Fire ravaged GPS station rises from the ashes
25 November 2003
The Mt Stromlo Global Positioning System (GPS) station that was destroyed by bushfires in January 2003 is operational once again. The receiver, antenna and auxiliary computer equipment have been replaced. Data is available from 7th November. The station is one of 16 permanent geodetic-quality GPS receivers which form the Australian Regional GPS Network (ARGN), which contributes to the International GPS Service.
GPS is a satellite-based navigation system developed by the United States Department of Defense. It is widely used for civilian navigation and positioning, surveying and scientific applications.
Rebuilding of the Satellite Laser Ranging (SLR) station at Mt Stromlo is well under way and is expected to be fully operational in early 2004. The SLR stations contribute to the geodetic framework for the spatial data infrastructure in Australia and its Territories. They also provide input for satellite orbits and the measurement of earth processes, such as crustal dynamics and sea level rise.
Topic contact: media@ga.gov.au Last updated: May 31, 2012
