GPS World

Blog

  • Viavi introduces GNSS-disciplined oscillator for precision timing in low SWaP platforms

    Viavi introduces GNSS-disciplined oscillator for precision timing in low SWaP platforms

    Viavi Solutions has launched the µPNT GDO-1000, a GNSS-disciplined oscillator built in the M.2 B-key form factor, suitable for low size, weight and power (SWaP) platforms.

    Measuring 22 x 42 mm (the size of a postage stamp) and weighing less than 4 grams, the GDO-1000 is designed for platforms requiring accurate timing in places where traditional timing modules do not fit or are too power-hungry, including defense and airborne platforms, unmanned systems, data center cards, and communications equipment.

    The µPNT GDO-1000 addresses these challenges through a combination of capabilities:

    • Dual-frequency L1/L5 GNSS reception with microsecond-class 24-hour holdover enables precise, resilient timing in compromised conditions.
    • The M.2 B-key form factor drops into modern compute platforms, time appliance cards, and embedded systems without custom mechanical design, drawing approximately half a watt.
    • Patented AI and ML algorithms developed by the Jackson Labs team, now part of VIAVI, predict and compensate for oscillator behavior across environmental conditions
    • The microelectro-mechanical systems (MEMS) oscillator delivers better thermal stability across the full military temperature range than traditional quartz oven-controlled crystal oscillators (OCXOs), with sustained phase noise and Allan Deviation performance under vibration and shock
    • It accepts an external 1PPS input, allowing it to be disciplined by M-code GPS, alternative navigation sources, or other external references without hardware modification
    • Multiple 1PPS and low-phase-noise 10MHz coaxial inputs and outputs for system integration flexibility, despite its miniature size.

    The GDO-1000 will be on display by Viavi at booth 407 during the 2026 Joint Navigation Conference, taking place June 1-4 at the Northern Kentucky Convention Center. As part of the event technical program, Lisa Perdue and Nino De Falcis of Viavi will speak on a “New Cesium-Less ePRTC Solution to Provide Timing for Homeland Critical Infrastructure.”

  • Russian sabotage of Baltic Sea states is analyzed in a new white paper

    Russian sabotage of Baltic Sea states is analyzed in a new white paper

    Russian acts targeting critical infrastructure, satellite signal interference paralyzing maritime and air navigation, and cognitive operations aimed at intimidating European societies are examples of Russian hybrid activities targeting the Baltic Sea region states.

    The paper, “White Paper on Russian Acts of Sabotage and Subversion against Members of the Council of the Baltic Sea States,” can be downloaded here. Authors Filip Bryjka, Anna Maria Dyner and Aleksandra Kozioł are with the Polish Institute of International Relations.

    The report explores GNSS signal disruptions in the Baltic Sea and how it affects the safety of maritime and air traffic.

    Scale and Methods of Russian Operations

    Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Russia has intensified its hybrid activities against NATO member states, particularly those that have most actively supported Ukrainian resistance. This group includes the members of the Council of the Baltic Sea States. It is against them that the vast majority of acts of diversion and sabotage recorded in Europe since February 2022 have been directed.

    Russia deploys a full spectrum of tools against the region:

    • Acts of diversion and sabotage targeting critical infrastructure.
    • Border incidents: Violations of airspace and maritime borders.
    • GNSS signal disruptions (satellite radio transmissions), creating operational problems for maritime and air navigation.
    • Cognitive influence, aimed at causing measurable damage, testing state responses, and inducing a sense of growing threat among societies.

    Recommendations: How to Counter Hybrid Threats?

    The offensive nature of Russian actions demonstrates an intent to destabilize NATO and EU countries. Effective defense requires developing shared mechanisms:

    • Close cooperation among agencies: Ensuring a high level of situational awareness through the coordination of activities (at both national and international levels) among military and civilian intelligence, counterintelligence, border guard services, and the police.
    • A dedicated information exchange system: Leveraging the geographical proximity and potential of the CBSS states to quickly share threat data.
    • Unambiguous attribution of persuasions: Publicly naming Russia as the author of the attacks. A lack of clear attribution hinders coordinated preventive and retaliatory measures.
    • A catalog of best practices: Developing common rules for monitoring, reporting, and responding to known and repetitive Russian operational patterns.

