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  • Galileo OSNMA authentication service now operational

    The European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) has officially declared its Galileo Open Service Navigation Message Authentication (OSNMA) initial service operational. OSNMA introduces a data authentication mechanism for Galileo Open Service users and is available free of charge to Galileo users worldwide.

    Spoofing is the transmission of counterfeit satellite signals that deceive GNSS receivers, causing false, unreliable positioning that can disrupt critical sectors including transportation, finance, telecommunications, energy, manufacturing, healthcare, emergency services and law enforcement. In safety-critical domains such as aviation and maritime, spoofing risks can lead to serious safety hazards.

    OSNMA addresses these threats by embedding a cryptographic digital signature within the Galileo navigation message (I/NAV) broadcast on the E1-B signal. This digital signature allows receivers equipped with OSNMA to verify that the signal truly originates from Galileo and has not been tampered with or spoofed.

    OSNMA is integrated into the Galileo Open Service signal, which is already used by most GNSS devices. This means no change to existing Galileo signal structure or navigation performance, preserving full backward compatibility. Non-OSNMA receivers continue to function normally, while OSNMA-capable receivers decode and authenticate the digital signature.

    The European GNSS Service Centre (GSC), located at the National Institute for Aerospace Technology (INTA) in Torrejón de Ardoz, Spain, manages the generation and transmission of authentication messages to Galileo’s ground segment. The OSNMA service was developed in collaboration with industrial partners, including GMV and INDRA, who also contributed to Galileo’s High Accuracy Service (HAS), operational since January 2023.

  • Austrian team develops navigation system for divers

    Austrian team develops navigation system for divers

    Buoys located via GNSS and electromagnetic signals enable divers to navigate underwater in a way that is gentle on the animals. A head-up display in the mask shows the appropriate routes.

    A team led by Philipp Berglez from the Institute of Geodesy at Graz University of Technology, Styria, Austria, has developed a navigation system for divers that uses GNSS-supported buoys. The buoys emit electromagnetic signals to enable animal-friendly, precise positioning underwater.

    Using a heads-up display in their mask, divers can find their way to their desired destinations, back to the dive boat, or around restricted areas. The divers also can always be found in an emergency.

    Wave propagation the biggest challenge

    The navigation system’s operating principle combines the precision of satellite navigation with the transmission of electromagnetic signals underwater. The buoys are placed in the operational area and determine their position via GNSS, more specifically via the Galileo High Accuracy Service (HAS).

    A signal generator in the buoys sends electromagnetic signals to the divers, who carry a receiver the size of a cookie. Since several buoys communicate simultaneously with the divers’ receivers, the various distance information can be used to determine their position and depth using trilateration.

    Photo:
    TU Graz and partners have developed a GNSS navigation system for divers. (Credit: TU Graz, Institute of Geodesy)

    Ocean environment. “The biggest challenge for us was calculating the propagation of the electromagnetic signals underwater to obtain the appropriate distance values,” Berglez said. “The properties of the water — such as salinity, temperature, depth or conductivity — have a major influence here. Due to these diverse and variable influencing factors, modeling the propagation properties underwater was particularly challenging.”

    The research team succeeded in transmitting signals horizontally over 150 meters, but the scientists still see considerable potential for optimization when it comes to penetrating greater depths of up to 100 meters.

    Applications. The underwater navigation system is useful for divers in several applications. In the tourism sector, it is ideal for sport and recreational diving, where dive sites equipped with position buoys help visitors find underwater sights. They can see the route there on the mask’s head-up display. The company Oxygen Scientific has already developed a head-up display mounted on the mask.

    The system is also useful in the fields of aquatic ecology, underwater archaeology and underwater debris documentation.

    Wildlife Friendly. It was important to the project team that the system, unlike sonar, would not impact wildlife. Test measurements were conducted with golden rainbow trout, which are normally very sensitive to external influences.

    During measurements with different transmission power levels, the fish showed no abnormal behavior, and they continued to behave normally even after the measurements were completed. The golden trout were equally unaffected one week, one month and four months after the measurements, ruling out any delayed negative effects with a very high degree of probability.

