Contract ceremony in Madrid, Spain, on June 22. (Image: GMV)
GMV has been awarded a major contract by the European Space Agency (ESA) to develop the ground control segment for the in-orbit validation (IOV) system of the Galileo Second Generation (G2G). The primary objectives of G2G are to introduce new services and technologies; improve existing services and technology; increase the accuracy and robustness of the system; strengthen security; and reduce the system’s maintenance costs.
The ground segment will be responsible for controlling the two new second-generation satellite platforms, which are currently in the design and production phase. A total of 12 satellites are expected to be launched over the next three years. The new ground control system is scheduled to come into operation in 2
025, coinciding with the launch of the first satellite of this second generation.
The new contract signed between GMV and ESA is worth over €200 million. This includes the contracting of core G2G activities, for a value of around €155 million. These activities will be carried out over a period of 42 months, from mid-2023 until the end of 2026, with options for extension until 2028.
Galileo currently serves more than four billion users worldwide, delivering global positioning, navigation, and clock synchronization services with a positioning accuracy of up to 20 cm.
ComNav Technology has released the T20 palm real-time kinematic (RTK). The GNSS receiver with advanced technology is designed for surveying and mapping, GIS, marine, precision agriculture and machine control.
T20 is light, weighing in at 0.68 kg, and has low power consumption with 12 hours of battery life. It integrates functions such as a GNSS module, datalink module, 4G, 5.0 dual-mode Bluetooth, data memory system and more.
Powered by the SinoGNSS K8 high precision module, the T20 has 1,590 channels and can track all running and planned constellations including GPS, BDS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS and satellite-based augmentation systems. Additionally, the anti-interference algorithm enables the T20 to maintain accurate positioning and perform well in complex environments, providing surveyors with high-quality measurements.
The T20 is equipped with a third-generation inertial measurement unit from ComNav, which can be tilted and measured at an angle up to 60°. The T20 is also equipped with a U50 datalink module, which enables it to switch between base and rover.
The T20 is compatible with mainstream RTK receivers on the market.
The Indian geosynchronous satellite launch vehicle (GSLV) launched on May 29, carrying the first of the Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC) second-generation navigation satellites. This brings the NavIC satellite total to nine.
The GSLV, dubbed NVS-01, has a mission life of 12 years and features an indigenous rubidium atomic clock developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation’s Space Applications Centre.
The NVS series satellites will sustain and augment the NavIC with enhanced features, including payloads that operate on L1, L5, and S-bands.
There are eight first-generation NavIC satellites on orbit: IRNSS-1A, IRNSS-1B, IRNSS-1C, IRNSS-1D, IRNSS-1E, IRNSS-1F, IRNSS-1G and IRNSS-1I. NVS-01 will become the ninth if the mission is successful.
GSLV-F12/NVS-01 Mission:
GSLV F12’s 🚀
thunderous roar into the skies…..
Turn up the volume 🔊🔊
to enjoy this tracking 📽️ by our colleagues
at SDSC-SHAR, Sriharikota! pic.twitter.com/XZeE5LWgKW
U-blox has released two modules based on the u-blox F9 high-precision GNSS platform. The low-power NEO-F9P supports precise navigation and automation of moving industrial machinery, and the ZED-F9P-15B provides customers in the mobile robotics market with an L1/L5 option in addition to the L1/L2 bands.
The NEO-F9P and the ZED-F9P-15B GNSS modules feature concurrent reception of GPS, Galileo, and BeiDou; multi-band L1/L5 real-time kinematic; short convergence times; and reliable performance. The modules deliver centimeter-level accuracy in seconds and comes in small, high-precision module form factors.
Image: u-blox
This small size, coupled with very low power consumption and ANN-MB1 antenna compatibility, makes the NEO-F9P suitable for a wide range of uses. Offering reliable and efficient positioning, the module supports open as well as standards-based correction services for enhanced performance, such as the u-blox PointPerfect GNSS augmentation service.
A roundup of recent products in the GNSS and inertial positioning industry from the June 2023 issue of GPS World magazine.