    The authors conclude that only a full spectrum of coherent measures taken by all states in the region, alongside NATO and EU structures, can effectively influence Russia and reduce the risk of future incidents.

  • Xairos achieves free-space quantum and optical testing milestone

    Xairos achieves free-space quantum and optical testing milestone

    A two-kilometer free-space demonstration validates quantum-secure communications and resilient PNT capabilities

    Xairos Systems has met a significant milestone for its Ares Quantum Optical Terminal, a robust system designed to deliver quantum-secure, high-data-rate communications and resilient position, navigation and timing (PNT) in RF- and GPS-denied environments.

    The Ares terminal will combine 10 Gbps free-space optical communications, entangled photon distribution for timing and encryption key sharing, and a stable clock ensemble disciplined by Xairos’ exclusive Quantum Time Transfer technology.

    Xairos completed two-kilometer free-space range testing with Space Development Agency-compliant optical communications and established simultaneous quantum and optical links using a common Ares Quantum Optical Terminal. This free-space testing — distinct from fiber-based demonstrations — marks a critical step toward real-world operational deployment.

    The fully integrated Ares Quantum Optical Terminal will combine 10 Gbps free-space optical communications, entangled photon distribution for timing and encryption key sharing, and a stable clock ensemble disciplined by Xairos’ Quantum Time Transfer (QTT) technology — all within a ruggedized compact package. QTT provides unprecedented security and resilience for PNT where GPS and RF signals are unavailable or jammed.

    The Ares Quantum Optical Terminal underpins a communications and PNT mesh network for aircraft, uncrewed aerial systems (UAS), ships, and other assets in contested environments, and serves as a foundation for a future space-based architecture spanning satellites, air vehicles and ground nodes.

  • TRX Systems highlights DAPS assured PNT at JNC 2026

    TRX Systems highlights DAPS assured PNT at JNC 2026

    TRX Systems will introduce the latest innovations to its DAPS GEN II solution at the Joint Navigation Conference (JNC) 2026, taking place June 1-4 in Covington, Kentucky.

    Developed for a U.S. Army Program of Record, the TRX DAPS GEN II solution provides warfighters with a resilient, trusted source of position, navigation and timing (PNT) that remains operational in GPS-degraded, jammed or denied environments.

    The new enhancements strengthen DAPS GEN II system performance in extended-duration threat environments and include a new mounted capability that facilitates vehicle integration.

    The new mounted capability delivers a modular, open architecture that expands client support and provides future extensibility while leveraging the core DAPS GEN II capability.  To facilitate use of DAPS GEN II in vehicles, a vehicle interface adapter (VIA) is under development to provide the following capabilities:​

    • Hold the DAPS GEN II device securely in the vehicle, enabling improved inertial performance under threat
    • Accept and condition power from the vehicle, extending battery life
    • Extend the number of supported clients, enabling vehicle systems to consume a single assured-PNT feed
    • Provide RF and data interfaces to anti-jam antennas, enabling tight integration with the antennas, including sharing of electronic warfare situational awareness information
    • Provide a FLEX-IO port, enabling extensibility by supporting addition of new PNT sensors and simplifying transition of new assured PNT capabilities​

    JNC 2026 attendees can visit the TRX team in Booth #319 to learn how the DAPS GEN II solution supports dismounted and mounted operations by delivering continuous, assured PNT – even in contested environments.

