GPS World

Tag: NAVISP

  • u-blox explores how Celeste LEO PNT complements GNSS for mass market

    u-blox explores how Celeste LEO PNT complements GNSS for mass market

    Low-Earth-orbit signals add increased signal strength, geometry diversity and robustness to GNSS.

    U-blox, a global leader in positioning and short-range communication technologies for automotive, industrial and consumer markets, is exploring how the introduction of low-Earth-orbit (LEO) signals can complement and integrate with existing GNSS to support mass-market positioning solutions.

    The announcement comes following the launch of the European Space Agency’s (ESA) first Celeste LEO-PNT demonstration satellites (IOD-1 and IOD-2) on 28 March 2026, marking a key milestone in bringing LEO-based signals into the operational positioning environment and ESA’s first step toward extending satellite navigation into low Earth orbit.

    As the positioning ecosystem evolves, LEO-based signals are emerging as a complementary layer to established GNSS. Designed to augment systems such as Galileo, LEO satellites introduce a new building block characterized by lower orbital altitude, increased signal strength, and rapidly changing satellite geometry. GNSS remains the foundation of global positioning, delivering proven coverage and consistency at scale.

    This evolution is not only about additional signals, but about how positioning systems behave over time. The dynamic geometry of LEO satellites introduces new system characteristics that influence convergence speed, robustness, and performance in challenging signal conditions.

    Under its Navigation Innovation and Support Program (NAVISP) Element 2 (EL2) project, co-funded by ESA, u-blox is conducting a technical assessment of the role of LEO signals in multi-layer positioning architectures. This work forms part of a broader effort to bring LEO-PNT capabilities to mass-market GNSS receivers, combining emerging LEO signals with established GNSS systems.

    This includes early integration work on u-blox’s X20 GNSS platform, exploring how different signal types and frequency bands can be optimally incorporated into u-blox’s positioning systems. The scope of work includes:

    • Observation and characterization of emerging LEO signal transmissions
    • Analysis of interactions between LEO signals and GNSS measurements
    • Evaluation of the impact of dynamic satellite geometry on positioning performance
    • Exploring different system-level approaches for integrating LEO signals into future platforms 

    “U-blox is committed to advancing positioning technologies through focused research and collaboration,” said Jani Käppi, head of technology positioning at u-blox. “Our work within the ESA NAVISP framework allows us to better understand how emerging signal sources can complement GNSS and contribute to robust and reliable positioning performance.”

    U-blox expects to contribute to the development of the new LEO satellite ecosystem with significant innovation in the positioning solution, collaborating with key partners like ESA.

    The Celeste initiative

    The Celeste mission is ESA’s initiative for LEO-PNT (Low Earth Orbit Positioning Navigation and Timing) and is in its in-orbit demonstration phase. This first phase features a demonstration constellation of 11 satellites that will fly in low Earth orbit to test innovative signals across various frequency bands. Its goal is to advance satellite navigation concepts for resilient positioning and timing services.

    The Celeste in-orbit demonstration phase was approved at ESA’s Council at Ministerial Level of 2022. The fleet is being developed through two parallel contracts respectively led by GMV in Spain with OHB in Germany as core partner, and by Thales Alenia France as prime and Thales Alenia Italy as space segment responsible and involving over 50 entities from more than 14 countries.

    Celeste was further supported in ESA’s Council at Ministerial Level of 2025 (CM25), towards the implementation of the next phase: the LEO-PNT In-Orbit Preparatory phase.

    Celeste also contributes to one of the three core pillars of ESA’s new European Resilience from Space (ERS) initiative, endorsed at CM25. ERS addresses critical security and resilience needs for Member States while laying the groundwork for future European strategic space capabilities.

  • Net Insight leads development of next-generation PNT technology

    Net Insight leads development of next-generation PNT technology

    Focusing on timing synchronization, the project is supported by ESA NAVISP on behalf of the Swedish National Space Agency to advance resilient timing and positioning.

    Net Insight has been awarded a development project through the European Space Agency’s Navigation Innovation and Support Program (NAVISP), a European program designed to foster innovation in the PNT domain and strengthen Europe’s technological competitiveness. 