SURVEYING
Survey Software Georeference raw lidar data
Georeferencer 2.5 featuring anyNAV software is suitable for survey applications. Users of Georeferencer 2.5 with the anyNAV feature enabled can boresight payloads and georeference lidar data using the user’s navigation data. The anyNAV software enables lidar surveyors to create accurate point clouds quickly. Georeferencer 2.5 now takes navigation data from third-party inertial navigation systems, which enables users to use that data to georeference raw lidar data from multiple sensor families. The resulting data can then be viewed in many point cloud viewer software packages. OxTS, oxts.com
Inertial Navigation Solution Designed to deliver accuracy in challenging environments
Ekinox Micro combines a high-performance MEMS tactical inertial sensor with a quad-constellation, dual-antenna GNSS receiver, making it suitable for mission-critical applications. The device includes pre-configured motion profiles for land, air and marine applications, enabling the sensor and algorithms to be tuned for maximum performance in any condition. The device is designed for ease of use and integration, with simple connectors, a web configuration interface, datalogger, Ethernet connectivity, a PTP server, a REST API for configuration, and multiple input and output formats. Ekinox Micro is compatible with real-time kinematic (RTK) solutions and based on a tactical 0.8°/h class inertial measurement unit calibrated across the entire operating temperature range. It features accuracy roll/pitch of 0.015°, accuracy heading of 0.035°, and accuracy position of 1.2 m without any corrections or 1 cm in RTK. The device also meets the MIL-STD-461, MIL-STD-1275, and MIL-STD-810 standards. SBG Systems, sbg-systems.com
Lidar Sensor High-performance airborne bathymetric solution for deep water surveying
The HawkEye-5 increases survey efficiency by up to 25% compared to previous generations. The technology expands the capabilities of the Chiroptera-5 bathymetric lidar system, enhancing the productivity of applications such as nautical charting, environmental monitoring, and maritime surveillance in deep waters. The technology is designed to fit the Leica PAV100 gyro-stabilized mount, which isolates the sensor from unwanted aircraft movements — resulting in consistent data density and more efficient area coverage. The HawkEye-5 combined with the Chiroptera-5 features three lidar sensors, one four-band camera, and a QC camera to collect data from the seabed to land. Leica Geosystems, leica-geosystems.com
GNSS Receiver Complete with network RTK rover
The Sfaira One GNSS receiver is small and centimeter accurate. It provides users with an entry-level network real time kinematic (RTK) rover. Sfaira One is equipped with a GNSS module with 1,408 channels for GPS, BDS, GLONASS, Galileo and QZSS tracking — providing centimeter positioning in harsh environments. It also features advanced RTK and an anti-interference algorithm. The GNSS receiver connects via Bluetooth and can be configured to conduct surveying tasks on a smartphone. Additionally, Sfaira One supports SingularPad and SingularSurv software and is also compatible with mainstream field survey or GIS software. Sfaira One is IP65 dustproof and waterproof, which makes the receiver suitable for all weather conditions. It has a 4,800 mAh battery life with 16 hours working time and type-C interface that can be charged on-the-go with a power bank. SingularXYZ, singularxyz.com
MAPPING
Mobile Mapping Solution Built for large-scale infrastructure measurement and digital twin creation
The Pegasus TRK100 is small and light, making it easy to mount on any vehicle. The mobile mapping system features the same modular hardware approach that enables users to add more cameras to expand the range of use cases. With its advanced mapping capabilities, the Pegasus TRK100 enables GIS professionals to visualize and understand the location of assets to help make the right decisions, improve asset management, and support infrastructure building and maintenance. The Pegasus TRK100 combines artificial intelligence and a learning algorithm to enhance and optimize the clarity of points in post-processing for improved accuracy. The versatility of the Pegasus TRK100 suits a variety of applications in diverse industries, including telecommunications, utilities and road maintenance. Leica Geosystems, leica-geosystems.com
OEM
Photo:
Helix Antenna Series Suitable for unmanned system applications
