Official U.S. government information about the
Global Positioning System (GPS) and related topics
United States Policy
Since the 1980s, multiple U.S. presidents have issued consistent policies encouraging the worldwide use of GPS for peaceful purposes. Congress has enacted elements of these policies as permanent law.
The stability and transparency of U.S. policy, combined with a long track record of dependable GPS service, have laid a solid foundation for investment and innovation in GPS technology. As a result, the commercial use of GPS technology has flourished, transforming the way we live and work today.
GPS Policy Highlights
The U.S. Space-Based Positioning, Navigation, and Timing Policy of 2021, signed by President Trump, establishes the following goal:
“[T]o maintain United States leadership in the service provision, and responsible use of global navigation satellite systems, including GPS and foreign systems.”
This goal statement reiterates language from the National Space Policy of 2020. The government achieves this goal in a number of ways, including:
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Free Access for Civilian Use
The U.S. government provides civilian access to GPS on a continuous, worldwide basis, free of direct user fees.
It also provides open, free access to the information needed to develop GPS user equipment.
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Management of GPS as a National Asset
The GPS program receives national-level attention and guidance through a joint civil/military body established by presidential directive.
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Joint Program Funding
The bulk of the GPS program is budgeted through the Department of Defense, but the Department of Transportation also contributes funding to support civilian GPS requirements.
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GPS Modernization
To meet growing demands and stay competitive internationally, the U.S. government is committed to a long-term modernization program that will improve GPS performance, including more robust resistance to interference.
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International Cooperation
The United States engages with other global navigation satellite system providers to ensure compatibility, encourage interoperability with likeminded nations, promote transparency in civil service provision, and enable market access for U.S. industry.
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Denying Hostile Use
It is U.S. policy to prevent hostile use of GPS through localized denial (i.e., military jamming) that does not unduly disrupt civil and commercial GPS access outside the battlefield. The United States no longer uses Selective Availability to degrade civil GPS accuracy.
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Spectrum Protection
The U.S. government works to minimize human sources of GPS interference through spectrum regulations, interference detection and mitigation efforts, and law enforcement.
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Major Policy Documents
- U.S. Space-Based Positioning, Navigation, and Timing Policy
- National Space Policy
- Cybersecurity Principles for Space Systems (federalregister.gov)
- Executive Order on Strengthening Resilience Through Responsible Use of Positioning, Navigation, and Timing Services (federalregister.gov)
- Other Documents
