So they are updating/resetting the GPS system we all use to get around. Seems some think it could cause major problems. If you are traveling to 'parts unknown' you may want to have an old fashioned map with you.
Goward explained that GPS works by sending out timing signals. On each satellite, there are multiple atomic clocks. GPS relies on precision timing to operate.
“Essentially, all the GPS satellites are just very, very precise clocks,” said Goward.
In that timing signal, there is a timestamp containing a code. The code is based on the week and seconds in that week when “GPS Time” began or was set. That date started on January 6, 1980.
But since “GPS time” uses only 10-bits to count the weeks and seconds within that week, it can only cover a finite period of time before it runs out of space.
“It turns out it happens roughly every 20 years,” said Parkinson.
That finite period of time is 1,024 weeks or precisely 19.7 years. This period of GPS time called an epoch. When GPS time reaches its finite period, it “rolls over” or resets to zero.
This rollover happened once before on or around August 21, 1999, but there were few documented problems, according to experts. This time, it’s different.
Here's the funniest quote;
“If you’re driving your car and it were to suddenly say you’re in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, be very suspicious,” cautioned Parkinson."
The good news is that since these occur every 19.7 years and we will all be dead in 12, this is the last time it will happen!
Goward explained that GPS works by sending out timing signals. On each satellite, there are multiple atomic clocks. GPS relies on precision timing to operate.
“Essentially, all the GPS satellites are just very, very precise clocks,” said Goward.
In that timing signal, there is a timestamp containing a code. The code is based on the week and seconds in that week when “GPS Time” began or was set. That date started on January 6, 1980.
But since “GPS time” uses only 10-bits to count the weeks and seconds within that week, it can only cover a finite period of time before it runs out of space.
“It turns out it happens roughly every 20 years,” said Parkinson.
That finite period of time is 1,024 weeks or precisely 19.7 years. This period of GPS time called an epoch. When GPS time reaches its finite period, it “rolls over” or resets to zero.
This rollover happened once before on or around August 21, 1999, but there were few documented problems, according to experts. This time, it’s different.
Here's the funniest quote;
“If you’re driving your car and it were to suddenly say you’re in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, be very suspicious,” cautioned Parkinson."
The good news is that since these occur every 19.7 years and we will all be dead in 12, this is the last time it will happen!
