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  • Satellite imagery released in response to Libya flooding

    Satellite imagery released in response to Libya flooding

    Image: Maxar Technologies
    Image: Maxar Technologies

    On Sept. 10, floodwaters overpowered dams and wiped out entire neighborhoods in eastern Libya, taking the lives of thousands of people and displacing more than 40,000 people, reported the Associated Press.

    Maxar Technologies has responded by publicly releasing satellite imagery data that maps the affected areas to support emergency response efforts as a part of its Open Data Program.

    The Maxar imagery or data distributed through the program can be quickly integrated into first responder workflows with organizations such as Team Rubicon, the Red Cross and other nonprofits.

    Derna and other parts of eastern Libya were hit with extreme flash flooding the night of Sunday, Sept. 10 — an effect of the Mediterranean storm, Daniel.

    The National Meteorological Center of Libya had issued early warnings for Daniel 72 hours before it occurred and notified all governmental authorities by e-mail and through media urging them to take preventive measures, reported the Associated Press.

  • FocalPoint upgrades Supercorrelation technology

    FocalPoint upgrades Supercorrelation technology

    Image: FocalPoint
    Image: FocalPoint

    FocalPoint has added new functionality to its Supercorrelation technology, S-GNSS, to simplify the integration process for chipset companies.

    The company has introduced an API interface between a GNSS chipset and an application or operating system that runs on its own navigation engine, easing deployment of Supercorrelation.

    Based on the existing Android open-source interfaces, the S-GNSS API will allow a normal GNSS chipset to run S-GNSS in a separate external host processor. With this additional software added to the GNSS chipset, the overall system can get the performance improvements necessary to upgrade the GNSS receiver to a S-GNSS receiver and offer enhanced positional capabilities.

    The S-GNSS API outputs the multipath-free line-of-sight correlation peak for each satellite and the corresponding corrected frequency, codephase and status flags. Optional outputs can be enabled with turn-on keys, spoofer detection and localization, and instantaneous magnetic-free heading estimation.

    Supercorrelation has recently been awarded the National Technology award for Security Innovation of the Year and is recognized by the UK Royal Institute of Navigation and the Institute of Navigation. This development is the latest technical upgrade for the S-GNSS product portfolio.

  • Inside the box: New NavIC clock outperforms previous generation

    Inside the box: New NavIC clock outperforms previous generation

    Image: metamorworks/iStock/Getty Images Plus/Getty Images
    Image: metamorworks/iStock/Getty Images Plus/Getty Images

    NVS-01 is the first second-generation satellite of the Indian Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS), also known as Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC). It was launched into geostationary orbit on May 20. The satellite is placed at 129.6° eastern longitude and will finally replace IRNSS-1G launched in April 2016.

    Whereas the first-generation satellites transmit navigation signals in the L5- and S-band, NVS-01 is the first IRNSS satellite also transmitting in the L1-band. The 1547.42 MHz frequency is also used by other satellite navigation systems, including GPS, Galileo, and BeiDou-3. However, a different modulation is used, namely a Synthesized Binary Offset Carrier (SBOC) signal. The IRNSS L1 SBOC signal has data and pilot components with and without navigation data. Data and pilot signals consist of BOC (1,1) and BOC (6,1) components with sub-frequencies of 1.023 MHz and 6.138 MHz. A quadrature multiplexing is applied for the data and pilot components with a power sharing of 41.82% and 58.18%. The navigation message on the IRNSS L1 signal has a different structure compared to those on the legacy L5- and S-band signals. The new L1 navigation message uses an advanced frame structure and forward error correction inherited from the CNAV-2 message of the GPS/QZSS L1C signal as well as a similar orbit model. Among other things, it provides inter-signal corrections for the L1 data and pilot signals with reference to the S band signal for single-frequency L1 band users.
    NVS-01 started signal transmission on June 17, 2023, with the pseudo-random noise (PRN) code I10. The satellite’s L1 and L5 signals were tracked by a Septentrio PolaRx5 receiver located in Tokyo, Japan, with a prototype firmware that is capable of tracking the L1 pilot signal. Figure 1 shows the multipath linear combination of NVS-01’s L1 and L5 pilot signals. Whereas the short-term variations are smaller for L1 compared to L5, the overall RMS is 18 cm for both signals.

