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  • NovAtel Application Suite: Get the most out of your receivers

    NovAtel Application Suite: Get the most out of your receivers

    [SPONSORED CONTENT] With the NovAtel Application Suite, you can monitor the status of all your receivers during operations, including GNSS satellite tracking, positioning and even interference detection – all in one integrated software suite.

    Whether you are integrating our GNSS receivers with your system, undertaking post-operation analysis, or monitoring real-time output from your receivers, the NovAtel Application Suite lets you make the most of our industry-leading technology.

    Learn more.

    This video is sponsored content by Novatel.

  • GNSS RTK 4 Click board achieves sub-meter positioning accuracy

    GNSS RTK 4 Click board achieves sub-meter positioning accuracy

    GNSS RTK 4 Click is a compact add-on board from Mikroe that provides high-precision GNSS positioning with real-time kinematics (RTK). The board features the LG290P a quad-band GNSS module from Quectel capable of receiving signals from GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BDS, QZSS and NavIC while using SBAS for enhanced accuracy.

    “This new Click board allows designers to simply and quickly develop systems with sub-metre positioning accuracy,” comments Nebojsa Matic, CEO of MIKROE. “Autonomous navigation, UAVs, intelligent robotics, surveying, and precision agriculture are just some of the applications that will benefit.”

    GNSS RTK 4 Click  supports multi-mode RTK algorithms with fast convergence times and high accuracy, interference detection, and integrity monitoring, ensuring sub-meter positioning in demanding environments. It features UART and L2C interfaces, a USB Type-C port for standalone configuration, and a backup battery option for continuous operation.

    GNSS RTK 4 Click  also features the ClickID function which enables automatic identification by the host system, simplifying use. It  is fully compatible with the mikroBUS socket and can be used on any host system supporting the mikroBUS standard. It comes with the mikroSDK open-source libraries, offering excellent flexibility for evaluation and customization.

  • Exyn Nexys now integrated with Trimble DA2 GNSS system

    Exyn Nexys now integrated with Trimble DA2 GNSS system

    Exyn has integrated the Trimble DA2 GNSS System, an RTK-capable GNSS receiver, with the Exyn Nexys autonomous mapping platform, bringing centimeter-level geospatial accuracy to SLAM-based mobile 3D mapping.

    The new capability enables users to pair Exyn Nexys’ lidar-based SLAM mapping with high-precision RTK corrections, allowing teams to georeference and anchor point clouds directly in the field without relying on ground control points or post-processing workflows. The result is faster, safer, and more accurate decision-making for industries including mining, construction and critical infrastructure inspection. Intelligently combining RTK and SLAM delivers highly accurate and robust point clouds — even in challenging environments.

    When paired with the real-time colorization, users gain an added layer of visual context, enabling photorealistic mapping and the extraction of immersive georeferenced 360° imagery for enhanced situational awareness and analysis.

    Photo: Exyn
    Photo: Exyn

    With the Trimble DA2 GNSS RTK integration, Exyn Nexys can now:

    • deliver real-time, centimeter-accurate global positioning
    • seamlessly integrate underground and surface-level scans into unified, georeferenced datasets
    • accelerate project timelines by reducing dependency on traditional ground control setups
    • improve accuracy and alignment for as-builting, volumetric measurements, construction progress tracking / QA, and mine planning.

    This enhancement is particularly useful for hybrid environments where teams operate in both GPS-available and GPS-denied zones. The Nexys with DA-2 enabled RTK allows for seamless transitions between these areas while maintaining global coordinate consistency, so Exyn Nexys can serve as a true end-to-end solution for autonomous 3D data capture.

    The Trimble DA2 GNSS and Exyn Nexys integration kit is available immediately for plug-and-play compatibility.

  • BKZS: Türkiye’s regional GNSS system takes shape

    BKZS: Türkiye’s regional GNSS system takes shape

    Türkiye is laying the groundwork for its own satellite navigation system, the Bölgesel Konumlama ve Zamanlama Sistemi (BKZS), or Regional Positioning and Timing System. As a key pillar of Türkiye’s 2030 Industry and Technology Strategy, BKZS reflects the country’s ambition to gain strategic autonomy in satellite-based positioning, navigation and timing (PNT), moving away from dependence on foreign systems such as GPS.