    The project, co-funded by the Swedish National Space Agency, aims to accelerate the development of robust positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) technology, to address growing societal needs and increase risks to critical infrastructure.

    Precise timing signals are a critical component of everything from telecommunications and 5G networks to transportation and energy systems. Traditionally, GNSS systems such as GPS and Galileo have been the standard for time synchronization. However, today’s geopolitical landscape and the increasing prevalence of disruptions such as jamming and spoofing highlight the need for robust, complementary solutions that can ensure reliable operation under all conditions, according to Net Insight.

    “This initiative exemplifies how the Swedish space industry can contribute to addressing complex European challenges related to critical infrastructure,” said Christer Nilsson, vice director general of the Swedish National Space Agency. “Combining Swedish technical excellence with European collaboration is a powerful model for strengthening robustness and operational reliability within PNT.”

    “Society depends on technologies that are not only advanced, but also robust and operationally reliable, and capable of withstanding disruptions and external interference,” said Per Lindgren, group CTO and head of synchronization at Net Insight. “With this project, we are strengthening the development of solutions that can deliver reliable time synchronization even under demanding conditions, thereby securing critical infrastructure for the future.”

    Through collaboration with the Swedish National Space Agency and ESA’s NAVISP program, the project gains access to both national and European funding and support for research and development in PNT technology. At the same time, it enables national initiatives to be aligned with broader European strategies for robust and operationally reliable PNT architectures.

    NAVISP is designed to stimulate new technologies and applications beyond traditional GNSS-based systems and plays a key role in Europe’s efforts to ensure robust and competitive PNT solutions.

  • Unifly & Nexova complete NAVISP phase to advance cyber-resilient U-space operations

    Unifly & Nexova complete NAVISP phase to advance cyber-resilient U-space operations

    Unifly, in cooperation with Nexova, have successfully completed the SecureUTM 2 Phase I under the European Space Agency’s (ESA) NAVISP program, with emphasis on mitigating GNSS jamming and spoofing.

    The project establishes a certification-aligned, risk-driven cybersecurity foundation for secure, resilient and scalable unmanned traffic management (UTM) and U-space services across Europe. 

    As drone operations grow in complexity and cross-border interoperability, cybersecurity is becoming essential for operational continuity and public trust. SecureUTM 2 embeds cybersecurity engineering into the core architecture of UTM systems, aligning with European U-space regulations, Common Criteria methodology and ENISA risk frameworks. Security is treated as a foundational design principle rather than a late-stage compliance requirement. 

    Building on SecureUTM 1, SecureUTM 2 Phase I significantly expanded the cybersecurity baseline for UTM systems. Key outcomes include: 

    • Refinement of a harmonized Protection Profile (PP) for UTM 
    • Development of an updated Security Target (ST) for the Unifly platform 
    • Structured risk assessment and certification-aligned gap analysis 
    • Definition of a secure architectural baseline addressing real-world U-space complexity 
    • Setup of a PoC Testbed 

    Risk-based engineering roadmap

    A control-by-control gap assessment translated cybersecurity requirements into a prioritised implementation roadmap. Focus areas include: 

    • PNT source authentication and plausibility checks 
    • Enhanced session integrity and transport protection 
    • Denial-of-Service resilience 
    • Device-level authentication and auditing 
    • Secure storage and encryption 

    This structured approach supports operational deployment and future EU cybersecurity certification readiness. 

    Validated mitigations for GNSS and PNT threats

    SecureUTM 2 phase I placed strong emphasis on GNSS jamming and spoofing risks increasingly observed in drone operations. Practical, layered mitigations were validated through a dedicated U-space proof-of-concept testbed with Hardware-in-the-Loop UAV simulations. 

    Validated measures include: 

    • On-board GNSS jamming detection 
    • Fleet-level interference inference 
    • Trajectory plausibility and conformance monitoring 
    • OSNMA-based message verification 
    • Structured anomaly logging and alerting 

    The testbed enables repeatable attack simulation, KPI-based evaluation and regulator-ready evidence generation. 