    During the conference, TRX leaders will participate in technical sessions where they will discuss the latest DAPS GEN II innovations and share testing results for delivering assured PNT in both dismounted and mounted situations:

    • Session C6 (Tuesday, 11:30 a.m.): Speakers from TRX Systems and Combat Ready PNT will present U.S. Army Program of Record: DAPS Gen II Advancements, Interoperability, and Performance. This presentation will review DAPS GEN II innovations that increase resilience to extended-duration threats.
    • Session C6: TRX Systems is supporting an alternate presentation,U.S. Army Program of Record DAPS Mounted ECP (DME). This presentation will cover the functionality being developed with the VIA and provide results from the development and testing.
  • 42 Technology and Omnisense collaborate on safer autonomous drone landing system

    42 Technology and Omnisense collaborate on safer autonomous drone landing system

    42 Technology (42T) and Omnisense have demonstrated a safer autonomous drone landing system when GNSS signals are unreliable.

    The system uses a ground-based ultra-wideband (UWB) positioning technology. It was developed by Omnisense through its European Space Agency-supported DroneHome program.

    Autonomous landing is a safety-critical phase for drone missions, particularly challenging when GNSS is impaired due to signal obstruction, reflection or interference (near tall buildings, in busy ports, or inside tunnels).

    The DroneHome program uses terrestrial radio positioning as a complementary navigation layer within the overall navigation system, so a drone’s position remains stable and predictable even in GNSS-challenged environments. In practice, this means autonomous systems can maintain controlled behavior instead of experiencing sudden navigation failures.

    One of the key technical challenges was extending the operational range of UWB positioning to make it viable for autonomous landing. 42T worked closely with Omnisense to design and develop the extended-range RF hardware used in both the ground infrastructure and airborne elements of the system. The front-end design incorporates a UWB system-on-chip with low noise amplification, power amplification, switching, and antenna integration to deliver the required range and performance.

    Field trials and simulation-based analysis confirmed that the system maintained stable positioning within a defined envelope during GNSS-degraded operation, enabling reliable autonomous approach and landing.

    The results from Omnisense’s DroneHome program are directly relevant across a wide range of applications, including airborne, terrestrial and maritime operations, infrastructure inspection, and autonomous systems operating in GNSS-challenged environments.

    DroneHome was a focused development and validation programme exploring extended-range terrestrial positioning for autonomous navigation applications. The project was led by Omnisense in collaboration with Mozaero and supported by ESA under the NAVISP program.

  • Apogee awarded $103M PNT contract for US defense

    Apogee has been awarded a five-year, $103 million task order to provide positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) support services for the U.S. Department of Defense.

    The contract supports modernization, acquisition and sustainment planning across the international PNT enterprise, ensuring resilient and reliable capabilities that underpin critical military operations worldwide.

    Under the contract, Apogee will deliver technical expertise and mission support across multiple locations, including Robins Air Force Base, Georgia; Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio; and Eglin Air Force Base, Florida.

    Apogee’s team will contribute to advancing next-generation PNT capabilities, strengthening system performance and supporting the continued evolution of a mission essential to joint and coalition operations.

    Apogee is headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colorado, with regional offices nationwide.

  • UAS swarming project kicks off for Spanish Ministry of Defence

    UAS swarming project kicks off for Spanish Ministry of Defence

    UAV Navigation-Grupo Oesía and Alpha Unmanned Systems take on UAS swarming for Spain.

    The advanced guidance, navigation and control systems developed by UAV Navigation-Grupo Oesía, together with Alpha Unmanned Systems’ platforms, will be deployed in the FENIX project, which aims to consolidate capabilities in heterogeneous unmanned vehicle swarms.

    The project is framed within the COINCIDENTE Programme, the Spanish Ministry of Defence’s National R&D Plan, which seeks innovative technological solutions of interest for defense. It will also benefit from the support of institutions such as AICIA (Association for Research and Industrial Cooperation of Andalusia, University of Seville) and FADA-CATEC (Advanced Aerospace Technologies Centre).

    The main objective of FENIX is the design, development and validation through simulation and flight test campaigns of a technological demonstrator for an autonomous control and coordination system for heterogeneous unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) swarms.