    In addition to TU Graz, project partners included pentamap GmbH, 1st-Relief GmbH, Oxygen Scientific GmbH, Disaster Competence Network Austria , and the Austrian Center for Research Diving.

  • Advancing earthquake prediction with a UAV

    Advancing earthquake prediction with a UAV

    Researchers demonstrate a seaplane-type UAV using GNSS-A can precisely measure seafloor deformation

    Megathrust earthquakes are large earthquakes that occur on faults found along the boundaries between tectonic plates. The Nankai Trough is a megathrust earthquake zone lying off the southwestern coast of Japan, and experts estimate that this zone could generate a potentially devastating (magnitude 8 or 9) large earthquake sometime in the next 30 years. A seismic event of this magnitude could trigger cascading hazards such as destructive tsunamis.

    Developing the technologies for efficient and reliable seafloor monitoring is paramount when considering the potential for socioeconomic harm represented by megathrust earthquakes. Traditionally, seafloor measurements have been obtained using transponder stations on the seafloor that communicate with satellites via buoys or ocean-going vessels to produce accurate positional information. However, data collection using such systems has problems such as low efficiency and speed.

    In a study published in Earth and Space Science, researchers at Institute of Industrial Science, the University of Tokyo, addressed the challenge of acquiring reliable, high-precision, real-time seafloor measurements by constructing a seaplane-type unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that can withstand ocean currents and wind. This vehicle is intended for use with the GNSS–Acoustic (GNSS-A) ― a system that uses satellites to determine locations on Earth ― to provide a communication link with seafloor transponder stations.

    “We conducted initial experiments in a water tank,” explains lead author of the study Yuto Yoshizumi, “and found that the proposed system can detect distances to an accuracy within 2.1 cm.”

    To further evaluate the system, at-sea trial tests were performed by landing the UAV on the sea surface off the coast of Japan under optimal sea conditions. “The results were hugely encouraging,” said senior author Yusuke Yokota. “These seafloor positioning measurements are the first ever achieved using a UAV, and we attained a horizontal root mean square error of approximately 1–2 cm, which is easily comparable to that of existing vessel-based systems.”

    The rapid real-time acquisition of seafloor information using the UAV system developed by the research team at Institute of Industrial Science, the University of Tokyo, is expected to provide the foundation for advanced research into earthquake disaster prevention. Such data are urgently needed given the speed and frequency of occurrence of megathrust earthquakes on the Nankai Trough.

    Full paper, DOI: 10.1029/2025EA004237.

  • Companies partner on resilient navigation for commercial ships

    Companies partner on resilient navigation for commercial ships

    NAL Research is partnering with SGM Technology, a maritime technology company, and Tschudi Shipping, a maritime logistics company, to deliver a resilient navigation and tracking product line for the commercial shipping industry enabled by Iridium’s low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite network.

    NAL Research is a U.S.-based firm specializing in assured positioning, navigation and timing (APNT) solutions.

    The partnership aims to provide reliable asset tracking and assured navigation in high-risk maritime environments. Threats to GPS and GNSS signals —  such as jamming, spoofing and interference —  are reaching unprecedented levels worldwide. In some regions, maritime authorities reported a 350% increase in affected vessels over the past six months, according to NorthStandard. These disruptions are leading to serious consequences, including collisions, delays, financial impacts on global trade, and heightened security risks for crews at sea.

    Under the partnership agreement, the companies are leveraging NAL Research’s 25+ years of expertise in APNT, tracking, and connectivity to develop solutions built on the Iridium PNT service, a powerful and fully authenticated L-band signal resilient to spoofing and jamming.

    The partnership will also benefit from SGM’s 15+ years of experience delivering technology to the commercial maritime sector and Tschudi Shipping Company’s global presence and 140+ years in commercial shipping and logistics. Together, the collaboration aims to provide maritime users with unmatched resilience and reliable navigation for GPS/GNSS-compromised environments. Trials of this state-of-the-art solution are underway.