    Foundation for Phase II and European deployment

    Phase I also delivered a structured U-space testbed blueprint, verification methodologies and digital twin foundations to support continued validation, operator training and continuous cybersecurity testing. 

    SecureUTM 2 directly supports Belgium’s U-space deployment strategy and strengthens its position in secure drone integration. 

    Phase II will focus on implementing prioritised controls, expanding validation capabilities and further aligning with EU certification frameworks. 

  • Spirent partners with ESA to spearhead PNT resilience initiative for critical infrastructure

    Spirent partners with ESA to spearhead PNT resilience initiative for critical infrastructure

    Project establishes innovative test framework to help UK operators, providers and suppliers adopt best practice and benchmark success

    Spirent Communications, now part of Keysight Technologies, has partnered with the European Space Agency (ESA) to lead an initiative aimed at increasing the resilience of positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) systems used in critical national infrastructure. Under the initiative, Spirent and partners will deliver a comprehensive test framework to drive measurable resilience in PNT systems for users, operators and providers of critical infrastructure in the United Kingdom.

    Supported by Element 2 of ESA’s Navigation Innovation and Support Program (NAVISP), the initiative is designed to raise awareness and improve resilient PNT test and assessment by providing a pathway to assess, validate and rate PNT equipment and services used in critical national infrastructure. The 2023 UK government report The Economic Impact on the UK of a Disruption to GNSS estimates a seven-day GNSS outage could cost the UK economy £7.6 billion. Critical infrastructure is heavily dependent on satellite-based PNT systems and data.

    “For years, organizations have been wrestling with a fundamental challenge: they know PNT resilience matters, but they do not have a clear way to measure it or benchmark their progress,” explained Mark Holbrow, vice president of Engineering and Product Development at Spirent Positioning. “This new initiative changes that by building the tools and frameworks that let critical national infrastructure operators quantify resilience, track it, and improve it over time, and we’re proud that ESA has entrusted Spirent to lead this exciting three-year project.”

    The Resiliency in Critical National Infrastructure will support the UK government’s resilient PNT strategy by enabling access to rigorous, quantitative test evidence and operational insights that help evaluate and validate PNT systems across essential sectors. It will comprise three core components:

    • Spirent PNT Alliance brings together companies, academic research partners, and PNT professional and government bodies to identify, develop and cater resilience services for critical infrastructure. It will include the Royal Institute of Navigation and other strategic partners to complement their activities and help build a resilient PNT ecosystem in the UK by commercializing best practices and connecting infrastructure operators with new technologies and test approaches.
    • PNT Shopfront showcases solutions that aid the adoption of resilient PNT and help to assure regulatory compliance for critical PNT dependencies.
    • PNT Resiliency Health Check will enable independent appraisal of GNSS equipment capability against general performance, resilience and security criteria. Annual health check assessments will help organizations understand their dependencies, identify vulnerabilities, and track improvements over time, with a technical framework that scores resilience against standard benchmarks to create a pathway toward industry-wide test methodologies.

    “Intentional and malicious disruptions to GNSS are now a daily occurrence, and are pervasive in the aviation and maritime sector,” said Ramsey Faragher, director of the institute. “The Royal Institute of Navigation is focused on raising awareness to these issues and in promoting the needs for improved resilience against such disruptions, especially within Critical National Infrastructure. Our Best Practice Guidelines emphasize the criticality of thorough testing in order to verify resilience and to help protect against both existing and future attack vectors. The UK is well placed to take a lead in this area, and well placed to inspire other nations to follow suit. We are really pleased to see initiatives like these from our corporate partners, and we look forward to supporting them.”

  • All.Space awarded €950,000 by ESA’s NAVISP for GNSS-independent tech

    All.Space awarded €950,000 by ESA’s NAVISP for GNSS-independent tech

    All.Space, a provider of multi-orbit, multi-link satcom omplatforms, has been awarded €950,000 by the European Space Agency’s Navigation Innovation and Support Programme (NAVISP). The award is to develop an alternative position, navigation and timing (PNT) capability designed to operate in GNSS-denied environments.

    The project will build a proof of concept for alternative PNT, harnessing All.Space’s multi-orbit terminal technology to generate and analyze signals of opportunity that can deliver position and orientation data independently from traditional GNSS sources.