    The system will build on Alpha Unmanned Systems’ existing UAV platforms, as project lead, and on the advanced autopilot technology of UAV Navigation-Grupo Oesía. Building on this foundation, new technologies will be developed to endow the swarm with collective intelligence, in alignment with military doctrine. These technologies will analyze, assess and demonstrate how the use of such systems enhances effectiveness and efficiency in surveillance and reconnaissance tasks in complex and contested environments, while also providing increased robustness.

    Key developments and objectives of the project include:

    • Swarm coordination and planning system: Capability for efficient, real-time replanning in response to unforeseen events.
    • Cooperative perception system: Integration of multisensor data collected by the different UAVs, enhancing detection accuracy and robustness against occlusions, concealment and adverse weather conditions.
    • Advanced capabilities for critical missions: Identification and mapping of areas of interest under GNSS signal interference (jamming) or spoofing, as well as in NRBQ (CBRN) threat scenarios, and detection of specific targets in patrol, reconnaissance, target acquisition, and search-and-rescue missions.

    The use of a heterogeneous UAV swarm will enable these missions to be carried out more effectively and efficiently, directly enhancing defense operational capabilities. The FENIX system operator will only need to define the mission to be executed by the swarm through a single human–machine interface.

    The system will automatically decompose the mission defined by the operator into simple tasks, optimally allocate these tasks to the UAVs within the swarm according to their capabilities and constraints, and generate and assign safe, efficient and physically feasible trajectories for each UAV, while respecting kinematic constraints, energy limitations, communication range constraints, and other operational factors.

    The FENIX Project, supported by the advanced intelligence of UAV Navigation-Grupo Oesía’s GNC systems and Alpha Unmanned Systems’ rotary-wing platforms, represents a significant step forward in the use of UAV swarms for military applications. This project provides a robust and efficient tool for inspection and reconnaissance in complex and contested environments.

  • EUSPA launches new EU Space Market Report, strong GNSS growth predicted

    EUSPA launches new EU Space Market Report, strong GNSS growth predicted

    A new edition of the European Union’s Space Market Report is now available. According to the EU’s Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA), it offers a comprehensive overview of the latest developments, emerging trends, and market dynamics shaping the global space downstream sector.

    The report provides a comprehensive overview of the latest developments and trends in GNSS, as well as Earth observation (EO), secure satellite communications (Secure SATCOM), and space situational awareness (SSA) in one place for the first time. It also highlights the evolution of user technologies and the growing synergies between these domains.

    “As Europe’s space capabilities become increasingly interconnected, it is essential to move beyond viewing them as standalone technologies,” explained Rodrigo da Costa, EUSPA executive director. The publication “reflects the growing synergies between these domains and their strategic importance for Europe’s economy, resilience and autonomy.

    “By providing a comprehensive view of the evolving space ecosystem, EUSPA aims to foster innovation, strengthen collaboration across the sector, and support the development of a more competitive, agile and responsive European Union space economy,” da Costa said.

    GNSS and EO

    The report highlights sustained growth for both the GNSS and EO markets across all 16 analyzed market segments. The current €3.5 billion of EO market revenue in 2024 is expected to grow to €7.9 billion by 2034 with agriculture representing the largest share.

    GNSS revenues are forecast to rise from €300 billion in 2024 to €580 billion by 2034. GNSS service revenues outpace device revenues and confirm the increasing role of digital ecosystems and value-added services in the space economy, the report said.

    Revenues are mainly driven by consumer solutions, and road and automotive, with a global installed base of GNSS-enabled devices that will reach almost 10 billion by 2034.

    Secure SATCOM

    The Secure SATCOM market addresses the needs of surveillance, key infrastructure and crisis management. In this sector, data service revenues generated by EU users are forecast to grow significantly, increasing from more than €200 million in 2025 to nearly €1.2 billion by 2040.

