings, is also on course for a cut. View full details at GPS.gov
Program / Activity
President's Request
House Approps
Senate Approps
GPS Civil Requirements
$27M
$10M
$10M
Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS)
$107.2M
$93.6M
$91.85M
Alternative Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (APNT)
$1M
Unclear
$1M
Nationwide Differential GPS (NDGPS)
$5.6M
Unclear
$5.6M
Positioning, Navigation and Timing (PNT)
$1.610M
Unclear
$1.61M
GPS-Related Provisions in the Transportation Appropriations Bill
Vehicle Tracking: Section 144 of the House bill states, "None of the funds made available by this Act may be used to mandate global positioning system (GPS) tracking in private passenger motor vehicles without providing full and appropriate consideration of privacy concerns under 5 U.S.C. chapter 5, subchapter II." Learn more at GPS.gov
ADS-B: The Senate report discusses the FAA's implementation of Automatic Dependent Surveillance – Broadcast technology (ADS-B), which relies on GPS, stating "the Committee expects the agency to accelerate its ability to implement space-based ADS–B by 2018 and report on its progress to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations within 30 days of enactment of this act." View source
WAAS: The Senate report discusses FAA's plans to upgrade the GPS Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS). The report "directs the FAA to provide the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations with an update on its progress within 180 days of enactment of this act." View source
This newsletter is produced and distributed by the National Coordination Office for Space-Based PNT, a central resource within the government for GPS policy information. For more information, visit www.gps.gov/congress.
You are receiving this newsletter because of your interest / involvement in legislative affairs that are pertinent to the Global Positioning System (GPS), which affects national defense, transportation, science & technology, energy & environment, commerce, communications, privacy, and many other aspects of society.