    The technology is designed to counter rising threats from GNSS jamming and spoofing – scenarios of increasing concern for both defence and commercial operators. Delivered in partnership with UK-based GNSS experts GMV NSL, the project is aimed at embedding a resilient PNT capability directly within the All.Space terminal, forming part of its growing software as a service (SaaS) portfolio.

    “GNSS denial is no longer a hypothetical scenario,” said Paul McCarter, CEO at All.Space. “It’s a growing reality. With this project we’re developing a sovereign alternative that can restore confidence, capability and control in even the most contested environments.”

    Once proven, the technology will be matured and commercialized as an integrated service offering, helping customers achieve operational independence and secure navigation in any domain.

    ESA’s NAVISP programme is designed to spur innovation in navigation technologies and services across its Member States.

  • QinetiQ and Xona increase resilience of GPS using new satellites

    QinetiQ and Xona increase resilience of GPS using new satellites

    QinetiQ and Xona Space Systems have demonstrated how GPS navigation can be bolstered by using low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, in the first UK tests of Xona’s new satellite navigation system, Pulsar.

    This marks a major milestone in the development of next-generation positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) capabilities, increasing resilience against jamming and spoofing, as well as improving GPS availability in congested or challenged environments.

    In the tests, QinetiQ’s Q40 multi-constellation GNSS receiver acquired and tracked signals from Xona’s first production-class satellite, Pulsar-0. The tests demonstrated that, by supplementing GNSS with LEO satellite signals like the Pulsar X1, enhanced resilience in contested or poor-signal environments can be achieved.

    The Q40 GNSS receiver. (Photo: Qinetiq)

    A recent software upgrade to QinetiQ’s Q40 was developed under the European Space Agencies’ Navigation Innovation and Support Program (NAVISP) in the GNSS Receiver with Advanced Pulsar Enhancement (GRAPE) project.

    GRAPE is a collaboration between QinetiQ and Xona, supported by the UK Space Agency and European Space Agency. Its goal is to explore how new LEO-based signals can be integrated with existing GNSS, to enhance the accuracy and resilience of navigation services for defense, critical infrastructure and future autonomous applications.

    “For the first time, we have demonstrated how signals from new LEO satellites can be used alongside existing GNSS to give users stronger, more resilient timing and position information,” said Chris Walker, Managing director, Mission Systems Division, QinetiQ. “This is a huge step in increasing the protection of our defence, critical infrastructure and future autonomous systems against interference.”

  • ESA and Neuraspace work to minimize signal noise through GNSS advances

    ESA and Neuraspace work to minimize signal noise through GNSS advances

    Neuraspace is working with the European Space Agency (ESA) to use innovative GNSS technologies to minimize signal noise under a new NAVISP project. Neuraspace is an expert in space domain awareness (SDA) solutions,

    “Stop Getting Noise – Automated GNSS Processing for Smarter Orbits” (NAVISP Element 2) seeks to address critical operational challenges faced by commercial satellite operators, launch service providers and defense and government agencies.

    Challenges to be addressed include the urgent need for more scalable, accurate and autonomous orbit determination, particularly for satellite mega-constellations, in an increasingly congested space environment. While defense and government agencies demand high-confidence SDA solutions amid increasing geopolitical tensions, satellite operators require reliable orbit tracking and early mission support.

    The result is expected to use innovative GNSS technologies to reduce the risk of satellite collisions and enable satellite operators to make faster and more accurate decisions about safekeeping their assets. Solutions will also lead to more efficient operations with lesser reliance on ground infrastructure and smarter fuel management translating into lower mission costs.

    In particular, the project includes:

    • GNSS Data Cleanup to remove biases and noise to improve the precision of orbit determination.
    • GNSS Orbital Phase Correction by introducing lightweight onboard algorithms designed to run on resource-constrained satellite systems. The algorithms will use real-time data to enable satellites to autonomously correct trajectory predictions and minimize reliance on ground stations, saving time and resources.
    • GNSS Orbit Determination Accuracy to provide better orbit predictions by developing advanced methodologies to deliver critical positioning information for safe operations and maneuver planning.
  • ESA teams up with Leonardo against satnav jamming

    ESA teams up with Leonardo against satnav jamming

    The European Space Agency (ESA) and Leonardo are embarking on a joint project to explore smart antennas powered by machine learning to block unwanted signals.

