How will Australia’s emergency services cope if satellites go down? With a sextant and a street directory

What would happen if your GPS suddenly stopped working?

As reliance on technology grows, so does the risk associated with it. Experts are raising alarms about potential solar flares that could disrupt vital satellite systems, leaving emergency services in a precarious position.

In response, Australia's military and State Emergency Services (SES) are taking proactive measures. They are retraining personnel in traditional navigation and communication methods. Imagine navigating by the stars or using a street directory—a skill that many might consider outdated but could become essential in a crisis.

Why does this matter to you? If satellites were to go down, our daily lives would be affected in ways we might not immediately consider. Emergency response times could increase, and coordination during disasters could falter. Knowing how to navigate without high-tech tools could be critical in maintaining safety and efficiency.

The training includes reading paper maps and using sextants, techniques that have stood the test of time. While these methods may seem archaic, they are a reminder of the resilience and adaptability required in emergencies.

As experts continue to warn about the vulnerabilities of our ‘critical space infrastructure,’ the question remains: are we prepared for such scenarios? The reality is that preparation is key, and these analog skills could prove invaluable when technology fails.

Stay informed about how these developments unfold and what they mean for you. For the latest verified details, consider reading the full report at The Guardian AU.