  • GMV to develop collision avoidance service for LEO constellations

    GMV to develop collision avoidance service for LEO constellations

    The rapid growth of satellite constellations in low-Earth orbit (LEO), the risk of orbital collisions is rising at an unprecedented rate. The increasing amount of space debris — ranging from active satellites to defunct assets and debris — poses serious challenges for operators striving to maintain the safety and sustainability of their missions. As daily data volumes grow and conjunction warnings become more frequent, the space community faces pressure to adopt more advanced and reliable collision avoidance solutions.

    In response to these growing challenges, the European Space Agency (ESA) has awarded GMV a research and development contract under the ARTES Core Competitiveness program, aimed at improving collision avoidance services for large telecommunications constellations. The initiative will focus on developing advanced capabilities for FOCUSOC NXTGEN, a platform designed to deliver faster and more accurate collision risk assessments by using diverse data sources and enhanced response strategies.

    As part of the project, a conjunction assessment center will be established in the United Kingdom to expand support for satellite operators both domestically and internationally. The new system architecture aims to handle higher volumes of data and provide scalable performance to match the needs of next-generation constellations, potentially exceeding 1,000 satellites per constellation.

    FOCUSOC NXTGEN incorporates several features, including a dedicated database for trend analysis, a maneuver testing environment grounded in flight dynamics, API integration for efficient operations, and a redundant infrastructure to ensure continuous service availability. The system seeks to filter out false positives from daily orbital data, identify genuine threats more accurately, and deliver timely recommendations to operators for effective maneuver planning.

    The service is set for launch in summer 2026 in coordination with industry partners. ESA officials note that enhancing orbital collision avoidance technologies will be crucial to maintaining safe and sustainable operations as satellite numbers continue to rise.

    ESA’s ARTES Core Competitiveness program provides funding and expertise to strengthen the satellite communications sector across Europe and Canada. The program supports both technology development and efforts to bring innovative products and services to market.

  • AI maps: The digital infrastructure driving autonomous systems

    AI maps: The digital infrastructure driving autonomous systems

    Each day, millions of transportation decisions are made without a driver manually choosing a route or reacting to road signs. Trucks are rerouted around traffic hours before a jam appears. A vehicle slows down in a school zone, even without seeing a sign. A delivery service dynamically dispatches drivers based on weather and wait times.

    These are not just conveniences; they are outcomes of location intelligence working behind the scenes, powered by artificial intelligence (AI) and real-time mapping.

    At the heart of these systems lies a fundamental shift: maps are no longer static guides for humans. AI is unlocking a new era of computing and autonomous systems that will drive industry innovation and reinvention for years to come. Maps have become live, machine-readable software that enables automation at scale. Accenture’s Technology Vision 2025 report found large-language models (LLMs) are giving machines and robots more autonomy in the physical world, allowing them to better understand the physics of their environments, have spatial awareness, interact with people and understand complex instructions. This evolving autonomy is critical for autonomous vehicles, smart logistics and other systems that rely on real-time, AI-powered mapping to sense, decide and act.

    Whether it’s advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), predictive logistics, EV range optimization or smart city operations, AI-powered mapping is fast becoming the connective tissue between sensing, decision-making, and action. It all begins with location data that is collected, interpreted and delivered in real time.

    From Navigation to Infrastructure: The Evolution of the Map

    Throughout the past two decades, digital maps have evolved from a novelty to a necessity. The early wave of turn-by-turn GPS tools was designed for humans — to get us from one point to another using the shortest or fastest route.

    Today, we are witnessing a new paradigm. As autonomy becomes embedded in vehicles, delivery operations, and mobile robotics, we need a new kind of map — one built for machines.

    These maps must be able to see, react and even predict. They must be continuously updated with real-time inputs, capable of interpreting events and structured in a way that allows for automation logic. In other words, they must be intelligent; and that intelligence comes from AI.

    AI-Powered Maps: What Makes Them Different?

    A live, AI-powered map is far more than a digital representation of roads and intersections. It begins with a foundational base layer — detailed information about road geometry, lanes, speed limits, signage and more. However, what sets these maps apart is how they evolve in real-time to reflect the dynamic nature of the world around us.

