John Betz has contributed to modernizing the Global Positioning System (GPS), devising new signal modulations used on GPS and other satellite-based navigation systems while also developing new theory to describe receiver performance. He served as a leader and technical contributor for the design of the military's GPS M-code signal for satellite navigation. Betz also helped design the GPS L1C signal, which will be available in 2013. He is a key contributor to ongoing technical discussions between the U.S. and other nations developing their own satellite-based navigation systems, working to improve mutual compatibility and interoperability. He also serves as chair of the Air Force Scientific Advisory Board, where he leads 52 nationally recognized scientists and engineers providing technology advice to the Air Force senior leadership. Among other awards and recognitions, Betz is a Fellow of the Institute of Navigation and a Fellow of IEEE.