GPS: Open to Civilians or Military Only (1983-2000)
by Anonymous
After the Soviet shootdown of KAL 007, Reagan opened GPS to civilian use. Clinton later removed Selective Availability in 2000, giving civilians full accuracy. The decision to open military technology created a trillion-dollar civilian industry.
Open to Civilians (Full Accuracy)
1983/2000
year
Free global access
access policy
3-5 meters (after SA removal)
accuracy
Chosen — enabled Uber, Waze, precision agriculture, drones
outcome
Military Only
Pre-1983
year
Restricted to US military
access policy
N/A for civilians
accuracy
Not maintained — too valuable to restrict
outcome
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