The United States' Global Positioning System (GPS), having reached Fully Operational Capability on July 171995 completed its original design goals. However, additional advances in technology and new demands on the existing system led to the effort to modernize the GPS system. Announcements from the Vice President and the White House in 1998 initiated these changes. In 2000, U.S. Congress authorized the effort, referred to as GPS III.

The project involves new ground stations and new satellites, with additional navigation signals for both civilian and military users, and aims to improve the accuracy and availability for all users. The target date is 2013 with incentives offered to the contractors if they can complete it by 2011.