    Representatives of ESA and Leonardo signed a contract at the Paris Air Show to research and develop machine learning techniques to steer antenna arrays to block out unwanted signals. The project will be developed under the umbrella of ESA’s Navigation Innovation Support Programme (NAVISP).

    Smarter antenna designs for resilience

    Conventional antennas catch signals from all directions. A controlled reception pattern antenna (CRPA) can focus on signals coming from specific satellites and ignore signals or interference coming from other directions. These types of antennas are used in satellite navigation receivers to block jamming and counterfeit signals. They rely on electronics that control how they adjust their patterns (beamforming).

    Under contract with NAVISP, Leonardo — together with ELT Group as subcontractor — will explore the reduction of the distance between the antenna elements to reduce the size and weight of the antenna array, and the use of machine learning to determine the best antenna setup and adjust the settings faster. This approach will lead to smaller, smarter and more effective antennas, especially useful in space-limited environments such as aircraft.

    The project covers identification of the smarter algorithm for signal blocking, building and testing a real-time receiver demonstrator based on the selected algorithm, and comparing it to conventional larger antennas. The aim is to reach a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 4, delivering a lab-tested technology by the end of the project, in two years.

  • GSAB project showcases assisted port operations solution

    GSAB project showcases assisted port operations solution

    Photo: GSAB
    Photo: Grimaldi

    The Grimaldi Satellite Autonomous Berthing (GSAB) project, funded by the European Space Agency (ESA) Navigation Innovation and Support Program (NAVISP) program, has developed a system for automatic, high-precision port berthing operations in large (200m) carrier ships. The system offers ship captains and crew with an overview of ship conditions in real time port settings, including detailed information on maneuvering operations.

    Project leader Grimaldi Euromed, in collaboration with two divisions of Kongsberg, conducted the research and development of the new system, including integrating various sensors to provide accurate positioning and ranging data with high integrity. The GSAB system suggests the best path for berthing based on all available and relevant information sources, while augmented reality (AR) goggles provide an intuitive method of visualizing critical berthing information.

    System subcomponents include an inertial navigation system (INS) where GNSS measurements are fused with motion/attitude data from the Kongsberg motion gyro compass (MGC). This allows the system to deliver robust and precise data on vessel location, velocities and acceleration. A perception system includes a camera-based sensor for determining steel-to-steel distances from the vessel to any obstruction and quays.

    Kongsberg illustrated increased efficiency using to the new system, including a clear reduction in the time required to enter and exit from a port, and a corresponding decrease of emitted pollutants.

    Radiolabs, a non-profit research organization, recently joined the GSAB consortium. It focuses on investigating and prototyping a new ground truth reference system, which integrates and fuses GNSS, IMU, and lidar-derived data to provide highly accurate positioning and ranging.

    At the recent final presentation of the GSAB project, hosted by ESA, Federica Pascucci of Radiolabs described the results of the project, based in part on previous work in the automotive sector. She said the GSAB work was promising, having verified the effectiveness of Radiolabs’ lidar-based system for positioning, with adaptations necessary for application in maritime scenarios.

    The GSAB project demonstrated significant potential cost and time savings benefits and improved safety and environmental performance. The partners will continue their work in the framework of a new ESA NAVISP-funded project, GSAB2, to demonstrate the system’s use in increasingly autonomous vessels and apply newly developed, advanced algorithms based on artificial intelligence.

  • Intecs combines GNSS and sensor data for train localization

    Intecs combines GNSS and sensor data for train localization

    Image: kojihirano/ iStock / Getty Images Plus/ Getty Images
    Image: kojihirano/ iStock / Getty Images Plus/ Getty Images

    Intecs, a hardware and software developer, is creating a multi-sensor, GNSS-based platform for obtaining absolute position of trains on rail lines. The system incorporates cameras that read QR codes installed in the area adjacent to the track. The system includes a robust, software-based, data fusion engine that combines GNSS and visual data to determine train position.