    Strategic imperatives and security concerns

    BKZS was established as one of the ten flagship goals of Türkiye’s National Space Program, introduced in 2021. It directly addresses growing national security concerns: in times of geopolitical conflict, GNSS signals can be jammed or disabled — leaving nations vulnerable if reliant on foreign services. President Erdoğan’s 2030 roadmap emphasizes preparing for “a new era of challenges,” where technological independence is seen as vital to national sovereignty.

    Building the foundation: Atomic clocks and CubeSats

    At the core of BKZS development is innovative timing technology. The TUBITAK National Metrology Institute has designed Türkiye’s first domestically produced rubidium-based atomic clock for use in positioning satellites. Developed in collaboration with the Turkish Space Agency, the prototype is undergoing qualification testing. Considering that atomic clocks are among the most expensive and sensitive components of a GNSS system, their in-house development not only reduces reliance on foreign suppliers but also delivers significant cost savings and strengthens national expertise. The strategic plan involves an initial technology demonstration phase using a 6U CubeSat, a miniaturized satellite based on the CubeSat standard. This satellite — currently in production — will test the atomic clock in orbit and gather critical performance data, helping to validate system components and gain operational experience ahead of full deployment.

    Regional scope with global ambitions

    BKZS is being designed as a regional system focused on Türkiye and its surrounding geography. Preliminary architecture envisions an eight-satellite constellation with an estimated cost of $2.8 billion. While this figure underscores the program’s scale, it also reflects the strategic priority attached to securing sovereign PNT capabilities. Military users stand to gain the most immediate benefits, with access to secure, independent timing and positioning data. However, the system is also intended for broad civilian use, including smart transportation systems, precision agriculture, emergency response and disaster management.

    Integrated into a broader space strategy

    BKZS is not being developed in isolation. It is part of Türkiye’s wider National Space Program, which includes lunar exploration and autonomous launch capabilities. The Turkish Space Agency oversees coordination, while the Presidency of Defense Industries provides funding and logistical support. This ecosystem approach is designed to foster technological self-reliance across the entire space value chain. Notably, the private sector is also playing a role. Baykar’s space subsidiary, Fergani, is developing a complementary Turkish GNSS constellation with an ambitious plan to launch 100 satellites. Two of these satellites have already been built, with the first scheduled for launch in 2024, demonstrating multiple pathways toward achieving full domestic capability.

    Economic impact and industrial development

    BKZS also supports Türkiye’s economic goals. The 2030 Strategy includes a target to triple high-tech exports to $30 billion. Space technology is expected to contribute significantly to this goal by generating new opportunities for Turkish firms in satellite design, navigation electronics and advanced manufacturing.

    By fostering domestic expertise, BKZS strengthens the foundation for a sustainable, self-sufficient aerospace sector, one capable of supporting both defense and commercial applications.

    Aligning with a global trend

    Türkiye’s efforts echo a growing global trend: building regional or national GNSS systems to reduce reliance on global services. Reflecting this shift, India’s NavIC is a fully operational regional GNSS; Japan’s QZSS, also operational, functions primarily as a GPS augmentation system over the Asia-Pacific; South Korea’s KPS is currently under development to provide independent PNT services across the Korean Peninsula. China’s BeiDou system also began as a regional constellation focused on the Asia-Pacific before expanding to become a global navigation system. Türkiye’s geographic position — at the crossroads of Europe, Asia and the Middle East — positions it uniquely as a potential regional hub for satellite navigation services. While the project is rooted in national objectives, it also opens the door to international cooperation. Italy has emerged as a prospective partner, particularly in advancing space-qualified technologies, offering mutual benefits for both countries.

    Looking ahead

    Beyond 2030, TTürkiye envisions BKZS as a stepping stone toward a broader space infrastructure. This initiative signifies a strategic commitment to establishing a sustained and autonomous presence in space.

    Of course, the success of BKZS will depend on more than ambition. Sustained political commitment, reliable funding, and continued advances in core technologies like atomic clocks and satellite systems will be essential. If these conditions are met, BKZS has the potential not only to enhance Türkiye’s strategic autonomy but also to establish the country as a key contributor to regional — and potentially global — GNSS capability.

