Does Poland Need eLoran?

Abstract

The second half of the 20th century has made its mark on world history as the era of information technology and conquest of space. Since 1974, when the first test NAVSTAR GPS satellite was launched, our lives have been elevated to another dimension. Presently, there are eleven global and regional satellite systems in the integration phase with Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS). Some of them are fully operational, while others are still under construction or in testing. Satellite technology is being applied more and more in various spheres of global economics, e.g. different kinds of transportation. We use a satellite signal to determine position in geodesy and in all types of navigation. It is also indispensable for the provision of timing and emergency services. Alongside the rapid development of satellite systems, however, new threats related to their operation have emerged. This article presents the general characteristics of all satellite systems and threats they are subjected to. The author also describes the general characteristics of eLoran system as a back-up for satellite systems. The article ends with a suggestion to create a system in Poland that would secure the functioning of different spheres of economy.