    PFigure 1: Noise- and multipath linear combination for NVS-01’s L1 and L5 pilot signals received on 26 June 2023.
    Figure 1: Noise- and multipath linear combination for NVS-01’s L1 and L5 pilot signals received on 26 June 2023. (Image: All figures provided by the authors) 

    Whereas IRNSS-1’s rubidium clocks were provided by Spectratime, NVS-01 is the first satellite operating a new type of rubidium atomic frequency standard (RAFS) developed in India. The short-term performance of GNSS satellite clocks can be evaluated with the one-way carrier phase method. The receiver is connected to a highly stable external clock, e.g., a hydrogen maser. Thus, the receiver clock error is negligible. Measurement biases as well as the delays of ionosphere and troposphere on short time scales are removed by fitting a fourth-order polynomial. If no external clock is available, as is the case for the station in Tokyo, the precise clock information can be transferred from another station by a reference satellite jointly tracked by both receivers.

    The Allan deviation based on this three-way carrier phase (TWCP) analysis is shown in Figure 2. The hydrogen maser of the IGS station USUD in Usuda, Japan, is used as the reference clock. At short integration times up to 20 s, the Allan deviation computed from the TWCP analysis is dominated by the GNSS measurement noise hiding the true clock performance. Above 20 s, the TWCP demonstrates that the NVS-01’s RAFS stability meets the performance of the ground tests and even exceeds them for longer integration times. At all integration times, the new RAFS outperforms the first generation IRNSS clocks.

    Figure 2 IRNSS clock performance obtained from three-way carrier phase analysis as well as ground tests.
    Figure 2: IRNSS clock performance obtained from three-way carrier phase analysis as well as ground tests.

    Manufacturers

    GNSS data used in this article were collected with a Septentrio PolaRx5 receiver.

    Further Reading

    Bandi TN, Arora R (2019) Indigenous Atomic Clock and Monitoring Unit for NavIC. ICG-14, https://www.unoosa.org/documents/pdf/icg/2019/icg14/WGD/icg14_wgd_09.pdf

    ISRO (2022) NavIC Signal in Space ICD for Standard Positioning Service in L1 Frequency, Version 1.0. U.R. RAO Satellite Centre, Indian Space Research Organization, Bangalore, https://www.isro.gov.in/media_isro/pdf/SateliteNavigation/Draft_NavIC_SPS_ICD_L1_Oct_2022.pdf

    Peter Steigenberger and Oliver Montenbruck are scientists at the German Space Operations Center of the German Aerospace Center (DLR), where they conduct research in the field of new satellite navigation systems.

    Jean‑Marie Sleewaegen is Lead Architect at Septentrio, Belgium, where he has been responsible for GNSS signal processing, system design and technology development since the company’s inception in 1999.

  • u-blox launches new dual-band GNSS module

    u-blox launches new dual-band GNSS module


    u-blox has released its latest positioning module, the NEO-F10N. The module is based on the u-blox NEO form factor and is equipped with u-blox F10 dual-band GNSS technology. It supports L1/L5 GNSS bands from multiple constellations, including NavIC, to provide solid meter-level position accuracy in urban areas.

    The technology’s firmware is upgradeable and configurable to support a variety of applications such as vehicle aftermarket telematics and micromobility or industrial applications requiring meter-level position accuracy.

    The NEO-F10N provides resilience against multipath interference and leverages signals from both the L1 and L5 bands. The module aims to increase accuracy, reduce power consumption and offer an alternative solution to users who do not want to deploy dead reckoning (DR) setups.

    Users currently employing receivers based on modules, such as the u-blox NEO-M8 and NEO-M9, can seamlessly upgrade to the new NEO-F10N generation.

    U-blox also introduces the new ANN-MB5 L1/L5 antenna to strengthen u-blox’s F10 dual-band solution. This tailored antenna offers an easy and reliable option for meter-level applications that require multi-band and multi-constellation support, even in challenging environments.

  • New Pentagon plan calls for UAV swarms to counter China, but is that enough?

    New Pentagon plan calls for UAV swarms to counter China, but is that enough?

    Image: Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Devin M. Langer
    Image: Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Devin M. Langer

    The U.S. Department of Defense has called for thousands of UAVs to be built as a part of its Replicator initiative that aims to hasten military innovation to “leverage platforms that are small, smart, cheap and many,” said Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks in a recent speech. This was cited in a Wall Street Journal editorial published on Sept. 13.

    The United States plans to build thousands of UAVs over a 24-month period to counter China and the current military threat against U.S. forces in the Pacific Ocean. The UAV swarms could help the United States jam or distract enemy radars and surface-to-air missiles to stop China from pushing U.S. forces out of the Pacific.

