The U.S. Space Force is launching a $2 billion program to develop a backup network of 24 satellites, known as the Resilient Global Positioning System (R-GPS), to mitigate the risks of GPS outages, which could cost the economy $1 billion daily. Companies like Astranis, awarded contracts for design concepts, aim to deploy satellites in medium Earth orbit, with the first batch expected to launch by 2028. The initiative reflects a rapid response to the growing threats in space from adversaries and the critical need for reliable positioning, navigation, and timing services.
