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LifestreamFrom Wired: Galileo: Challenge to U.S. Might?
Galileo’s electronics are far more advanced — the first GPS satellite was launched in 1978 with technology that was conceived in the ’60s. While GPS satellites are pretty basic by today’s standards, the European satellites would be able to beam a suite of signals.
But if the PRS and the M-Code lay on top of each other, that would be impossible. And, if future enemies figured out a way to hack into the PRS, they could keep their smart bombs on target, and their drones flying.
After multiple rounds of negotiation, the PRS signal was finally moved away, out of the GPS frequency range altogether.
The article also speaks of commercial possibilities. If there is such a thing. Seems unlikely, as pointed out. There are already free services that will get the job done using GPS.
The deal with Galileo is obviously to create a certain independence from the US. Not to make money on the system. It is a sure loss but no more illogical than spending billions on fighter jets or aircraft carriers. In the long run it could prove to be the best investment that Europe was ever committed to.
No mentioning of the Europe-China connection though. I would imagine that some people in the US consider the funding as a bit of a problem. Personally I’m pleased that the two systems will be able to work together, but I am also reluctant to merge the two systems in any way. And if China wants to use PRS for guided weapons then it is for Europe to decide, not the Pentagon. At any rate, this is surely a very infected matter and one that receives too little attention in mainstream media and political circles. What is it that they say at wedding ceremonies again … “or forever remain silent”. This is the time to object and discuss the matter. And to accept the situation. In a year or two it will be too late and things might have spun out of control.