    They incorporate constantly changing inputs like traffic flow, construction activity, road closures and weather conditions — data streams that traditional static maps cannot accommodate. Beyond reacting to real-time events, AI maps also understand context. They may recognize nuances such as school zones that change by time of day, hazardous intersections, low-clearance bridges, and the availability or compatibility of EV chargers at nearby locations.

    Crucially, AI-powered maps don’t just describe what’s happening – they anticipate what might happen next. Fueled by billions of data points collected from vehicles, sensors, satellite imagery and crowdsourced sources, these systems use predictive modeling to foresee traffic build-ups, potential hazards or shifts in road accessibility.

    The result is a map that doesn’t merely guide but thinks — a constantly updating model of the world designed not for human eyes alone, but for machines that need to make decisions in real-time.

    AI fuses these elements, constantly recalculating and enriching the map to reflect what’s happening now and what might happen next.

    For this to work, mapping platforms must ingest the billions of data inputs. AI models then validate, filter and extract insight from this data — turning raw input into actionable intelligence and guidance.

    Why AI Maps Matter in the Vehicle

    Modern vehicles are increasingly defined by software, and that software needs a constant, reliable connection to the outside world.

    ADAS features, such as intelligent speed assistance (ISA), lane keeping and predictive cruise control, depend not only on sensors like cameras or radar, but also on high-quality map data to anticipate what’s ahead.

    For example, speed limit detection based solely on onboard vision can fail in poor weather or when signs are obscured. But when paired with verified, map-based data, continuously updated by AI, vehicles can make safer, more consistent decisions. As regulators in the EU and beyond mandate ISA systems in new vehicles, AI-enhanced maps are becoming a tool for regulatory compliance, not just convenience.

    As OEMs continue their shift toward software-defined vehicles (SDVs), they increasingly treat maps as a core software module, critical to the operation of the vehicle itself, not just a navigation layer.

    In the era of SDVs, maps are evolving into a foundational software service used not just to get somewhere, but to determine how and when it is safe to drive.

    How AI Maps Support the EV Transition

    One of the most significant barriers to widespread EV adoption is range anxiety: the fear that a driver won’t reach a charger in time, or that the charger will be in use or out of order. AI-powered maps help directly address this.

    By combining real-time charger availability, plug compatibility, dynamic traffic conditions, topography, and vehicle battery status, intelligent routing systems can not only suggest optimal charging points, but also reroute on the fly as conditions change.

    This level of intelligence is essential for EV fleet operators, especially those in logistics, ride-hailing or municipal transit.

    AI-powered maps also leverage charger usage patterns, traffic flows and gaps in the network to help cities plan where to place new charging infrastructure.

    In this way, location intelligence doesn’t just support EVs on the road but helps accelerate adoption.

    Why AI Maps Matter in the Supply Chain

    A HERE Technologies ‘On the Move’ survey found only 25% of transportation and logistics professionals are leveraging AI in supply chain management. Yet, the use cases for AI-powered mapping are plentiful.

    Fleet operators face daily challenges: delays, emissions targets, labor shortages and delivery windows that shift by the hour. They’re actively seeking technology-based solutions. McKinsey projects the autonomous heavy-duty trucking market could reach an aggregated $616 billion in 2035 in China, the United States and Europe.

    AI-powered maps help address many of these challenges. By combining real-time traffic information, road restrictions (e.g., weight limits, low bridges), and predictive analytics, intelligent maps help logistics operators optimize every mile.

    For example, dynamic routing can avoid areas of congestion hours before they peak, based on machine learning models trained on historical and live data. AI can prioritize delivery orders based on customer availability, time-of-day restrictions or weather disruptions.

    Beyond routing, maps also assist in asset tracking and risk management. Telematics systems that combine GNSS positioning with AI-based location intelligence can detect anomalies in driving behavior, flag out-of-route events and improve operational safety.

    The results are evident and tangible: lower fuel consumption, reduced delivery times and higher fleet utilization.

