Creator Of Gps, Ivan Getting, Dies

[Banjo-Jim]

An upcoming Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite launch carries a special tribute to a visionary that made the idea of space navigation positioning a reality.

 

Onboard the GPS spacecraft (GPS 2R-11), now scheduled for a March 20 liftoff from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida, is a special plaque carrying the words of the late space pioneer, Ivan Getting: "Lighthouses in the sky serving all mankind."

 

Getting envisioned a system that would use satellite transmitters to pinpoint with extreme accuracy locations anywhere on Earth. He then became a vigorous advocate for making sure the complex system was built after it was shown it would work.

 

Click to Enlarge

 

Getting, who served as president of The Aerospace Corporation when it was established in 1960 until 1977, died in October 2003. Earlier that year he was recognized by the National Academy of Engineering -- along with Bradford Parkinson of Stanford University -- for inventing the GPS.

Read the whole press release at http://www.space.com/astronotes/astronotes.html

Sincerely your,

Banjo-Jim in the Woods

[+QuackAttack]

That is interesting, thanks for the post and information. We are planning to be at tomorrow's launch and now know even more about it to share with others. Thanks again for posting such facts.

John - Orlando

[+wray_clan]

My greatest thanks and condolences go to the Getting family. The original idea of a GPS system is revolutionary and downright genius.

[+CacheCreatures]

Dr. Getting, an IEEE Founders Medal Winner, was truly a visionary. His contributions will be realized for generations.

 

Thanks for posting this.

 

edit: sp

Edited March 21, 2004 by CacheCreatures