HX-CUX012A is designed with an extremely low profile, making it suitable for integration into UAVs, surveying and monitoring devices. It reduces the overall weight of applications, enables multipath mitigation and more. HX-CUX005A is a solution for integrated helix antenna applications. It is designed with the integration of a GNSS antenna and Bluetooth/Wi-Fi antenna, enabling communication and navigation without mutual interference. HX-CH7609A is a low profile and small size housed helix antenna. It has comprehensive GNSS support including GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, as well as L-band correction services. HX-CH7609A features centimeter phase center repeatability and high gain at a low elevation. With signal filtering and multipath rejection, it provides reliable and stable GNSS signals. HX-CHX600A is a high-performance helix antenna that receives GPS, Galileo, BeiDou, GLONASS, as well as L-band signals. With 4.2 dBi high gain, it provides suitable tracking performance at a low elevation angle. Its low noise figure design reduces transmission interference and improves signal quality. Harxon, en.harxon.com
Helical Antenna Suitable for UAV applications
The HC990XF helical antenna is designed for precise positioning, covering the GPS/QZSS L1/L2/L5, QZSS L6, GLONASS G1/G2/G3, Galileo E1/E5a/E5b/E6, BeiDou B1/B2a/B2b/B3, and NavIC L5 frequency bands. This includes the satellite-based augmentation system (SBAS) available in the region of operation as well as L-band correction services. The HC990XF has a base diameter of 64 mm, is 37 mm tall and weighs 45 g. Its precision-tuned helical element provides full GNSS band coverage, suitable gain and axial ratio, and a tight phase center. The antenna base has an SMA (male) connector, three screw holes for secure attachment and an O-ring to waterproof the antenna connector. The HC990XF helical design does not require a ground plane, making it a suitable antenna for UAV applications. Tallysman Wireless, tallysman.com
Inertial Module For automotive uses
The ASM330LHB automotive-qualified MEMS inertial-sensing module provides accurate measurements for a wide variety of vehicle functions. With the dedicated software provided, ASM330LHB also addresses functional-safety applications up to ASIL B1. ASM330LHB contains a 3-axis digital accelerometer and 3-axis digital gyroscope that provides a six-channel synchronized output. The module’s high-accuracy inertial measurements are used to improve the precise positioning of a vehicle. The accelerometer and gyroscope maintain high stability over time and temperature, and have very low noise for an overall bias instability of 3°/hour. Specified over the extended temperature range, -40°C to 105°C, the ASM330LHB has multiple operating modes that let designers optimize the data-update rate and power consumption.
ASM330LHB can support advanced driver assistance systems or vehicle-to-everything communication, as well as help stabilize sensing systems such as radar, lidar and visual cameras, and assist semi-automated driving applications up to L2+. Additionally, ASM330LHB can be used to enable a variety of functionalities in the body of a vehicle. ASM330LHB was developed with the automotive functional-safety standard ISO 26262 — the ASIL B compatible software library has been certified independently by TÜV SÜD. By implementing dedicated safety mechanisms, including data integrity and accuracy, the library ensures compliance with ASIL B automotive systems.
With the companion software engine, the ASM330LHB supports the growing adoption of automotive systems that require safety integrity up to level B. The combination of two ASM330LHB sensor modules for fail-safe redundancy delivers resilient contextual data for driver-assistance applications such as lane centering, emergency braking, cruise assistance and semi-automated driving. ASM330LHB is AEC-Q100 qualified and in production now in a 2.5 mm x 3.0 mm 14-lead VFLGA package. STMicroelectronics, st.com
INS Built for automation applications
The AV200 is designed to give precise location data. It includes quad-constellation, dual-antenna, real-time kinematic (RTK) GNSS to provide users with position data as well as its temperature-calibrated, multi-core inertial measurement unit. These technologies give the AV200 position accuracy within 0.05 m, heading accuracy of 0.2°, and velocity accuracy of 0.2 km/h. The AV200 is built using the same technology that is commonly used for NCAP test validation, which has become the preferred technology for OEMs globally to test vehicles in both test-track and real-world scenarios. OxTS, oxts.com
Reference System For attitude and heading
AHRS-II-P is an enhanced, high-performance strapdown system that determines absolute orientation (heading, pitch and roll) for any mounted device. The AHRS-II-P can determine orientation for both motionless and dynamic applications. The AHRS-II-P contains a tactical-grade inertial measurement unit (IMU) consisting of three high-precision MEMS accelerometers, three advanced MEMS gyroscopes and a high-precision, gyro-compensated, embedded fluxgate compass. It also uses 8 mm fluxgate magnetometers. This device is suitable for a variety of devices such as UAVs, antennas, ships and robotic devices.
