Opinion: The Critical Failure That Led To GPS

Navigation Technology Satellite 1

The product of Air Force and Navy programs, the Navigation Technology Satellite 1 launched in 1974.

Credit: Naval Research Laboratory
In a word, I had failed. My presentation to demonstrate a new satellite-based navigation system had been disapproved at the highest level of the Pentagon. The long table in front of my raised platform was populated with more generals, admirals and senior civilians than I had ever addressed. I was a...

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