Iridium Unveils Satellite Time and Location GPS Alternative

Iridium launched what it's calling an alternative GPS system, Satellite Time and Location (STL). In a news release Monday, the satellite company said STL works across its 66-satellite low earth orbit constellation and provides position, navigation and timing services globally and can be used to verify or substitute for GPS, the Global Navigation Satellite System, Galileo and other navigation services. Iridium said STL also can augment GPS by providing a timing or position source when GPS signals are degraded or unavailable, and its signals penetrate into buildings. The company said its Iridium Next satellite constellation, scheduled for completion by late 2017, will also support STL.