Godfather of GPS Inducted in Inventors Hall of Fame

Global Positioning System (GPS) and satellite telemetry and timing guru Roger L. Easton was inducted today into the US National Inventors Halls of Fame for his work in spacecraft tracking and navigation technology.

Easton pioneered satellite tracking as they floated through space, which lead to his modern day GPS technology.  Since its invention GPS Technology has been used in from finding directions to tracking endangered species and much more.

Easton started working at the Naval Research Laboratory in 1943 and helped develop, the very first satellite tracking system, which led to “time navigation”.

“Roger’s career contributions and his keen ability to develop new, bigger ‘problem sets’ from his experiences are what impressed me most,” said the director of the US Naval Center for Space Technology, Pete Wilhelm, “his leap in vision led to the United States’ first satellite tracking network and patent of synchronized timing of spacecraft which became the fundamental basis for GPS.”

In the 60’s and 70’s the programs were used to launch experimental satellites, the last of which was the first to be tracked by GPS in its 12 hour orbit.

Easton registered the GPS patent in 1974, under the name “Navigation System Using Satellites and Passive Ranging Techniques.”

After his work in labs, however, Easton served two terms in the New Hampshire State Assembly and ran for Governor in 1986.

So, thank you Mr. Easton for helping us find our way.

Tags: Aerospace, Automotive, GPS, Technology