Bush Prepares for Possible GPS Shutdown

The U.S.S.R. had one at one time. What happened to it? Couldn't
afford the
upkeep?

The Soviet Union began launching satellites for GLONASS, their GPS
equivalent, back in 1982. When the country went out of business,
upkeep slowed, and the original 24+3 satellite system is down to 8,
making it essentially useless. You need multiple locks to use
GLONASS/GPS for navigation, so...

There was some discussion of a new GLONASS replacement called
GLONASS-M, but it's contingent on money which is in somewhat short
supply in Russia.