    While maritime surveillance drives demand in 2025, by 2040 the market is expected to be led by law enforcement interventions, civil protection and force deployment, fueled by growing security and resilience needs, demand for reliable connectivity, and stronger crisis-response capabilities.

    Existing and future synergies

    The report also examines how major macroeconomic trends —including climate change, geopolitical instability and rapid urbanization — are reshaping space markets and strengthening synergies between EO, GNSS and Secure SATCOM technologies. Together, these capabilities are becoming increasingly important for security, resilience, disaster response, environmental monitoring, and smarter urban and infrastructure management.

    Download the EU Space Market Report.

  • Focal Point Positioning launches Precise+ for sub-meter GNSS accuracy in challenging environments

    Focal Point Positioning launches Precise+ for sub-meter GNSS accuracy in challenging environments

    Focal Point Positioning, a U.K.-based developer of GNSS-enhancing software, has launched Precise+, a technology designed to deliver reliable high-precision positioning in environments where conventional carrier-phase tracking struggles. The company unveiled the technology at the 2026 European Navigation Conference in Vienna, Austria.

    Precise+ extends the capabilities of the company’s patented Supercorrelation platform into the carrier-phase domain, targeting the cycle slips that can cause real-time kinematic (RTK) and precise point positioning (PPP) systems to lose lock in difficult environments.

    Continuous carrier-phase lock is required for centimeter-level positioning. In dense urban areas, under tree cover and in multipath-heavy environments, interruptions can trigger cycle slips and force systems to reinitialize. According to the company, these disruptions remain a major obstacle for advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), automated driving and robotics applications.

    Focal Point said Precise+ improves GNSS performance in challenging conditions, delivering sub-meter accuracy in scenarios where commercial receivers using live corrections typically produce multi-meter errors.

    The company tested its software-defined Precise+ receiver in Thetford Forest, a common benchmark environment for GNSS testing under dense foliage. According to Focal Point, the system achieved 80 cm accuracy at the 99th percentile, meaning positioning error remained below 80 cm for 99% of measurements collected in the most difficult sections of the route. The company said competing state-of-the-art receivers produced errors greater than 3 m under the same conditions.

    Focal Point noted the results were achieved using only receiver-level performance, without inertial sensors, dead reckoning or sensor fusion. The company said the improvements can be combined with additional technologies such as sensor fusion, RTK or PPP corrections.

    “RTK and PPP deliver centimeter accuracy in open sky but degrade sharply where signals are disrupted by tree cover, buildings or multipath,” said Scott Pomerantz, CEO of Focal Point Positioning. “This limits deployment to a narrow slice of the road network, not the environments people actually drive in.”

    “Meanwhile, correction services carry high recurring per-vehicle costs yet cannot fix what happens at the receiver when the signal environment degrades,” Pomerantz added. “This means OEMs pay for precise positioning that doesn’t function where it matters most.”

    According to the company, Precise+ is designed for automotive applications including ADAS, automated driving and vehicle-to-everything (V2X) systems, as well as other applications requiring sustained high-precision GNSS performance outside open-sky conditions.

  • Cohda Wireless to support landmark V2X deployment in Arizona

    Cohda Wireless to support landmark V2X deployment in Arizona

    The Maricopa County (Arizona) Department of Transportation (MCDOT) has selected connected-vehicle technology specialist Cohda Wireless to support delivery of its Connected Vehicle
    Acceleration Zone (CVAZ).

    The CVAZ is a USDOT-backed deployment designed to accelerate interoperable vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology across key corridors in the county. CVAZ forms part of the Federal Highway Administration’s “Saving Lives with Connectivity: Accelerating V2X Deployment” program, which is supporting national models for connected vehicle deployment in Arizona, Texas and Utah.

    The Maricopa County project will rely primarily on 5.9 GHz
    communications and is expected to connect up to 750 physical and virtual roadside units with 400 onboard units across transit, emergency response and freight fleets.