    The Wall Street Journal article stated that this idea by the Pentagon is not a real substitute for a bigger navy. While the Pentagon’s idea of UAV swarms for reconnaissance in the Pacific is technologically innovative, the article stated that the United States will still need technology breakthroughs and plentiful stocks of materials ranging from aircraft to munitions.

    Furthermore, Deputy Hicks said that the Replicator initiative is not asking for new money in the next fiscal year budget, citing “not all problems need new money; we are problem-solvers, and we intend to self-solve,” reported the Wall Street Journal.

    A new swarm of UAVs will give significant support to the U.S. military to counter China. However, the Pentagon’s quick plan for an unmanned technological “revolution” will need more investment to compensate for the failures that will inevitably accompany the new technology, the editorial argued, and to build “two Virginia-class submarines a year and fielding thousands of long-range weapons so U.S. forces don’t run out of their best firepower after a week in the Taiwan Strait.”.

  • Samples from DSEI Unmanned 2023

    Samples from DSEI Unmanned 2023

    Defense and Security Equipment International (DSEI) in London just wrapped up last week and industry news circulated many reports of various unmanned-related releases and opportunities during the show.

    Drawing more than1,500 visitors annually, DSEI is an event at which representatives from governments, armed forces and industry leaders meet to advance the technology of weapons systems. With mostly armed or armored exhibits, the show is aimed at demonstrating to British forces and others coming from around the world, the various advances in weapons-related products and activities — with technological advances taking a primary position throughout the meeting and the exhibit hall.

    Some unmanned exhibits/notes of interest

    Drone Evolution promoted its UK-built Sentinel tethered UAV and MPU5 mesh radio system that puts a UAV-mounted radio/camera/thermal imaging system more than 150 ft above the ground for up to 6 hr or more — typically to support intelligence gathering, surveillance / reconnaissance, force protection and security. Sentinel is capable of running off of 12 v or 24 v power such as from a field vehicle battery without an inverter or generator, but also through main power, the company states.

    Elistair France also launched its Orion 2.2 TE tethered UAV with a 2-in-1 propeller configuration change, which allows it to carry a heavier 5 kg payload. A recently integrated Nextvision Raptor with a 3 km laser rangefinder provides continuous imagery, target tracking, automated object categorization, automated scanning routines, and points of interest for military units, border guards, and national security agencies. Elistair claims its Orion UAV is capable of continuous operations for more than 50 hr over a 328 ft tether.

    Robosys Automation and Landau Marine announced a collaboration to convert regular marine vehicles into autonomous unmanned surface vessels (USV). UK’s Robosys provided the Voyager artificial intelligence (AI) vessel system — an autonomy solution using AI combined with decision-aids. These new USVs are capable of surveillance, surveying, warfare, and patrolling duties — Voyager AI is claimed to be vessel-, propulsion-, and sensor-systems agnostic and retrofitting a crewed vessel can result in an autonomous craft operating at speeds of up to 45 kn. The system provides collision avoidance, anti-grounding, smart object avoidance, and autonomous operation during loss of communications.

    Orion 2.2 TE – Standard props (left) and with heavy-lift props (right). (Image: Elistair)
    Orion 2.2 TE – Standard props (left) and with heavy-lift props (right). (Image: Elistair)

    Robosys Automation and Landau Marine announced a collaboration to convert regular marine vehicles into autonomous unmanned surface vessels (USV). UK’s Robosys provided the Voyager artificial intelligence (AI) vessel system — an autonomy solution using AI combined with decision-aids. These new USVs are capable of surveillance, surveying, warfare, and patrolling duties — Voyager AI is claimed to be vessel-, propulsion-, and sensor-systems agnostic and retrofitting a crewed vessel can result in an autonomous craft operating at speeds of up to 45 kn. The system provides collision avoidance, anti-grounding, smart object avoidance, and autonomous operation during loss of communications.

    Landau Marine USV conversion (Image: Landau)
    Landau Marine USV conversion (Image: Landau)

    W Autonomous Systems (WAS) released news of the first landing of an autonomous UAV on the UK Royal Navy’s aircraft carrier Prince of Wales while at sea off Cornwall, England. The WAS HCMC UAV involved has two engines and a twin boom tail and can carry 220 lb across 620 mi and land within 500 ft — about half the length of the landing area on the Price of Wales aircraft carrier. For this trial, the UAV took off from a remote airfield at Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose and flew for 20 min to land autonomously on the deck of the HMS Prince of Wales aircraft carrier. The trials aimed to demonstrate that cargo UAVs are capable of relieving some of the re-supply tasks which are currently carried out by the ship’s helicopters. 

