Inducted Technology: Precision Global Positioning System (GPS) Software


Innovating Companies Innovators  
NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Dr. James Zumberge Dr. Kenneth Hurst

Dr. Thomas Yunck Dr. Michael Heflin
  Dr. Sien-Chong Wu Dr. Willy Bertiger
  Dr. Frank Webb Dr. Yoaz Bar-Sever
  Ronald Muellerschoen  
  Dr. Stephen Lichten  
     

In 1985 NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) began developing software to determine satellite orbits with pinpoint accuracy. This work led to the development of a sophisticated system that incorporates special GPS algorithms and now uses the Internet to deliver information enabling real-time positioning accurate to a few inches anywhere in the world for terrestrial users and for space-borne users in low Earth orbit. The Federal Aviation Administration has adopted JPL's software in their GPS-based navigation system to improve air travel safety for millions of travelers.