    GNSS and Geospatial Foundations

    It’s important to underscore that these intelligent maps still depend on foundational technologies like GNSS. Without reliable satellite-based positioning, none of these applications (ADAS, EV routing or predictive logistics) would be possible.

    But GNSS alone isn’t enough. Real-time location must be contextualized. An accurate lat/long fix is powerful, but the system needs to know: What road is that on? What’s the speed limit? Are there known hazards? What time of day is it? Is it raining?

    This is where geospatial data, fused with AI and layered into live maps, becomes transformational. The future isn’t about replacing GNSS — it’s about expanding what’s possible when GNSS is augmented with AI, context and prediction.

    Looking Ahead: Mapping as Mission-Critical Infrastructure

    As autonomy increases across industries — from fully autonomous vehicles to self-driving delivery trucks to smart city systems — AI-powered maps will underpin critical operations.

    AI-powered maps will be essential to the flow of goods, the safety of passengers and the predictability of city infrastructure. These systems must be continuously updated, machine-readable, context-aware, predictive and scalable. They also must be built with privacy, security and compatibility in mind. Governments, automotive manufacturers, technology providers and mapping platforms will need to collaborate — not just on data collection, but on standards, governance and interoperability.

    Quiet Engine of Autonomy

    We often focus on the visible outputs of automation: the driverless shuttle, the drone delivery, the smart traffic signal. However, none of these can function without a live map underneath, enabling every decision, in every moment.

    Digital maps have become the quiet engine of autonomy. With the power of AI, they’re becoming smarter, faster and more essential every day.

    For professionals in GNSS, geospatial intelligence, and positioning systems, this shift opens new territory where location isn’t just about where things are, but also about what’s happening, why it matters and what should happen next.

    In this world, AI-powered maps are no longer a tool. They’re infrastructure.

  • L3Harris demonstrates reprogrammable PNT system for US Space Force

    L3Harris demonstrates reprogrammable PNT system for US Space Force

    L3Harris has demonstrated a positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) solution for the U.S. Space Force’s Space Systems Command that is adaptable across platforms, fully reprogrammable on orbit and scalable to support more signals and increased power as PNT threats evolve. According to L3Harris, the solution is designed to provide the Space Force with the flexibility to deploy smaller, multi-launch-capable satellites, thereby strengthening or diversifying its satellite constellation.

    During a two-day design concept review, L3Harris presented a resilient-GPS (R-GPS) prototype that exceeded current requirements, highlighting its potential to accelerate the Space Force’s roadmap for a stronger, more adaptable PNT infrastructure. Using the Navigation Technology Satellite-3 reprogrammable payload and NSA-certified cryptography, the company simulated the operation of an R-GPS satellite transmitting navigation signals. These signals were successfully acquired and tracked by monitoring stations, military receivers and commercial equipment, demonstrating that R-GPS technology can be seamlessly integrated into the existing GPS framework.

    “Our team transmitted, tested and validated a core set of R-GPS signals across the entire enterprise to demonstrate a fully reprogrammable, resilient PNT solution for the Department of Defense,” said Ed Zoiss, president of Space and Airborne Systems at L3Harris. “We leveraged best-in-class commercial technology and the government’s investment in NTS-3 PNT technologies.”

    L3Harris followed a “prototyping with purpose” approach that showcased maturity far beyond a traditional Preliminary Design Review, resulting in a low-risk, achievable plan for the future development phases of the R-GPS program. The L3Harris R-GPS design includes capabilities aligned to future Lite Evolving Augmented Proliferation, providing an opportunity for roadmap acceleration and reduction in lifecycle costs. 

    “Our approach supports satellite design verification, proves compatibility with the Control Segment and user equipment, and enables early integration opportunities,” Zoiss said. “After more than five decades in the field, we understand the challenges in aligning the Space, Control and User segments of the GPS enterprise, so we used a holistic, unified approach.”

    The Design Concept Review demonstrated how the L3Harris R-GPS satellite can minimize impact on existing control systems while maintaining backward compatibility with current and future user equipment. In 2024, L3Harris was selected to design concepts for Phase 0 of the R-GPS program through the Space Enterprise Consortium, which the National Security Technology Accelerator manages. The agile R-GPS satellite program aims to reduce costs by launching eight smaller, more advanced space vehicles simultaneously, allowing the United States to quickly modernize GPS.