    BAE Systems and QinetiQ signed an agreement at DSEI to collaborate on autonomous uncrewed air systems (UAS) and mission management systems. Both companies are leading competitive UK aerospace companies, and it’s perhaps unusual to see them collaborating. Perhaps this indicates the degree of importance and complexity that this development investment signifies. The mission management system work will investigate compatibility between BAE Systems and QinetiQ ground-based mission software systems, and develop autonomous systems that enable operator/human decision-makers to combine the use of both manned and unmanned assets on the battlefield. The companies will continue to develop their own airborne vehicles independently but aligned with the intent to continue their collaborative concepts.

    HMS Price of Wales leaving Portsmouth UK on its way to rendezvous for the HCMC UAV autonomous deck landing at sea (Image: UK Ministry of Defence)
    HMS Price of Wales leaving Portsmouth UK on its way to rendezvous for the HCMC UAV autonomous deck landing at sea (Image: UK Ministry of Defence)

    In summary

    This show is huge and this was only a small sample of the sort of unmanned and autonomous news found there this year — tethered UAVs, retrofitting surface vessels to become autonomous USVs, autonomous landings on the Royal Navy aircraft carrier Price of Wales and British industrial collaboration around UAVs.

  • Breaking down the F-35 jet “mishap”

    Breaking down the F-35 jet “mishap”

    Image: Lance Cpl. Kayla Rainbolt, Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort
    Image: Lance Cpl. Kayla Rainbolt, Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort

    On Sept. 18, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing Cpl. Christian Cortez, a pilot, set out on a training mission from the Marine Corps Air Station in Beaufort, South Carolina, only to eject from his Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightening II fighter jet over North Carolina. The U.S. military then lost the expensive, highly automated, lethal jet that was still in flight, as it was set on autopilot when the pilot ejected.

    During the mishap, the U.S. Air Force Joint Base Charleston made a highly usual plea to the public to call with information regarding the lost plane. It is also still unclear why the pilot had to bail out of the jet and those details are actively under investigation.

    The U.S. Marine Corps confirmed on Sept. 19, that debris had been found in South Carolina in Williamsburg County, north of Charleston, reported The New York Times. Joint Base Charleston stated the jet debris is located about two hours north of the base and it is urging residents to avoid the area as the recovery team secures the scene.

    The jet search team consisted of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing, Navy regional authorities in the southeast, the Civil Air Patrol, the Federal Aviation Administration, and local law enforcement teams.

    The Marine Corp released a statement on Sept. 18, stating that its acting commander, Gen. Eric M. Smith, had directed all Marine Corps aviation units to conduct a two-day pause in operations to discuss aviation safety matters and best practices. The statement said that the directive came after three Class-A aviation mishaps occurred during the last six weeks.

    During the pause of operations, aviation commanders plan to review the service’s flight practices, procedures, and policies.

    The jet

    Lockheed Martin’s website states, “with stealth technology, advanced sensors, supersonic speed, weapons capacity and superior range, the F-35 is the most lethal, survivable and connected aircraft in the world. More than a fighter jet, the F-35’s ability to collect, analyze and share data, is a powerful force multiplier that enhances all airborne, surface and ground-based assets in the battlespace enabling men and women in uniform to execute their mission and return home safely.”

    The F-35 program is the most expensive U.S. weapons program of all time and is expected to cost more than $400 billion in development and acquisition and $1.2 trillion to operate and maintain the fleet over 60 years. Each jet costs more than $160 million, depending on the variant.

    Notable program advancements

    Lockheed Martin reached a $4 billion deal with the Pentagon in 2014 to bring in the new fleet of F-35 jets.

    In late 2019, Lockheed Martin received a $25 million initial contract for engineering and manufacturing development for the GPS Spatial Temporal Anti-Jam Receiver (GSTAR) system that was integrated into the F-35 as part of its modernization phase, also known as Block 4. The GSTAR provides protection against enemy jamming and spoofing by utilizing critical GPS capabilities that can quickly adapt to meet specific platform requirements.

    Several unanswered questions

    Several details of this story have left many wondering exactly how this U.S. fighter jet just went missing in U.S. airspace without anyone being able to locate it or know its heading. It is an expensive, highly automated, weaponized aircraft that can create catastrophic damage to its surroundings. 

    As this investigation is ongoing, further details about this incident have not been reported.   

  • SingularXYZ launches upgraded auto-steering system

    SingularXYZ launches upgraded auto-steering system

    Image: SingularXYZ
    Image: SingularXYZ

    SingularXYZ has released the SAgro150 automated steering system for precision agriculture.

