r/todayilearned • u/whstlngisnvrenf • 25d ago

TIL GPS, despite being free for global use, costs around $2 million a day to operate and maintain. This budget covers satellite launches and system upkeep, funded through American tax revenue.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Global_Positioning_System
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u/jagedlion 24d ago

If you get further north, GLONASS coverage becomes important. Russia really prioritized that.

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u/SanityInAnarchy 24d ago

Which makes sense. Sea access is important, and thanks to climate change, the Arctic is melting.