tap into the space-based Global Positioning System in their cars or on mobile
devices for getting directions to the nearest gas station or Starbucks. But GPS's
DARPA-funded origins had far more serious missions in mind, such as monitoring
Russian space satellites during the Cold War.
Now, DARPA is
funding projects that could lead to the replacement of GPS in crucial situations
when the system's signals are vulnerable to being blocked or hacked. Called
Micro-PNT (Micro-Technology for Positioning, Navigation and Timing), the service uses internal clocks, gyroscopes and accelerometers instead of GPS satellites as
a way to provide precision navigation for munitions.
And down the
road, it could help you pinpoint that espresso stand inside the mall.
Related: Atop the Electronics World, Samsung Now Chasing Innovation