Who Invented GPS? (Global Positioning System)

Every day, a lot of individuals use the Global Positioning System (GPS) to find their location or estimate when a delivery will arrive. With the ability to provide precise information and real-time updates, GPS technology has completely changed how we plan and navigate our travels.

Considering how frequently you likely use this technology, you may wonder who created the GPS. In this article, we are going to provide you with all the key information and facts.

Who Invented The GPS System?

The Global Positioning System (GPS) was developed through the collaborative efforts of Roger Easton, who created the TIMATION system; Ivan Getting, who proposed the satellite-based positioning concept; Bradford Parkinson, who integrated these technologies into NAVSTAR GPS; and Dr. Gladys West, who optimized the system with accurate geodetic models.

Ivan Getting

The Global Positioning System (GPS) owes much to Ivan Getting’s conception and development. As the founding President of The Aerospace Corporation, he formed and pioneered the concept of using an advanced satellite system to produce exact positioning data for fast-moving vehicles, such as missiles and cars. His creative idea established the groundwork for the ultimate development of the contemporary GPS.

Accomplishments and Contributions:

• Microwave Tracking Radar: During World War II, Getting collabed with a team at MIT to develop the SCR 584, the groundbreaking microwave radar for fire control. This technology played a crucial role in protecting London from V-1 bombs.
• Digital Electronics: He contributed to the development of the pioneering flip-flop circuit, a concept foundational to digital electronics and integrated circuits.
• Military Technologies: Getting was involved in the development of several military advancements, notably the Sparrow III and Hawk missile systems.
• Space Program Contributions: His contributions to The Aerospace Corporation were instrumental in the success of the Gemini and Mercury missions.

Recognition:

• Charles Stark Draper Prize for Engineering (2003): Awarded by the American National Academy of Engineering for his contributions to the design, operational value, and planning of GPS.
• Other Awards: Received numerous accolades, including the Medal for Merit from the U.S.’s President (1948), the Department of Defense Medal for Distinguished Public Service (1997), and the IEEE Founders Medal (1989).

Bradford Parkinson

Bradford Parkinson is widely regarded as the “Father of GPS” for his critical role in the invention and execution of the NAVSTAR GPS system. Parkinson led the integration of several technologies that served as the foundation for contemporary GPS while serving as the first manager of the NAVSTAR GPS Joint Program Office from 1972 to 1978. He additionally provided a substantial contribution to the operational and engineering components of the system.

Accomplishments and Contributions:

• Education and Military Service: Parkinson Graduated from the US Naval Academy with a BS in Engineering and an MIT Aeronautics and Astronautics Master’s. He also obtained a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Aeronautics and Astronautics from Stanford University.
• NASA and Air Force: Parkinson Provided academic training to astronauts preparing for space missions and served as the Deputy Head of the Astronautics and Computer Science Department at the Air Force Academy. He also Participated in 26 combat missions and accumulated over 170 hours of combat flight time in the Vietnam War.
• NAVSTAR GPS Program: Parkinson successfully advocated for Pentagon funding for the NAVSTAR project, which culminated in the launch of the first GPS satellite. He also integrated features from existing systems like TIMATION and TRANSIT into the GPS architecture.

Recognition:

• National Inventors Hall of Fame (2004): Inducted for his contributions to GPS.
• IEEE Awards: Parkinson has received numerous IEEE awards, including the  Pioneer Award (1994), Kershner Award (1986), and the prestigious IEEE Medal of Honor (2018).
• Marconi Prize (2016): Awarded for his contributions to wireless communications and GPS technology.

Roger Easton

Thanks to his innovative work in satellite navigation, Roger Easton is frequently recognized as the primary creator of GPS. As a scientist at the Naval Research Laboratory, Easton developed the TIMATION system, which established the foundation for GPS by combining passive range, circular orbits, and high-precision satellite clocks synced to a master clock.

Accomplishments and Contributions:

• TIMATION System: Easton’s TIMATION system was a breakthrough in satellite navigation, incorporating elements that are still vital to GPS technology today, such as time-based navigation and precision timing.
• Naval Space Surveillance System: Easton designed this system, the pioneering tech that could track all objects orbiting the Earth.
• NTS-2 Satellite: He also participated in developing the NTS-2, the very first satellite capable of transmitting GPS signals.