  • Honeywell gets US contracts to develop quantum navigation systems

    Honeywell gets US contracts to develop quantum navigation systems

    Honeywell has been selected by the U.S. Department of Defense’s (DOD) Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) to participate in the Transition of Quantum Sensing (TQS) program. The program aims to accelerate adoption of quantum sensors to address near-term alternative position, navigation and timing (PNT) and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) applications for the U.S. Joint Forces Command.

    Honeywell has been chosen to support the TQS program under two DOD contracts: CRUISE (Compact Rubidium Unit for Inertial Sensing and Estimation) and QUEST (Quantum Enabled Sensor Technologies for MagNav).

    “With the growing threat of jamming and spoofing, aircraft and naval vessels on critical missions can no longer rely solely on GPS,” said Matt Picchetti, vice president and general manager, Navigation and Sensors, Honeywell Aerospace Technologies. “Quantum sensors have the potential to augment existing navigation solutions, helping pilots operate with greater confidence. Honeywell’s pedigree in fielded sensors and navigation solutions provide us with a unique perspective to ensure the technology is viable beyond the laboratory.”

    The CRUISE program, established by the DOD in partnership with Vector Atomic, will focus on developing quantum sensor-based inertial measurement units (IMUs) to provide a standalone navigation solution without relying on traditional GNSS susceptible to jamming and spoofing. Honeywell will support the development of this quantum-sensor-based technology, which will enable the measurement of acceleration and orientation from an IMU mounted to a vehicle to calculate changes in position and velocity. As a result, it will meet next-generation performance requirements at a lower size, weight and power than existing products.

    The QUEST program aims to advance the performance of magnetic anomaly aided navigation (MagNav), which is a GNSS-independent navigation technique that uses quantum magnetometers to leverage measurements of the magnetic field of the Earth as a navigation signal. Through the program, the DOD aims to improve these quantum magnetometers and demonstrate their utility in GNSS-denied flight. Building on its deep expertise in innovative navigation solutions, Honeywell’s main contribution will be to generate novel algorithms that utilize these sensors and improve navigation accuracy.

    “As quantum sensor-based navigation technology matures, we believe it not only has the potential to displace existing technologies but will also be a serious disruptor to the inertial and magnetic sensor industries,” Picchetti said. “Most importantly, it could improve navigation in high-stakes environments – enhancing safety, efficiency and overall mission success for the DOD.”

  • Topcon Agriculture introduces Value Line Steering solution for smaller farms

    Topcon Agriculture introduces Value Line Steering solution for smaller farms

    Topcon Agriculture has released its new Value Line Steering solution for farmers using mid-range tractors on small- to medium-sized farms. The new offering represents a significant step in making autosteering technology, typically used on larger machinery, accessible to a broader range of farmers. 

    “With the Value Line, we are opening up opportunities for farmers who have older or smaller machinery, or smaller specialty farms, to boost the value of their machinery, with autosteering technology that is based on our proven premium steering technology used for decades on larger machines,” said Antonio Marzia, executive vice president, Topcon Agriculture. “It is an integrated system designed to seamlessly work with a variety of tractors, including compliance with ISOBUS-UT functionality to offer universal compatibility and ease of use. Our goal is to provide high-quality, reliable, affordable, value-added technology that works across a wide range of applications, machinery and brands.”

    The Value Line Steering solution is a comprehensive package that includes a GNSS receiver, electric steering wheel controller, touchscreen console and Horizon Lite software, compatible with front-wheel-steer tractors. Farmers also have the option to add local, satellite or RTK correction services such as Topcon’s Topnet Live for enhanced precision based on their unique needs. 

    Autosteering allows for more efficient use of resources, leading to reduced input costs for seeds, fertilizers, and fuel. This not only improves the farm’s bottom line but also contributes to more sustainable farming practices. The increased accuracy in field operations can also lead to improved crop yields, further enhancing profitability. 

