15 Sep 1998
A millennium bug-style date problem could disrupt satellites that support the US Global Positioning System (GPS), writes Steve Ranger.
GPS allows people with receivers to pinpoint their geographic location and is a key aid for use in maritime navigation and in vehicle location systems.
The problem is caused by the date system used by the GPS. It only recognises 1,024 weeks ? which began on the week of 6 January 1980, and will conclude on 21 August next year.
The system, owned by the US Department of Defense, consists of 21 satellites, each continually broadcasting its changing position and time.
The concern is that older receivers will not recognise the correct date and will calculate the positions of the satellites incorrectly.
Derek Gilbert, of GPS manufacturer Raytheon Marine Systems, said that the operating system will be reset at this time, but a Japanese newspaper has reported that some insurers are adding clauses to policies stipulating that GPS-related accidents will not be covered.
The problem was discussed at last week?s International Union of Marine Insurance conference.
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