Researchers report a potential method to reduce the risk of global positioning system (GPS) drift by linking GPS operations with satellites in lunar orbit. GPS relies not only on space-based signals but also on ground infrastructure; if ground stations go offline for extended periods, timing and orbital solutions can degrade, allowing the constellation to drift.
A paper led by researchers at the Shanghai Engineering Center for Microsatellites argues that adding coordination with satellites orbiting the Moon could help maintain the system’s stability when terrestrial support is disrupted. The proposal is presented in the journal *Satellite Navigation*. While one outlet emphasizes the practical dependence of GPS on vulnerable ground stations—such as those affected by blackouts, disasters, or cyberattacks—coverage remains focused on the scientific concept and the rationale for using lunar orbits rather than detailing deployment plans.
Overall, both reports describe the same core idea: mitigating GPS drift by augmenting support with an orbital reference or relay system around the Moon.