    An MK6 Road-Side Unit being mounted to traffic infrastructure. (Credit: Cohda Wireless)
    An MK6 Road-Side Unit being mounted to traffic infrastructure. (Credit: Cohda Wireless)

    The deployment will support emergency vehicle pre-emption, vulnerable road user alerts, transit signal priority and freight signal priority in Phoenix, Tolleson, Avondale and unincorporated Maricopa County, as well as along ADOT’s US 60 highway.

    Together, these applications are intended to help emergency vehicles move more efficiently through intersections, improve transit reliability, reduce freight delays and provide earlier warnings around pedestrians and cyclists.

    Following its selection as a vendor, Cohda is contributing technical expertise in testing and deployment planning to support delivery of the CVAZ application zones. Under the project, Cohda will supply MK6 Road-Side Unit (RSU) kits and MK6 On-Board Unit (OBU) kits across the CVAZ application zones.

    The program is designed as a multi-vendor deployment. Cohda’s RSU and OBU platforms are positioned to integrate with the county’s selected roadside processing environment, helping reduce integration risk and support faster deployment.

  • Norway placing more monitoring stations to measure Russian GNSS interference

    Norway placing more monitoring stations to measure Russian GNSS interference

    For Norway, frequent GNSS jamming and spoofing is affecting a wide range of civilian operations, including air traffic. Interference is increasingly being detected deeper inside Norwegian airspace, reports the Barents Observer.

    Three dedicated monitoring stations for detecting GNSS disturbances have already been established in the region bordering Russia. Now, the Norwegian Communications Authority (Nkom) plans to install two additional stations this year.

    The new sensors will provide improved continuous monitoring, covering key new areas, including large parts of the Varanger Peninsula and the Barents Sea.

  • Taoglas introduces ultra-compact dual-band high-precision GNSS antenna

    Taoglas introduces ultra-compact dual-band high-precision GNSS antenna

    Taoglas has launched the GVLB208 series, an active and passive dual-band GNSS L1/L5 stacked patch antenna — the first in a new family of ultra-compact antennas.

    Combining a tiny package with concurrent L1/L5 support and stable right-hand circular polarization (RHCP), the antennas deliver reliable centimeter-level positioning in a compact 20 x 20 x 8 mm footprint.

    The GVLB208 series is designed for applications that require high-precision positioning in a compact form factor. Its size, dual-band support and circular polarization make it suitable for designers looking to improve positioning performance without increasing device footprint.

    The new antennas address this challenge with a single-feed stacked patch design that supports concurrent L1 and L5 GNSS bands. By leveraging dual-band operation, they significantly reduce the impact of multipath interference, enabling more reliable positioning and improved accuracy in complex RF environments.

    The series delivers dual-band L1/L5 performance typically associated with larger GNSS patch antennas. The antenna achieves peak gain of up to 1.5 dBi, approximately 50% efficiency across both bands, and an axial ratio of around 4 dB, supporting stable RHCP signal reception and consistent positioning performance.

    Optimized for major global GNSS constellations, including GPS, Galileo, GLONASS and BeiDou, the GVLB208 series supports reliable operation across varied RF environments.

    • The passive GVLB208 A single-feed architecture enables dual-band L1/L5 performance without the complexity of multi-feed designs, while its pin-mount configuration simplifies RF layout and integration. It can be easily implemented on standard PCB designs, with optimal performance achieved on a typical 70 x 70 mm ground plane.
    • The active AGVLB208.A, including active electronics and filters, is supplied with 1.13 micro-coax cable and an I-PEX MHF I connector for easy integration with the latest multiband GNSS modules.

    The GVLB208 series is suitable for autonomous delivery robots requiring seamless sidewalk navigation and precise drop-offs, where every centimeter counts. It also supports applications including unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), telematics systems, fleet and asset tracking, precision agriculture, and industrial IoT deployments.

    Taoglas plans to expand the GVLB208 family later this year with an active SMD variant with integrated active electronic components, designed for automated high-volume manufacturing.