  • Rocket Lab to launch ESA’s first LEO-PNT navigation satellites

    Rocket Lab to launch ESA’s first LEO-PNT navigation satellites

    The European Space Agency (ESA) has selected Rocket Lab Corporation to launch a dedicated Electron mission, marking the first time the company will deploy satellites for ESA’s next-generation navigation constellation, low-Earth orbit positioning, navigation and timing (LEO-PNT). Thales Alenia Space and GMV, two European satellite prime contractors, are providing the “Pathfinder A” spacecraft for the mission. Rocket Lab plans to launch the satellites from Launch Complex 1 no earlier than December 2025.

    The mission will place the two satellites in a 510 km LEO to test a new method of delivering location, direction and timing services from satellites in low orbit, known as LEO-PNT. ESA will use this demonstration to evaluate how a low Earth orbit satellite fleet can work with the Galileo and EGNOS constellations, which provide Europe’s global navigation system from higher orbits.

    This contract highlights Rocket Lab’s growing role as a launch provider for European constellation operators and demonstrates the Electron rocket’s strong reputation. Earlier this year, Rocket Lab deployed a full constellation of IoT satellites for French operator Kinéis and launched a global wildfire detection mission for Germany-based OroraTech. Since 2021, Rocket Lab has supported European satellite operators with Electron missions

  • SatLab unveils USV system for 3D hydrographic surveys

    SatLab unveils USV system for 3D hydrographic surveys

    SatLab has introduced the HydroBoat 1200MB, a compact uncrewed surface vehicle (USV) system engineered for 3D hydrographic surveying in inland and nearshore waters. The system integrates SatLab’s autonomous vessel platform with the HydroBeam M2 multibeam echosounder, providing a portable solution intended to streamline data collection in shallow or confined environments.

    The HydroBoat 1200MB is developed as a fully integrated unit, combining navigation, sonar data acquisition, real-time visualization and data management. According to the company, it is designed to assist small teams in conducting geospatial reconnaissance and hydrographic assessments with minimal setup and reduced operational complexity.

    SatLab reports that the system supports a seamless workflow, from survey planning through to the delivery of final results. The vessel features an integrated inertial navigation system that delivers roll, pitch and yaw measurements without requiring field calibration. Its real-time data visualization capabilities allow users to view high-resolution 3D point clouds, bathymetric profiles and sidescan imagery across multiple devices, which allows for immediate quality control and decision-making in the field.

    The HydroBoat 1200MB incorporates SatLab’s proprietary sound speed profile inversion technology, which enables real-time sound velocity correction without the need for separate sound velocity profilers. The system is designed for operational efficiency, with deployment possible in under five minutes and control managed through an Android-based interface.

    Equipped with a multibeam configuration offering 512 beams and a swath coverage of 30 to 150 degrees, the HydroBoat 1200MB is intended to allow users to survey larger areas compared to singlebeam alternatives. According to SatLab, this configuration can result in up to a 7.5-fold increase in survey efficiency and potential cost reductions of up to 50%, due to the elimination of auxiliary equipment and simplified field operations.

    The HydroBoat 1200MB can be used in a variety of applications, including river and reservoir surveys, bank mapping, structural inspections, sediment transport monitoring and infrastructure assessment. It is designed to meet data quality standards set by the International Hydrographic Organization, the Canadian Hydrographic Service and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

  • TrustPoint launches third low-Earth orbit satellite

    TrustPoint launches third low-Earth orbit satellite

    TrustPoint, a company specializing in next-generation space-based positioning and navigation solutions, launched and made initial contact with its third free-flying satellite, Time Flies. The satellite was launched June 23 aboard a rideshare mission from Vandenberg Space Force Base. This achievement marks another step forward in TrustPoint’s efforts to provide positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) services from low-Earth orbit (LEO).

    Time Flies is TrustPoint’s third satellite launch in two years and incorporates significant technological improvements, including increased power and autonomy. These advancements enhance the company’s compact C-band payload, which is designed to support demonstrations and further field testing of TrustPoint-enabled receivers. These receivers are currently being developed in collaboration with the company’s expanding group of product partners.

