Civilian GPS Revolution: How The Tragic Loss Of 269 Lives Led to Widespread Accessibility
Imagine a world where a miraculous device could instantly locate you anywhere on Earth and navigate you to your destination effortlessly. This magical device, now known as GPS (Global Positioning System), is a technology we often take for granted. However, the intriguing story of how GPS became accessible to the public, involving a significant event that claimed 269 lives, is often overlooked
Recently, a social media post piqued our curiosity, inspiring us to revisit this fascinating tale behind the democratization of GPS for civilians.
The backstory to how GPS became freely available for civilian use 🤯 pic.twitter.com/v1pVSW12Jh
— Alec Stapp (@AlecStapp) October 2, 2023
The Exclusive Military Origins
According to historical accounts, GPS initially served as an exclusive tool for the U.S. military. It was developed, deployed, and controlled by military authorities who had concerns about the potential risks of civilian access. After all, the primary purpose of GPS was to assist military operations by precisely guiding missiles to their targets.
The Turning Point: Korean Air Lines Flight 007
The transformation of GPS from a military secret to a civilian necessity began with a pivotal event in 1983. On this tragic day, a Soviet SU-15 fighter jet shot down Korean Air Lines Flight 007, resulting in the devastating loss of all 269 souls on board.
Tragedy in the Skies: The KAL Flight 007 Incident
Korean Air Lines Flight 007 had deviated far from its intended route, straying over 200 miles into Soviet-prohibited airspace while en route from Anchorage, Alaska, to Seoul. The Soviet authorities claimed that the plane was involved in espionage for the United States, despite a lack of concrete evidence. Responding to this perceived threat, the Soviet fighter jet launched two air-to-air missiles, downing the aircraft, which crashed into the Sea of Japan near Sakhalin Island.
GPS Access for All: President Reagan's Decision
The catastrophic loss of 269 lives due to the KAL Flight 007 incident prompted President Ronald Reagan to make a pivotal decision. On September 16, 1983, he took the bold step of opening up GPS to the public, marking a significant turning point in the history of this technology.
The Catch: Selective Degradation of GPS Accuracy
However, there was a caveat to this decision. Civilian GPS initially came with intentional limitations, introducing a degree of inaccuracy that restricted precision to a radius of approximately 100 meters.
Precision Unleashed: President Clinton's Bill
The intentional degradation of GPS accuracy was discontinued in 2000 when President Bill Clinton signed a bill to remove these restrictions. This move paved the way for a precise and freely accessible GPS system that has since revolutionized navigation and led to countless technological innovations, including the ubiquitous mapping applications found on modern smartphones.
Conclusion: The Legacy of GPS Accessibility
The tragic loss of 269 lives in the KAL Flight 007 incident serves as a poignant reminder of the profound impact of innovation and accessibility. It illustrates how technology, driven by necessity and lessons from history, can transform our world. Today, GPS is an integral part of our lives, guiding us not only in our physical journeys but also through the complex narrative of its own evolution.
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