Bill > HR4344

This bill establishes a Pathfinder Program within the Air Force to develop a resilient satellite-based positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) system as an alternative to the Global Positioning System (GPS). The Secretary of the Air Force will select and contract with at least one U.S. commercial service provider to demonstrate a satellite system with specific technical capabilities, including operating independently of GPS, being compatible with existing GPS user equipment, and offering enhanced resistance to jamming and spoofing. The satellite system must provide extremely precise timing (less than 10 nanoseconds) and positioning (less than 30 centimeters) for both stationary and mobile users, with the ability to quickly restore service if satellites are disabled. The bill requires the Secretary to evaluate potential providers based on their commercial viability, technological readiness, and satellite manufacturing capabilities, and to provide a comprehensive report to congressional armed services committees within two years. If the capability demonstration is successful, the Secretary will seek to award a follow-on production contract to at least one provider to achieve operational deployment, with the ultimate goal of creating a more robust and resilient alternative to the current GPS system.

Military Affairs and Security

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/4344/all-info