    The product aims to provide farmers with an easy way to get started with auto-steering while increasing productivity. With full-constellation tracking capability, the SAgro150 realizes ±2.5cm auto-steering accuracy to maximizes land use and yield while saving resources such as water and fertilizer.

    When compared to the first-generation SAgro100 system, the SAgro150 auto-steering system uses a single-antenna solution instead of a dual-antenna solution. It also features simpler integration options, only requiring a strong magnetic chuck to securely attach the antenna to the top of the tractor for satellite signal tracking. The new system also adopts dual gyroscope mode, enhancing the heading data reliability and compatibility with different tractors.

    Upgraded from the SAgro100 auto-steering system, the SAgro150 has also inherited all of its advantages. Facing different tractor models, different farm terrains and working tasks.

    The new system aids in work modes including rotary tillage, ridging, sowing and harvesting in straight line, curve, U-turn and more.

  • Launchpad: New receivers, GIS platform and delivery UAV

    Launchpad: New receivers, GIS platform and delivery UAV

    A roundup of recent products in the GNSS and inertial positioning industry from the September 2023 issue of GPS World magazine.

    MOBILE

    Image: Fairview Microwave

    Commercial RF antennas
    Marine grade for ships/boats

    The Fairview commercial RF antennas provide accurate positioning with L1 band and multiband capabilities and offer a 28 dBi gain for reliable positioning. The antennas offer full-spectrum connectivity and operate within the universal marine frequency range of 156 MHz to 163 MHz and CB-27 MHz, 10m-HAM, ensuring unbroken connections at sea. The antennas are also weatherproof, rated IP67 for water ingress. They are offered with three types of mounts, making it easier to integrate into any vessel. All antennas are crafted from robust stainless steel or fiberglass for durability and reliable performance. Various antenna lengths are available for users to select based on their signal performance needs..
    Fairview Microwave, fairviewmicrowave.com

    SURVEYING & MAPPING

    Image: Advanced Navigation

    Inertial Measurement Units
    Features ultra-high accuracy DFOG range and more

    The Boreas A90 and A70 are strategic-grade inertial measurement units (IMU) that deliver acceleration and orientation with accuracy, stability and reliability under all conditions with no reliance on GNSS. They also feature automatic gyrocompassing. The IMUs contain ultra-high accuracy digital fiber-optic gyroscope (DFOG) range and high performance closed-loop accelerometers. The Boreas A90 and A70 are both suitable for surveying, mapping and navigation across subsea, marine, land and air applications. The Boreas A90 and A70 also offer an optional license to add inertial navigation system capabilities and enable integration with external GNSS receivers using Advanced Navigation’s range of interfaces and communication protocols.
    Advanced Navigation, advancednavigation.com

    Photo: ComNav Technology

    GNSS Receiver
    Suitable for surveying, mapping, and geographic information system applications

    The Mars Laser RTK features a datalink modem that transmits and receives across the full frequency range from 410 MHz to 470 MHz. With adjustable transmit power of 0.5 w to 2 w and a maximum distance of 15 km, it meets the measurement demands of complex environments. It can also switch roles between a rover and a base, enabling more flexibility in demanding applications. The Mars Laser RTK is equipped with a Wi-Fi/4G modem and Bluetooth capabilities, facilitating reliable communication across various platforms. The Mars Laser RTK also features five LEDs on the front panel for satellite tracking, RTK corrections data and more. Powered by the SinoGNSS K8 high precision module, the device supports full-constellation and multi-frequency tracking, including GPS, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS, IRNSS, and Galileo, and supports precise-point positioning service. Additionally, the device tracks more than 60 satellites and has 1,590 channels. The Mars Laser RTK’s third-generation inertial measurement unit (IMU) supports 60° tilt with 2.5 cm accuracy. The IMU can be set to both traditional mode with range pole and to laser mode.
    ComNav Technology, comnavtech.com

    Image: Trimble Geospatial

    Desktop Solution
    An Esri ArcGIS Pro add-in for field data collection software

    With a streamlined user interface, the Terra Office add-in for ArcGIS Pro enables users to connect TerraFlex workflows directly to the ArcGIS platform from within ArcGIS Pro — Esri’s desktop GIS application. ArcGIS Pro users can now create and manage TerraFlex geospatial data collection projects without leaving ArcGIS. Organizations that collect data in TerraFlex and bring it into ArcGIS through the add-in can also use the Trimble Offline GNSS Corrections service for situations where real-time correction services are intermittent or unavailable. With this service, all data from the field is automatically processed in the cloud without user intervention, and the most accurate real-time or post-processed position is stored for each feature and made available for download through the Terra Office add-in for ArcGIS Pro.
    Trimble Geospatial, geospatial.trimble.com