    Farmers from various agricultural sectors, including commodity crops, specialty crops, and mixed farming systems, can expect significant benefits in their operations when adopting the technology. 

    The Value Line Steering solution is available through Topcon Agriculture’s global network of authorized dealers.

  • SouthPAN satnav program for Australia passes Critical Design Review milestone

    SouthPAN satnav program for Australia passes Critical Design Review milestone

    SouthPAN includes Safety-of-Life L1 SBAS for civil aviation and open services for precise point positioning and next-generation SBAS.

    The Southern Positioning Augmentation Network (SouthPAN) has successfully completed its Critical Design Review (CDR), marking a pivotal milestone towards delivering advanced satellite-based augmentation services (SBAS) across Australia and New Zealand. 

    Led by Lockheed Martin Australia, with GMV as a key strategic partner, SouthPAN is jointly supported by the Australian and New Zealand governments to provide satellite navigation and precise positioning services throughout Australasia.

    The Critical Design Review represents a vital checkpoint in the lifecycle of a safety-critical system such as SouthPAN, validating that the design meets stringent performance, safety and security requirements necessary for civil aviation operations. As part of this milestone, the SouthPAN team provided comprehensive certification artifacts aligned with international aviation standards, including ARP 4754A for systems development processes, DO-254 for hardware, and DO-278A for software assurance.

    The successful completion of the CDR demonstrates that the system’s architecture and implementation will satisfy the rigorous design assurance levels mandated for safety-of-life applications.  Achieving this milestone confirms the readiness of the system’s design for operational deployment and marks a critical step forward towards its future certification for safety‑of-life services in the aviation sector.

    SouthPAN is notable as the first SBAS globally designed from its inception as a service rather than as a conventional turnkey system. This service-oriented approach enables scalability and potential expansion into other regions, while establishing clear customer-provider interactions governed by service-level agreements (SLAs) and adherence to defined key performance indicators (KPIs).

    Early open services have been provided since September 2022, demonstrating immediate benefits to users across Australasia. Moving forward, the SouthPAN service will fully deliver safety‑of-life L1 SBAS critical for aviation operations, significantly enhancing flight safety through precise runway approaches and superior navigation accuracy.

    Additionally, SouthPAN has integrated cutting-edge dual-frequency multi-constellation (DFMC) SBAS and precise point positioning (PPP) through SBAS as open services available to diverse users, including the agriculture, maritime, rail, road transport and geomatics sectors. The DFMC SBAS capability is designed to support an effortless transition to future safety-of-life services through engineering updates and software modifications, without necessitating costly hardware replacements.

    GMV is responsible for two core elements of the SouthPAN project: the Corrections Processing Facility (CPF) and the Ground Control Center (GCC). These facilities will ensure that SouthPAN consistently meets stringent performance benchmarks by generating precise corrections for navigation signals and promptly identifying and reporting anomalies critical for safety-of-life aviation services. GMV also leads the navigation performance engineering activities and continuous performance monitoring, ensuring the system reliably fulfills its specified operational criteria.

  • SES completes acquisition of Intelsat

    SES completes acquisition of Intelsat

    New multi-orbit space company has network of 120 GEO+MEO satellites and access to LEO constellations.

    SES, a space solutions company, has completed its highly value accretive acquisition of Intelsat, creating a strengthened global satellite operator with an expanded fleet of 120 satellites across two orbits. The newly combined company will leverage its skilled teams with deep vertical expertise to deliver integrated multi-orbit, multi-band satellite and connectivity solutions to businesses and governments around the world, creating a stronger multi-orbit operator with ~60% of revenue in high-growth segments.

    With a network of approximately 90 geostationary (GEO), nearly 30 medium earth orbit (MEO) satellites, strategic access to low-Earth-orbit (LEO) satellites, and an extensive ground network, SES can now deliver connectivity solutions utilizing complementary spectrum bands including C-, Ku-, Ka-, Military Ka-, X-band and Ultra High Frequency. The expanded capabilities of the combined company will enable it to deliver premium-quality services and tailored solutions to its customers. The company’s assets and networks, once fully integrated, will put SES in a strong competitive position to better serve the evolving needs of its customers including governments, aviation, maritime and media across the globe.