Inertial Labs, inertiallabs.com
GNSS Receiver For accurate positioning and heading
As a high-precision integrated GNSS positioning and heading receiver, the A200 can track all existing and planned constellations — including GPS, BSD, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS and SBAS — providing high-precision positioning and heading data for users. A200 is designed specifically for precision agriculture, machine control, fleet management, robot and other industries. The A200 is equipped with a K823 GNSS module. It also features 1,226 channels. The A200’s third generation IMU delivers fast initialization and ensures the output of heading during temporary GNSS signal loss. The built-in data link has low power consumption and a long working range. It also can be upgraded to a super-long-range data link module. ComNav Technology, comnavtech.com
RIEGL Laser Measurement Systems GmbH and Schiebel have successfully completed the integration of a laser scanning system, the RIEGL VQ-840-G topo-bathymetric lidar sensor, on the Schiebel CAMCOPTER S-100 UAS. The RIEGL VQ-840-G, combined with the technical specifications and performance of the CAMCOPTER S-100 UAS, enables an efficient and secure way for surveying shallow waters, where monitoring from boats becomes a challenge.
The applications of airborne lidar bathymetry include the mapping of coastlines and riverbanks, as well as the monitoring of natural habitats, water reservoirs and hydraulic engineering applications.
In a single data acquisition mission, data below and above the water surface are covered.
Image: RIEGL
Additionally, the topographic laser scanners RIEGL VUX-1UAV/-LR and VUX-12023 can be integrated in the front payload bay of the CAMCOPTER S-100.
The VQ-840-G topo-bathymetric laser scanner is designed for use in a variety of maritime and hydrographic environments. The lidar sensor payload system is controlled remotely via a data link, which was crucial for the integration into the S-100 system.
The scanner is controlled by using the onboard software RiACQUIRE-Embedded via the available data link; data acquisition and laser safety are also monitored. Once the survey is completed, the raw data seamlessly integrates into the RIEGL data processing workflow.
What positioning technology is right for your UAV?
One of the things to evaluate is accuracy. Accuracy is important for two reasons: you want your UAV to be where it’s supposed to be, and you want to be able to accurately georeference the data you’re gathering with your payload. But (as you will no doubt have already discovered), accuracy isn’t as simple as looking for a number. You’ll have spotted various abbreviations accompanying those numbers — GPS, PPK, RTK, and GCP most commonly, but you may also see GNSS thrown into the mix. In this article, OxTS will explain what these abbreviations mean, and what they mean for your UAV project.
What are GCPs?
GCPs stands for ground control points, and they are the most inexpensive method of ensuring your data is accurately georeferenced. They are physical targets that you place on the ground, and for which you know the coordinates. Once your UAV has finished its survey, those points can be used to reference the position of your UAV in the global frame.
The biggest drawback with GCPs is that they don’t help your UAV know its own position. GCPs only help provide your UAV with a general position reference. So, GCPs aren’t any use if you want your UAV to fly pre-programmed flight plans. For that, you’ll need a solution such as an inertial navigation system (INS) paired with a GNSS receiver. GCPs can also be time consuming to use and cause additional difficulties at the post-processing stage.
What is GNSS?
GNSS stands for global navigation satellite system, which are systems that use satellite-based radio navigation to provide positioning, navigation and timing anywhere on Earth. The U.S. GPS is one of four GNSS constellations; the other three are the Russian GLONASS, the Chinese BeiDou, and the European Galileo. There are also two regional satellite navigation systems — the Indian NavIC and the Japanese QZSS.
Many UAVs will have a GNSS receiver built in — it’s what enables them to know where they are on the planet, after all. Using GNSS only, most UAVs can get accuracy of 3 m to 5 m. This level of accuracy isn’t too bad for some applications, but not accurate enough if you’re trying to use the position data for mapping activities.
What is PPK?
Most UAVs advertise their ability to perform PPK — which stands for post-processed kinematics. It’s a method of squeezing extra accuracy out of your GNSS signal. OxTS has a blog post here that describes how it works.
