GPS was always intended for both civilian and military purposes, dating back to its inception in the 1970s. In response to the downing of KAL 007 by the Russia

GPS was always intended for both civilian and military purposes, dating back to its inception in the 1970s. In response to the downing of KAL 007 by the Russians in 1983, civilian access to satellite navigation became an explicit guarantee. But that wasn't really an operational turning point, just a clarification of policy. Before KAL 007, GPS was unaffordable to most users, and not widely developed commercially because there was still uncertainty about whether it would remain available in the long run.