    The delay when a train loses its position can be significant and affect other vehicles on the rail lines. The Intecs system — assisted GNSS with imaging sensors for rail applications (AGIS4RAIL) — can correctly identify the position of a vehicle.

    Test campaign
    Numerous field tests have been conducted for the new system. One of the most critical sets of trials was carried out on an auto racing track. The trial involved a ground vehicle with GNSS antennas positioned on the roof and with cameras pointing to the side where QR code panels were set up at 10 m intervals. The vehicle was driven for 30 laps around the course under various conditions. AGIS4RAIL correctly identified the position of the vehicle at every lap, with the vehicle achieving a maximum speed of 35 km/h. The maximum estimated error was 4.76 m, which is in line with the target of 5 m.

    Imaging sensors help to reduce the negative impact of various local effects on positioning systems that rely solely on Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), such as multipath errors. The AGIS4RAIL system also offers protection against jamming and spoofing. Additionally, the QR-code landmarks can contain data to verify the authenticity of the landmark itself.

    Further testing continues and will soon include trials onboard operational trains in Italy, according to Intecs. The AGIS4RAIL project received funding under the European Space Agency’s Navigation Innovation and Support Program (NAVISP).

  • ESA’s NAVISP partners with Grimaldi Group

    ESA’s NAVISP partners with Grimaldi Group

     

    Photo:
    Image:  shaunl/E+/Getty Images

    On Nov. 18, the European Space Agency (ESA) announced a Navigation Innovation and Support Programme (NAVISP) partnership with Italy’s Grimaldi Group, as the need for accurate maritime navigation increases. With the Grimaldi Group, NAVISP has taken on the Grimaldi Satellite-Assisted Berthing (GSAB) project, which aims to develop a satellite-based guidance system for docking maneuvers of large vessels.

    NAVISP’s GSAB project will use satellite-based multi-sensor technology to improve the efficiency of maneuvers in ports to increase safety while also reducing CO2 emissions. Maritime navigation is too complex for GPS and Galileo alone, so, by fusing those two systems with PNT sensors, the project can achieve its intended outcome.

    The project is divided into two phases. In the first phase, NAVISP is working on design, development activities, installation of the sensors in a roll-on, roll-off vessel, and running a test readiness campaign. The second phase includes field tests with the equipped ship in the Grimaldi facilities in the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, Europe’s second largest seaport.

    Shipping transport is responsible for more than 80% of goods traded globally, and the Grimaldi Group is one of the largest shipping companies globally with more than 130 ships. As the need for efficient and safe ship transport in and out of ports grows, NAVISP continues to support innovation to improve satellite navigation and positioning systems in the maritime sector, according to ESA.

  • ESA funding expanded to help boost leading role in satellite navigation

    ESA funding expanded to help boost leading role in satellite navigation

    Photo:
    Image: ESA

    The Ministerial Council of the member states of the European Space Agency (ESA) has pledged 351 million euros to ESA’s board of directors for navigation to aid in multiple satellite navigation endeavors.

    This funding helps support ESA’s FutureNAV program, the Navigation Innovation and Support Program (NAVISP), and the Moonlight Initiative, developed for lunar telecommunications and navigation coverage and innovation.

    The FutureNAV program is aimed at addressing the rapidly growing need for more ubiquitous, resilient and reliable positioning, navigation and timing (PNT). Its first mission consists of an initial in-orbit demonstration, small constellation of low-Earth-orbit (LEO) navigation satellites. The LEO-PNT satellites will test a multi-layer approach to deliver more accurate and robust PNT services, supplementing Galileo.

    The second FutureNAV mission, GENESIS, will map the moving contours of Earth, while enhancing the accuracy of Galileo.

    The expanded funding will also be invested in NAVISP. The program has already began working on over 200 projects relating to satellite navigation, PNT research, and backing Member States in research priorities.

    Lastly, funding is being delegated to the Moonlight Initiative, a project designed by ESA to extend satellite navigation and telecommunications coverage to the Moon. The advancement and launch of Moonlight infrastructure on the Moon will undertake several missions bolstering future Moon exploration.