GPS versus Galileo: Balancing for Position in Space

This study investigates Europes motives to develop the independent satellite navigation system known as Galileo despite the existence of Americas successful global positioning system GPS. The study begins by analyzing both systems to familiarize the reader with global navigation satellite systems GNSS and to provide an understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of GPS and Galileo, as well as the systems similarities and differences. Although the two systems have different founding principles, they employ similar infrastructures and operational concepts. In the short term, Galileo will provide better accuracy for civilian users until GPS upgrades take effect. But performance is only part of the rationale. The author contends that Europes pursuit of Galileo is driven by a combination of reasons, including performance, independence, and economic incentive. With Galileo, Europe hopes to achieve political, security, and technological independence from the United States. Additionally, Europe envisions overcoming the US monopoly on GNSS by seizing a sizable share of the expanding GNSS market and setting a new world standard for satellite navigation. Finally, the author explores Galileos impact on the United States and reviews US policy towards Galileo. The study concludes with recommendations to strengthen the competitiveness of GPS. GPS versus Galileo Balancing for Position in Space was originally written as a masters thesis for the Air Universitys School of Advanced Air and Space Studies SAASS at Maxwell AFB, Alabama, in June 2004. The College of Aerospace Doctrine, Research and Education CADRE is pleased to publish this SAASS research as a CADRE Paper and thereby make it available to a wider audience within the US Air Force and beyond.