The main thing to note about PPK is that you can’t use it in real time. UAVs with PPK capabilities can provide data that’s centimeter-level accurate in optimum conditions, but that accuracy can’t be used for navigating the drone itself. It also means that for activities that require centimetre-level accuracy in real time, PPK doesn’t deliver.
What is RTK?
RTK is the best you can get when it comes to position accuracy. RTK stands for real-time kinematic, and just like PPK it can use it to obtain centimeter-level accuracy — but, in real time, rather than in post-processing.
For most mobile mapping activities RTK accuracy is the goal, particularly if you’re using a lidar sensor to create georeferenced pointclouds.
Without RTK accuracy for the duration of your lidar survey, your point cloud may be unusable. The additional accuracy RTK offers could be used to tackle more challenging environments — providing that you have the tools to remain with RTK accuracy for as long as possible in the absence of GNSS.
Most off-the shelf UAVs won’t have RTK capabilities built in; however, to get this level of accuracy, it’s likely that you’ll either need to purchase a top-of-the-range UAV or invest in a custom UAV (either built by you, or by a professional company).
What’s right for me?
If you’re involved in mobile mapping activities, then at the very least you will need PPK capabilities. Without those, you won’t be able to georeference your data with enough accuracy to be of use to anyone.
When considering the difference between PPK and RTK, you need to consider:
In what environment is your UAV operating? Do you need more accuracy than just a GNSS signal (remembering that PPK can only be applied after the survey takes place)?
Is range of no particular importance – or is the payload on your drone sufficiently large that you need to calculate range very carefully? If so, RTK will give your UAV additional accuracy and, therefore, fuel efficiency.
The final word in accuracy: gx/ix PPK and RTK from OxTS
If you read the blog post mentioned above, you’ll know that RTK (and PPK) rely on having an optimal number of satellites visible. If those satellites are lost, then so is RTK lock. That is, unless you use an OxTS INS with gx/ix tight coupling technology. Gx/ix allows our INS devices to maintain RTK and PPK level accuracy even if the number of visible satellites starts to drop. Essentially, it protects the accuracy of your scan for longer — and it is available on the OxTS xNAV650, our UAV-mountable INS.
The OxTS xNAV650 INS combines a best-in-class inertial measurement unit, with a survey-grade GNSS receiver to output highly accurate navigation data (position, heading, pitch and roll). The xNAV650 is used across the world for applications where reliability and accuracy are critical.
GNSS interface board – mosaic. (Image: Point One Navigation)
Point One Navigation and Septentrio have partnered to expand upon the companies’ precision location solutions throughout Western Europe. The new developer compatibility is suitable for demanding applications, including industrial autonomy, precision agriculture, logistics and delivery, robots and autonomous vehicles.
Point One’s Polaris is a correction network that enables high-precision GPS and computer vision-based localization. Polaris has recently extended coverage to now include Western Europe, further expanding the reach of the network. This solution is powered by Septentrio’s GNSS receivers, including the mosaic compact multi-constellation GNSS receiver.
The mosaic module — a multi-band, multi-constellation receiver in a low-power surface-mount module with a wide array of interfaces — is designed for mass market applications such as robotic and autonomous vehicle guidance systems. The module integrates GNSS and RF ASIC technology, as well as the robust positioning engine from Septentrio.
Septentrio real-time kinematic (RTK) receivers can be used directly with Polaris to provide centimeter-level accuracy in seconds.
This technology is complemented by Point One’s FusionEngine software, which further integrates cameras and additional sensors to achieve the desired level of precision — even in the complete absence of satellite signals.
FusionEngine has the accuracy and the resilience to inclement weather required by Level 2 applications, such as highway lane keeping and V2X, while offering the robustness necessary for mission-critical Level 4 and Level 5 robotaxi and full autonomy applications.
At the Joint Navigation Conference in San Diego, BAE Systems unveiled NavGuide, an assured-positioning, navigation and timing (A-PNT) device featuring M-code GPS technology. NavGuide is a field-installable replacement to the defense advanced GPS receiver (DAGR), designed for quick integration into current DAGR mounts and accessories without mission interruption.
