GeoStar was a pioneering satellite-based navigation and positioning company that operated in the late 1980s and early 1990s. GeoStar was a trailblazer in the satellite navigation industry, known for its ambitious attempts to provide accurate positioning services using geostationary satellites. While the company faced significant challenges and ultimately did not succeed commercially, its innovative approach and contributions to the field had a lasting impact on the development of satellite navigation technologies.

GeoStar Corporation was founded in 1983. The company aimed to create a satellite-based navigation system that would provide accurate positioning information for various applications, including transportation, maritime, and aviation.

GeoStar's system was designed to use geostationary satellites to provide positioning data. Unlike the Global Positioning System (GPS), which uses medium Earth orbit satellites, GeoStar's approach relied on satellites positioned in geostationary orbit. The system utilized time-of-arrival (TOA) measurements to determine the user's position. GeoStar planned to use a network of ground stations to provide corrections and improve the accuracy of positioning data.

GeoStar targeted several markets, including aviation, maritime, and land-based transportation. They envisioned applications such as tracking vehicles, navigating ships, and guiding aircraft. GeoStar partnered with various companies and organizations to develop and promote their technology. They worked with airlines, shipping companies, and other transportation sectors to implement their navigation solutions.

The implementation of a geostationary-based navigation system posed significant technical challenges, including the need for high-precision timekeeping and the development of ground-based infrastructure. Despite their innovative approach, GeoStar struggled with funding and operational challenges. The high costs of launching and maintaining satellites, coupled with the competition from GPS, made it difficult for the company to sustain its operations.

Although GeoStar eventually ceased operations, their efforts contributed to the advancement of satellite navigation technology. They were among the early pioneers in the field and helped pave the way for future innovations in satellite-based positioning systems. GeoStar's work demonstrated the potential of satellite navigation and influenced subsequent developments in the industry. Their vision of using satellites for precise positioning continues to be realized through modern systems like GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and BeiDou.