Which organization developed the Wide Area Augmentation System?

The Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) was developed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to enhance the accuracy, availability, and integrity of GPS signals for aviation purposes. WAAS is designed to support precision approaches in all weather conditions, which significantly improves safety and operational capabilities for aircraft.

The system uses ground reference stations to measure GPS signal errors and then transmits correction information to geostationary satellites, ensuring that pilots can rely on highly precise navigation data. The FAA's commitment to improving navigational safety and efficiency for aviation operations directly led to the development of WAAS, demonstrating the agency's pivotal role in aviation advancements in the United States.

The other organizations, while influential in aviation, do not specifically have the authority or the operational focus that the FAA possesses when it comes to developing and implementing navigation systems like WAAS.