    “With the successful launch and first contact of Time Flies, TrustPoint continues to prove that a commercial GPS alternative from LEO is not only possible, it’s here,” said Patrick Shannon, founder and CEO of TrustPoint. “As global demand for alternative and complementary PNT systems accelerates, TrustPoint is uniquely positioned to unlock significant market potential.”

    The Time Flies mission builds on the company’s previous launches, It’s About Time and Time We’ll Tell, and highlights TrustPoint’s continued focus on performance and autonomy to meet both commercial and national security requirements. The mission is supported by an all-U.S. team, reflecting the collaboration and expertise behind TrustPoint’s ongoing initiatives.

  • HBK shrinks tactical-grade navigation into a 15g GNSS/INS

    HBK shrinks tactical-grade navigation into a 15g GNSS/INS

    MicroStrain by HBK has launched the 3DM-CV7-GNSS/INS, an ultra-compact, tactical-grade inertial navigation system (INS) designed for seamless integration into space-constrained platforms.

    Combining advanced inertial technology with tightly coupled, onboard dual-frequency GNSS receivers, the 3DM-CV7-GNSS/INS delivers the precision and reliability needed for navigation and localization in dynamic environments, particularly those where GNSS signals may be weak, intermittent, or denied altogether.

    From autonomous robotics to drones and unmanned ground vehicles, this new solution helps engineers overcome one of the toughest challenges in modern navigation: achieving consistent, high-quality data in challenging conditions.

    Weighing 15.6 grams and measuring 38x30x10mm, the 3DM-CV7-GNSS/INS offers tactical-grade performance without size, weight, or cost trade-offs. Its user-friendly functionality, adaptive extended Kalman Filter, and full industrial temperature calibration deliver robust and reliable data acquisition across a wide range of real-world scenarios.

    Engineers benefit from the sensor’s compatibility with open-source platforms such as PX4 and ROS, which enables faster development cycles and easier integration into existing architectures.

  • Kongsberg provides maritime gyro compasses for independence from GNSS

    Kongsberg provides maritime gyro compasses for independence from GNSS

    With real-world disruptions increasingly affecting shipping and aviation safety, Kongsberg Discovery’s MGCs (motion gyro compasses) deliver an alternative for reliability, accuracy and resilience in contested environments, according to the company.

    Although traditional gyrocompasses are immune to GNSS signal-based attacks by design, many modern navigation systems incorporate GNSS data to enhance positioning accuracy. For maritime operators, having an autonomous and reliable source of heading and positioning data ensures safety and maintains operational continuity in contested or signal-denied environments. 

    Kongsberg’s MGCs offer resilience, using high-grade strap-down inertial sensors that detect the Earth’s rotation without the need of external input. This allows them to determine true north and maintain precise heading without relying on GNSS. Unlike traditional mechanical gyros, Kongsberg’s MGCs can estimate latitude internally. This ensures consistent accuracy from equatorial regions to the poles. 

    The system also supports Doppler-based seabed and water-column tracking to determine vessel velocity, eliminating the need for satellite-derived speed data.

    MGC Highlights

    Kongsberg’s MGCs provide resilient navigation with advanced inertial technology and motion reference capabilities that enable:

    Photo: Kongsberg
    Photo: Kongsberg
    • Continuous latitude estimation from Earth’s rotation measurements
    • Accurate heading, roll, pitch and heave without GNSS
    • Versatile support for velocity tracking and input

    This robust combination ensures that even when GNSS signals are lost or manipulated by spoofing or jamming, the MGC continues to operate with high precision – offering a resilient navigation backbone when it’s most needed.

    Kongsberg’s MGCs are designed to be maintenance-free, eliminating the need for frequent calibration or mechanical upkeep. Other features include:

    • IMO type-approved: Fully compliant with global navigation standards
    • Maintenance-free design: No spinning parts and no mechanical drift
    • Versatile integration: Can be used standalone or seamlessly incorporated into an INS (inertial navigation system)

    According to Kongsberg, these attributes make the MGCs suitable for commercial and passenger vessels, offshore platforms and naval ships operating in challenging environments.

