A visualisation showing an unusually large area of GPS interference over New Mexico (partially extending over Texas, Nevada and Mexico), centred on White Sands Missile Range. The screenshot is from January 11, 2023 (at approximately 10:30 am UTC), and has been taken from gpsjam.org, an interactive map created and maintained by John Wiseman (@lemonodor ) that documents the accuracy of GPS signals worldwide by tracking and aggregating ADS-B network data on aircrafts’ navigation systems. According to a FAA’s NOTAM, the interference might be connected to a flight of a modified Beechcraft 1900 testbed aircraft, which is “part of a squadron flight that tests guidance systems, laser systems, air-to-air/air-to-ground systems, long-range and standoff weapons, live warheads, and provides target and photo/safety chase”. White Sands (which includes the Trinity Site where the first atomic bomb was detonated, and the V-2 Launching Site from where the captured German V-2 rockets that took the first photos of Earth from space were launched in 1946) is still an active US Army’s testing area and firing range.
The following images are from a recent visit to White Sands National Park and White Sands Missile Range Museum on November 11, 2022. I had the luck and privilege to visit the sites together with @ersela_kripa and @stphn_mllr , following their invite to the amazing @ttu.architecture.elpaso .
A very high frequency omndirectional radio range tactical air navigation (VORTAC) installation in the Nevada desert. Located a few miles north-east of Moapa Valley, NV, this facility is part of a nationwide infrastructure aimed at providing conventional backup navigation service during potential Global Positioning System (GPS) outages. Filmed on July 2, 2022, while driving northbound on I-15. Following image excerpts are from FAA Order 6820.10, “VOR, VOR/DME and VORTAC Siting Criteria,” from April 17, 1986.
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