    Adel Al-Saleh, CEO of SES, talks about the new combined company in the video below.

    The transaction establishes a more robust financial foundation for SES, with pro formacombined revenue of €3.7 billion projected to grow at a low- to mid-single digit CAGR (2024-2028E). The combined company pro forma Adjusted EBITDA of €1.8 billion is expected to grow at mid-single digit CAGR including synergies (2024-2028E), with plans to generate over €1 billion in Adjusted Free Cash Flow by 2027-2028 (pre IRIS2). This stronger financial profile is supported by a combined contract backlog exceeding €8 billion, providing clear visibility into future revenue streams.

    SES plans to maintain disciplined investment in future growth, with annual capital expenditures averaging €600–€650 million from 2025-2028E, excluding the IRIS2 programme. This will enable the company to continuously strengthen its network and explore emerging growthmarkets including Internet of Things (IoT), direct-to-device communications, inter-satellite data relay, space situational awareness, and quantum key distribution. The company’s profitable growth outlook, strong balance sheet metrics and expanded cash flows will support both continued innovation and increased shareholder returns, with the intent to raise the annual base dividend once targeted net leverage of below three times is achieved within 12-18 months after closing.

    By integrating the two organizations, SES expects to deliver synergies with a total net present value of €2.4 billion, representing an annual run rate of approximately €370 million, with 70% of these efficiencies anticipated to be executed within three years after closing. These savings will primarily come from streamlined operations, optimised capacity costs, and procurement efficiencies, along with the strategic integration of satellite fleets and ground infrastructure.

    SES remains headquartered in Luxembourg and is publicly listed on the Paris and Luxembourg stock exchanges (Ticker: SESG), while maintaining a significant presence in the United States with its North American main office in McLean, Virginia.

  • Hubble launches global Bluetooth tracking network

    Hubble launches global Bluetooth tracking network

    Bluetooth network enables real-time asset tracking for enterprises worldwide

    The new Hubble BLE Finding Network is a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) finding network built specifically for enterprise use. Hubble, based in Seattle, is a satellite startup enabling Bluetooth devices to connect directly to space.

    While consumer platforms like Apple’s Find My and Google’s Find My Device brought BLE discovery to personal devices, Hubble now brings that same reach and simplicity to businesses, offering real-time visibility and full data ownership on a global scale.

    “Consumer networks proved what’s possible, but businesses were left out,” said Alex Haro, co-founder of Hubble. “We’re giving them a powerful alternative with global visibility, zero infrastructure and full ownership of their data.”

    The Hubble BLE Finding Network leverages nearly 100 million passive scanners across gateways, smartphones and partner infrastructure, powered by low-cost BLE chips already embedded in billions of devices. This extensive network covers homes, cities, transit systems and industrial sites, enabling comprehensive global asset tracking for enterprises.

    Key Features

    • Global Reach: Real-time bluetooth discovery via 88+ million scanners worldwide.
    • Data Ownership: Maintain full enterprise control with no closed systems or vendor lock-in.
    • Infrastructure-Free: Activate tracking with existing BLE devices, no hardware required.
    • Robust Security: Protect data with encryption, rotating IDs, and verified endpoints.
    • Developer Friendly: Enable seamless integration with open SDKs and APIs.

    Enterprise Use Cases

    • Asset Tracking: Monitor tools, inventory, and equipment globally.
    • Fleet Management: Track assets in transit, on job sites, or in the field.
    • Temperature Monitoring: Instantly track temperature with BLE sensor tags.
    • Workplace Safety: Locate badges and wearables in hazardous environments.
    • Equipment Sharing: Gain visibility and usage insights across distributed teams.

    The Hubble’s BLE Network is now live and available for commercial deployment, including developer tools and onboarding support. To learn more or apply for access, visit https://hubblenetwork.com.

    In March 2024, Hubble made history with its Bluetooth connection to space. With a 96-satellite constellation planned by 2028, the company aims to connect one billion devices worldwide.