NavGuide features a 3 in, full-color, graphical user interface for dismounted soldiers, and easily integrates with existing mounted platforms and systems. The device leverages the advanced M-code GPS signal with enhanced jamming and spoofing protection.
NavGuide is portable, versatile, and precise, and enables vehicular, handheld, sensor, and gun laying applications that enable the military to defeat adversaries in a variety of challenging threat environments.
Harxon has released two high-precision GNSS antennas suitable for robotic lawn mowers.
The HX-CSX014A is a high gain, low profile and compact antenna with a new structure that simplifies integration into lawn mowers and minimizes the overall machine dimension. It features small size, high sensitivity and low power consumption.
The HX-CSX231A, is a ready-to-use GNSS antenna with a highly reliable structure that makes it small and lightweight. It exhibits 4.5 dBi high gain performance with ultra-low signal loss. It also delivers wide beam width that covers wide frequencies with high marginal gain, a perfect option in complex environments.
Additionally, the HX-CSX231A’s advanced LNA features improved signal filtering, out-of-band rejection, restrained unwanted electromagnetic interferences and a strong multi-path reduction capacity.
To learn more about Harxon high precision GNSS solutions for lawn mowers, click here.
OceanGate. (Credit: Screenshot of NBC news coverage)
On June 17, an OceanGate Expedition Titan submersible launched off the coast of Newfoundland, Canada, carrying five passengers to the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean to explore the infamous R.M.S. Titanic shipwreck. The U.S. Coast Guard said that the submersible lost contact with the surface vessel about an hour and 45 minutes after the launch and has not been in contact since.
The submersible can support life for 96 hours. As of the afternoon of June 20, it had 40 hours of oxygen left and U.S. and Canadian agencies were still searching for it.
The Titan submersible explained
According to the OceanGate website, the Titan is “a Cyclops-class manned submersible designed to take five people to depths of 4,000 [m] (13,123 [ft]) for site survey and inspection, research and data collection, film and media production, and deep-sea testing of hardware and software.” The Titan is equipped with an inertial navigation system (INS), an ultra-short base line acoustic positioning system, a robotics laser scanner, a Teledyne 2D sonar and more.
While it is equipped with an INS, the Titan relies on messages from a surface ship to guide the submersible to the shipwreck. The submersible and surface vessel rely on Elon Musk’s Starlink satellites for communication.
A part of the Titan worth mentioning, the crew is sealed inside and bolts are applied to the outside — needing an external crew to remove them upon surfacing.
Foreshadowing
The New York Postreported, in 2022, that an OceanGate Expedition to the Titanic lost contact for more than two hours and never found the wreck.
Aboard the submersible was a CBS correspondent, David Pogue, who was filming a segment for CBS Sunday Morning. He tweeted about the incident.
There are 18 planned expeditions to the Titanic with OcenGate Expeditions to survey the shipwreck, collect data, and document high-resolution images and videos.
The entire trip to the Titanic wreck site takes 8 days, and one dive can take up to 10 hours. The expedition is comprised of five legs.
Septentrio’s compact GNSS timing module, mosaic-T, now supports the AtomiChron timing service from Fugro. The mosaic-T module already includes several layers of security against GNSS jamming and spoofing with AIM+ integrated technology and OSNMA Galileo authentication; however, AtomiChron further strengthens the anti-spoofing security of the mosaic-T receiver by offering navigation message authentication on all four major GNSS constellations.
Fugro AtomiChron includes navigation message authentication, which ensures timing resilience through reception of only genuine GNSS signals. The AtomiChron eliminates time drift caused by clocks counting time at slightly different rates. This achieves sub-nanosecond accuracy and provides extreme stability that surpasses current precision frequency standards. This is a lightweight and scalable solution, which removes the need for atomic clocks in critical infrastructure.
The mosaic-T delivers accurate timing with multi-frequency, multi-constellation GNSS technology and offers dedicated timing features and inputs for time and clock synchronization. AtomiChron capability can be obtained via a software upgrade for new receivers or for receivers which are already operational in the field.
The AtomiChron service is optional and can be activated through Fugro. To find out more about mosaic-T or the secure positioning receivers from Septentrio use the Product Finder tool or contact the Septentrio team.