  • High-Q ceramic filters help overcome GNSS jamming

    High-Q ceramic filters help overcome GNSS jamming

    High-Q ceramic bandpass filters present a technical opportunity to build jamming-resistant GNSS receivers for mission-critical applications, according to a blog by Knowles Precision Devices.

    Bandpass filters play a critical role in mitigating GNSS jamming by isolating legitimate satellite signals from interference. These filters are designed to allow frequencies within the GNSS operational bands (GPS L1/L2, Galileo E1/E5) while attenuating out-of-band noise and intentional jamming signals.

    With their low cost and compact form factor, surface acoustic wave (SAW) filters are a natural fit for GNSS receivers, but they struggle in high-interference conditions due to limited out-of-band rejection and broader skirts, Knowles’ Peter Matthews explains. While SAW filters continue to meet performance requirements for consumer devices and systems, high-Q ceramic filters offer a robust upgrade for mission-critical applications needing mechanical and thermal stability, predictable tuning characteristics, and long-term reliability. 

    Image: Knowles
    Image: Knowles

    Q factor is used as shorthand figure of merit (FOM) for RF filters. In short, Q factor is expressed as the ratio of stored versus lost energy per oscillation cycle. It describes specifications like the steepness of skirts (that is, the selectivity) and insertion loss. Overall, losses through a resonator increase as Q factor decrease and will increase more rapidly with frequency for lower values of resonator Q. 

    Knowles’ high-Q ceramic filters offer: 

    • Sharp Skirts: Enable precise filtering near the band edges.
    • High Rejection: Attenuates out-of-band signals and jammers.
    • Low Insertion Loss: Preserves the integrity of weak GNSS signals. 

    These attributes are especially important in military and aerospace platforms where GNSS must function reliably in the face of hostile electronic countermeasures. High-Q ceramic filters enable precise frequency discrimination, ensuring that only legitimate GNSS signals reach the receiver.

    “Consider a drone conducting reconnaissance in a contested area or an autonomous harvester navigating with sub-inch precision on a farm,” Matthews explained. “Both scenarios require high signal clarity. Knowles’ high-Q ceramic filters, like the GPS L1, are engineered for use in L-band GNSS applications. These filters demonstrate low passband insertion loss (<2.0 dB), high out-of-band rejection (up to 40 dB), and compact dimensions, making them ideal for both portable and embedded systems.

    Knowles offers a range of high-Q ceramic filters. See the GPS L1 filter datasheet for detailed specifications. 

  • ESA teams up with Leonardo against satnav jamming

    ESA teams up with Leonardo against satnav jamming

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

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

    Smarter antenna designs for resilience

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

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

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

  • Agilica developing complementary PNT system for drone landings

    Agilica developing complementary PNT system for drone landings

    Agilica BV has completed a feasibility study to develop a complementary PNT (positioning, navigation, timing) system that would enable precision drone navigation and landing in environments where GNSS signals are degraded or unavailable.

    Funded by the European Space Agency, the study validates the technical and commercial viability of the AGL system. The system integrates GNSS receivers into the infrastructure for seamless transition to and from GNSS in high-impact applications, including drone landings on moving vessels, operations in indoor facilities, and autonomous deliveries in complex urban or offshore environments.

    “Landing a drone on a moving ship in dynamic conditions is one of the toughest challenges in drone autonomy,” said Bart Scheers, Agilica’s COO. “Our AGL system is built to solve this — not by replacing GNSS, but by augmenting it. This feasibility study confirms that our patented UWB approach can extend PNT services, with sub-20 cm precision in GNSS-denied zones.”

    The AGL system is based on time-of-flight ultra-wideband technology and functions like a dedicated terrestrial GNSS network to deliver centimeter-level accuracy and resilience in GNSS-compromised environments where vision-based systems and QR codes fall short, according to the company.

    The study represents a critical step on the commercialization roadmap of Agilica’s core product — the AGL system — by adding built-in compatibility with GNSS and Galileo High Accuracy Service to its ultra-wideband positioning solution for drones in the maritime, logistics, and urban air mobility sectors.