    Image: 1Spatial

    Data Capture App
    A customizable mobile application for GIS data collection

    1Capture is a mobile GIS editing application that is multi-use and configurable. It provides accurate and reliable data collection and editing in the field for a multitude of asset, job, and survey types. Customizable rules and actions work to improve data quality at the point of capture. This ensures that good quality data is captured at the source, minimizing re-surveys. The built-in rules engine automatically validates and corrects the GIS and non-GIS data collected, whether working online or offline. 1Capture connects with a variety of GIS environments, including Esri ArcGIS and open-source technologies such as PostGIS and Geoserver.
    1Spatial, 1spatial.com/us/

    AUTONOMOUS

    Heavy-Lift Delivery UAV
    An off-the-shelf, ready-to-fly delivery aircraft for last mile delivery

    The RDST Longtail features a RDS2 drone winch, enabling payloads to be deposited safely from altitude so that spinning rotors are kept far from people and property. The UAV can deliver or retrieve payloads up to 5 kg and over a distance of 11 km, making it suitable for various applications such as local parcel or food delivery, emergency medical deliveries, water sampling programs, offshore logistics, search and rescue operations and more. The UAV can also auto-release packages without the need for a recipient to be present at the delivery location. This is made possible by the all-new bag auto-release mechanism, allowing for easy pickups and auto-releasing of bags during deliveries. Designed to meet FAA regulations, the RDST Longtail is remote ID compliant with a factory-integrated remote ID beacon. The Premium edition of the drone can fly in inclement weather and features a quick-release battery system for minimal downtime.
    A2Z Drone Delivery, a2zdronedelivery.com

    Image: Anello Photonics

    GNSS INS
    Suitable for multiple applications

    The ANELLO GNSS inertial navigation system (INS) is designed for reliable long-term GPS-denied navigation and localization. Powered by optical gyroscope technology and artificial intelligence-based sensor fusion engine, the ANELLO GNSS INS delivers robust, high-accuracy positioning and orientation for applications such as agriculture, construction, trucking, and autonomous vehicles. It comes equipped with unaided heading drift of less than 0.5°/hr, dual multi-band real-time kinematic-capable GNSS engines, ASIL-D-ready automotive qualified CPU, automotive 2-wire Ethernet, and dual high-speed CAN FD interfaces. It also features dual RS-232 interfaces, hardware precision time protocol, IEEE 802.1AS. The ANELLO GNSS INS is IP68 waterproof, as well as resistant to dust, salt spray and chemicals.
    ANELLO Photonics, anellophotonics.com

    Image: Turf Tank

    GPS-Guided Robot
    Designed specifically for painting athletic fields

    The Turf Tank Two features dual motor drives for enhanced torque and optimized wheels for traction. On its own and controlled through a tablet, the Turf Tank Two can paint a regulation soccer field for two teams of 11 players each in less than 24 minutes, a baseball or softball field in less than 11 minutes, a lacrosse field in less than 26 minutes, and a full 100-yard football field in less than 3.5 hours. It can also paint logos and numbers. The Turf Tank Two is 43 in x 33 in x 22.5 in. It weighs 123 lbs, without paint or the battery installed, and it can hold 5.5 gallons of paint. Enhanced features of the Turf Tank Two also include a revamped sprayer module and advanced control features — including a redesigned front panel that has convenient pause/resume options with LED indicators displaying the robot’s status and a start/stop sprayer button. An LED indicator also comes on the battery. Its batteries are rechargeable. Because of the robot’s precision and accuracy, it uses significantly less paint and eliminates the overspray that is common with either painting by hand or using many of the older paint machines and sprayers on the market. The GNSS-guided Turf Tank Two uses a base station to enhance its accuracy, while its onboard GNSS receiver acts as a rover.
    Turf Tank, turftank.com

    DEFENSE

    Photo: BAE Systems

    Solar-Electric HAPS UAS
    Provides an alternative to conventional sensing and communications systems