Recognition:

• National Medal of Technology and Innovation (2004): Awarded by President George W. Bush for his significant achievements in timing technology, navigation, and spacecraft tracking, greatly contributing to the refinement of GPS.
• Magellanic Premium (1997): Received with Bradford Parkinson for their contributions to GPS.
• GPS Hall of Fame (1996): Inducted in recognition of his foundational contributions to GPS technology.

Dr. Gladys West

Dr. Gladys West’s creation of a geoid, a very precise mathematical representation of the form of the Earth, was important in the development of GPS. Her efforts were crucial in improving GPS orbit computations, which made accurate location data possible. 

Without Dr. West’s work, GPS technology would not be as accurate as it is today, impacting everything from navigation to emergency response systems. Her contributions have had a lasting impact on modern society and continue to be utilized in various industries worldwide.

Accomplishments and Contributions:

• Mathematical Geodesy: Dr. West developed algorithms that accounted for gravitational, tidal, and other forces affecting the Earth’s shape. Her work on geodesy provided the accurate Earth model needed for GPS to function effectively.
• IBM 7030 ‘Stretch’ Computer: She programmed this early supercomputer to process satellite data, which was then used to refine calculations for the geoid.
• Seasat and GEOSAT Programs: As a project manager, Dr. West contributed to these satellite programs, which provided critical data for modeling the Earth’s surface.

Recognition:

• Air Force Space and Missile Pioneers Hall of Fame (2018): Inducted for her contributions to GPS technology, marking her as one of the key figures in its development.
• Virginia General Assembly Recognition: Honored for her contributions to science and technology, specifically for her work on GPS.
• BBC’s 100 Women (2018): Named as one of the world’s most inspiring women.

GPS Invention And Development Milestones

Conceptualization

The idea for GPS began in the early 1960s, primarily proposed by Dr. Ivan Getting, an engineer who envisioned a satellite-based navigation system. His research laid the groundwork for what would become the Global Positioning System.

Sputnik and TRANSIT

The launch of the Soviet Sputnik satellite in 1957 highlighted the potential of satellite technology for navigation. Following this, the U.S. Navy developed the TRANSIT system in the 1960s, which was the pioneering operational satellite navigation system primarily used for maritime purposes.

NAVSTAR

In the early 1970s, the U.S. Department of Defense initiated the NAVSTAR program, aiming to create a more advanced satellite navigation system. This program marked the beginning of what we now know as GPS.

Full Operational Capability (FOC)

By the mid-1990s, GPS achieved Full Operational Capability with a constellation of 24 satellites, providing global coverage and reliable positioning services.

Selective Availability Feature

Initially, GPS included a feature called Selective Availability, which reduced the precision of civilian signals on purpose for security reasons. This feature was turned off in 2000, significantly improving GPS accuracy for civilian users.

Civilian Use

In the 1980s, the U.S. government made GPS technology accessible to the public. Since then, GPS has become essential for various applications, including navigation in cars, phones, and aviation.

The Official Launch of the GPS Project

The GPS project was officially launched in 1973, marking a significant milestone in global navigation technology. This initiative integrated earlier concepts and developments into a unified system, ultimately transforming navigation worldwide.

These milestones illustrate how GPS evolved from a conceptual idea to a crucial tool that impacts everyday life and various industries today.

FAQs

Did the U.S. military build the GPS?

While the initial concept and research were done by Dr. Ivan Getting, the actual development and implementation of GPS were carried out by the United States Department of Defense (DoD) through the NAVSTAR program.

When was GPS first invented?

The concept was proposed in the early 1960s, but the official launch of the GPS project was in 1973. The first operational GPS satellite was launched in 1978, and the system reached full operational capability in the mid-1990s.

How accurate is military GPS?

Military GPS is generally more accurate than civilian GPS. This is because the military has access to more precise signals and can use more sophisticated equipment.

Can a GPS track a person?

GPS technology may be used to track an individual’s location. This is accomplished by locating their position using GPS receivers in automobiles, cellphones, and other devices. However, using GPS tracking for personal monitoring can violate someone’s privacy and should only be done in a responsible and morally righteous way.

See more: How To Find A GPS Tracker On Your Car

Conclusion

Finally, we have given you all of the essential details on the inventor of the GPS system. This was a complicated and long-lasting procedure involving multiple participants and cutting-edge technology. Without the efforts of these pioneers, we would not have the GPS technology we use today for navigation and position tracking.