    PHASA-35 is an ultra-light weight, solar-electric high altitude pseudo satellite (HAPS) unmanned aerial system (UAS) designed as an alternative to conventional systems such as satellites or conventionally powered aircraft for cost-effective imagery and communications. PHASA-35 uses photo-voltaic arrays to provide energy during the day, which is stored in rechargeable cells to maintain flight overnight. The UAS is designed to provide a persistent, stable platform for monitoring, surveillance, communications, and security applications. When connected to other solutions, it provides military and commercial customers with capabilities that are not currently available from existing air and space platforms. PHASA-35 can also be used to deliver communications networks including 5G, as well as provide other services, such as disaster relief and border protection. The UAS also has a flexible payload design that enables a large and varied range of sensor capabilities to be carried and updated. The PHASA-35 is suitable for military communications, military surveillance, commercial communications, maritime surveillance, border security, agricultural monitoring, and environmental monitoring.
    BAE Systems, baesystems.com

    Photo:

    GPS Receiver
    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.
    BAE Systems, baesystems.com

    OEM

    Image: NextNav

    Vertical Location Device
    For a variety of applications that rely on precise PNT

    Pinnacle delivers precise, floor-level, vertical positioning for geolocation applications. It offers altitude measurements that meet the Federal Communications Commission mandate of 3 m accuracy. Pinnacle works with existing barometric pressure sensors in devices to improve quality and accuracy. Pinnacle technology provides z-axis data and has been demonstrated in independent testing to deliver 94% accuracy. Pinnacle data is derived from a proprietary network built for public safety, operated and maintained by NextNav, for wide availability. SDK, API, and Unity plug-in options make it easy to integrate 3D geolocation technology into existing applications.
    The device also offers consistent vertical location abilities available throughout large urban areas. Pinnacle is available across the United States, is currently being deployed across Japan, and is being tested in France for local emergency repsonse agencies.
    NextNav, nextnav.com

    Image: u-blox

    LTE-M/NB-IoT Module
    For small asset trackers

    The LEXI-R4 module is customized for size-constrained application requirements. The device is suitable for small asset trackers, such as pet and personal trackers, micro-mobility devices, and luggage tags. The LEXI-R4 module supports all LTE-M and NB-internet of things (IoT) bands, with an RF output power of 23 dBm. It is natively designed to support GNSS AT commands, and its dedicated port enables easy integration with any u-blox M10-based GNSS module, such as the MIA-M10. Additionally, the module can connect to additional positioning services, such as AssistNow and CellLocate. The compact size of the module, measuring 16 mm x 16 mm, results from a 40% footprint reduction in dimensions compared to the previous u-blox SARA-R4. Due to its small size, it leaves room for larger antennas, which can improve RF performance, or for larger batteries. Another feature of the LEXI-R4 is its 2G fallback capability. Whenever LTE-M/NB-IoT coverage conditions are not optimal, it continues to function by falling back onto a 2G network. The company said this feature could be helpful in countries where LTE-M/NB-IoT networks have yet to be fully deployed.
    u-blox, u-blox.com

  • Leica Geosystems upgrades lidar UAV

    Leica Geosystems upgrades lidar UAV

    Image: Leica Geosystems
    Image: Leica Geosystems

    Leica Geosystems, part of Hexagon, has added new capabilities to the Leica BLK2FLY. It now has the ability to scan indoors, providing expanded coverage for complex scanning projects, and the ability to create digital twins for entire structures, both indoors and outdoors.

    Hexagon upgraded the autonomous UAV scanning system to allow for safe, effective indoor navigation and capturing. This capability also expands the BLK2FLY’s ability to capture various environments outdoors.

    The UAV can scan in areas without GNSS availability, opening reality capture opportunities in new settings, including hazardous indoor areas such as nuclear power plants. Increased performance of the autonomous navigation system heightens the sensor’s spatial awareness, allowing for obstacle avoidance in more confined spaces. This new capability relies upon advancements to Hexagon’s visual SLAM system, providing real-time spherical imaging that improves the BLK2FLY’s operating range to a radius of 1.5 meters.

    The BLK2FLY complements Hexagon’s terrestrial and autonomous sensor. Users can also use Reality Cloud Studio, powered by HxDR, Hexagon’s cloud application that enables uploading of data to the cloud from the field using a tablet or smartphone to register, mesh and create 3D models of their data from the field automatically.

    The technology’s new indoor scanning capabilities are available at no extra cost via firmware update to all current and future BLK2FLY users.

  • Space Force, NRO launch space observation satellites

    Space Force, NRO launch space observation satellites

    Image: SSC
    Image: SSC

    Space Systems Command (SSC), the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), United Launch Alliance (ULA) and their mission partners successfully launched the “Silent Barker”/NROL-107 mission aboard an Atlas V rocket September 10, 2023, at 8:47 a.m. EDT from Space Launch Complex (SLC)-41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida.

    The spacecraft was part of the Space Force’s Silent Barker satellite constellation network intended to provide space situational awareness, orbital surveillance and tracking. 

    According to a statement by ULA, Silent Barker is designed to detect and maintain custody of space objects. This capability enables indications and warnings of threats against high-value assets in geosynchronous orbit. 

    The mission aims to serves the needs of the U.S. Department of Defense and intelligence community by providing the capability to search, detect and track objects from a space-based censor for timely custody and event detection, the company said.  

    Surveillance from space allows the government to overcome existing ground sensor limitations and will enable the collection of timely satellite metric data around the clock. 

    One more Atlas V 551 remains in the NSSL inventory as the Space Force approaches the end of Atlas.   

  • ION GNSS+ 2023: Recap

    ION GNSS+ 2023: Recap

    ION GNSS+ 2023 has officially concluded. GPS World staff had the opportunity to stop by several booths, attend a variety of educational sessions, and connect with industry leaders and attendees. Below are some of the show highlights and pictures of the beautiful city of Denver.

    All photos were taken by GPS World Editor-in-Chief, Matteo Luccio.

    Educational sessions

    Image: Matteo Luccio

    ION GNSS+ attendees gathered to hear a variety educational sessions offered throughout the conference.

     

    Captain Scott Calhoun, Commanding Officer, U.S. Coast Guard Navigation Center (NAVCEN) and Deputy Chair of the Civil GPS Service Interface Committee.

     

    On the first day of the conference, Dr. Tzu-Wei Fang, Space Scientist, National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Space Weather Prediction Center, spoke during the “Remote Sensing, Timing, Space and Scientific Applications” session.

     

    Dr. Ignacio Fernández-Hernández, Galileo Authentication and High Accuracy Manager for the European Commission, presented during the “Trends in Future Satellite Navigation Technology, System Design and Development” educational session.

     

    Scott Thompson-Buchanan, Chief Cartographer, National Park Service, discussed the program’s partnerships and future plans.

     

    Dr. Robert Hampshire, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology and Chief Science Officer,
    U.S. Department of Transportation, gave the keynote address during the 63rd Civil GPS Service Interface Committee.

     

    (From left to right) Colonel Andy Menshner, GPS Space and Ground (SML), Space Systems Command, U.S. Space Force; Lieutenant Colonel Robert Wray, Commander, Second Space Operations Squadron, U.S. Space Force; and Harold “Stormy” Martin, Director, National Coordination Office for Space-Based Positioning, Navigation, and Timing, during the Civil GPS Service Interface Committee.

     

    Colonel Andy Menshner gave GPS acquisitions and development updates.

     

    Panelists during the 63rd Civil GPS Service Interface Committee.

     

    Click here to see more highlights from the 63rd Civil GPS Service Interface Committee, including the celebration of 50 years of GPS!

    Matteo in the exhibit hall

    GPS World staff met with our partners, contributors and readers on the show floor and at our booth.

    The GPS World booth highlighted past magazine covers and our current issue of the magazine. Here, GPS World staff, Todd Miller (left) and Matteo Luccio (right), took the opportunity to meet with program leaders, partners and readers.

     

    Harold “Stormy” Martin.

     

    Adam Price, Vice President – PNT Simulation at Spirent Communications.

     

    Dr Bradford Parkinson.

     

    Kirstin Schauble and Gerhard Boiciuc, Anello Photonics.

     

    Tim Waite and Mitchell McFee, GPS Networking.

     

    GPS World‘s long-time contributor, Richard Langley.

     

    Dr. Patricia Larkoski, The Mitre Corporation (left)  and Nunzio Gambale, Founder and CEO of Locata (right).

     

    GPS World Editorial Advisory Board member, Mitch Narins, Strategic Synergies, LLC.

     

    John Clark, CAST Navigation.

     

    Frank Van Diggelen, Google, and past President of ION.

     

    GPS World Editorial Advisory Board member, John Fischer, Safran Navigation and Timing.

     

    Chuck Stoffer (left) and Jeffery Sanders (right), UHU Technologies.

     

    Gregory Turetzky, OneNav.

     

    Karen Van Dyke, Director, PNT and Spectrum Management, U.S. Department of Transportation.

     

    The beautiful city of Denver

    ION GNSS+ 2023 took place in the heart of downtown Denver and came to a close on September 15. Beautiful blue skies and skyscrapers welcomed conference attendees from across the globe for the four-day event. Next year, ION GNSS+ is set to take place at the Hilton Baltimore Inner Harbor, Maryland.