GNSS

Quantum-sensing technology for alternative PNT by Royal Navy

The Royal Navy, UK has successfully tested a new quantum sensing technology designed for underwater detection. Conducted off the coast of Plymouth aboard HMS Magpie, the trials aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of this quantum-sensing system in identifying submerged objects.

The technology leverages ultra-cold atoms to measure subtle variations in the Earth’s magnetic field, which indicate underwater objects. This method allows for the detection of items that traditional sonar systems might miss, enhancing the precision of underwater surveys.

During the tests, the system identified various targets, including a concrete block weighing one ton, and demonstrated sensitivity sufficient enough to detect objects as small as a soccer ball.

This project is part of a broader collaboration involving the Royal Navy, the Defense Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) and industry partners. It reflects ongoing efforts to integrate advanced technologies into naval operations, aligning with the UK’s strategic focus on quantum technologies.

Future plans include further development and miniaturization of the quantum sensing system to enable its deployment on various naval platforms, such as ships and submarines, as well as autonomous underwater vehicles. The successful trials indicate that this technology could significantly improve the Royal Navy’s capabilities in maritime security and underwater exploration. www.royalnavy.mod.uk

Space Force’s new GPS satellites are months behind schedule

The Pentagon’s first batch of advanced GPS satellites, part of the GPS IIIF program, is experiencing significant delays. The initial batch is now projected to be eight to eleven months behind schedule, with the U.S. Space Force citing manufacturing issues from contractor Lockheed Martin, particularly with complex components critical to the satellites’ functionality. The first satellite, originally slated for launch in April 2026, is now expected to be delivered by November 2026.

The GPS IIIF program, a $9.2 billion initiative, aims to deploy up to 22 next-generation satellites. The first ten satellites in the series are designed to improve the GPS system with greater accuracy and enhanced jamming resistance. These upgrades will benefit both defense applications and civilian uses like navigation.

The new F-model satellites are expected to offer better navigation accuracy, compatibility with European satellites, enhanced cyberattack and jamming resistance, and improved search-and-rescue capabilities for detecting emergency beacons.

The primary challenge appears to be production delays in the Mission Data Unit, a key component for improved navigation, which is being manufactured by subcontractor L3Harris Technologies. The company is reportedly facing technical issues with this part.

Despite these setbacks, Lockheed Martin is said to be on track to meet its contracted delivery dates, though it may miss the Space Force’s preferred launch schedule. The Space Systems Command also notes that global inflation and supply chain disruptions have contributed to the delays, though it stresses that Lockheed Martin, as the primary contractor, is responsible for managing all aspects of satellite development and production.

Europe’s first verified GNSS data stream service

The National Standards Authority of Ireland’s National Metrology Laboratory (NSAI NML) launched the Europe’s first ever verified GPS/ GNSS Data Stream (VGDS) service, an extension to the National Timing Grid of Ireland (www.ntg.ie). This initiative developed in partnership with Timing Solutions, marks a significant step forward in ensuring secure and reliable GNSS data, vital for government organisations, public institutions and business sectors as a source of accurate time.

The VGDS service provides verified GNSS data in the form of Radio Technical Commission for Maritime Services (RTCM) packets via the internet, allowing users to verify their own GNSS data streams.

As Ireland’s national authority for measurement standards, NSAI NML is responsible for creating, maintaining and developing the national measurement standards for physical quantities (e.g. kilogram, second, meter, etc.) and making these standards available to Irish users. The VGDS service is being delivered by NSAI NML and led by specialist partner Timing Solutions, a NovaUCD and ESA BIC Ireland client company. www.nsai.ie

JAXA picks ArkEdge for LEO PNT study

ArkEdge Space, a Japanese space startup based in Tokyo, has been selected by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) as the project provider for the Feasibility Study (Part 1) on the Low Earth Orbit PNT (Position, Navigation, Timing) System (LEO-PNT) to be conducted by JAXA. The project commenced on the 11th of October, 2024.

LEO-PNT is a constellation of small satellites, orbiting at an altitude of 900-1,200 km. This is lower than the conventional Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) orbiting at an altitude of approximately 20,000 km. The system is expected to provide highprecision PNT information worldwide.

LEO-PNT’s high-intensity positioning signals are expected to complement the weak signal strength of conventional GNSS signals reaching the Earth’s surface, which are more susceptible to various types of interference, both natural and human-made. The more accurate positioning information provided by LEO-PNT is also expected to be used in many other fields, such as autonomous driving. arkedgespace.com

Aerodata receives EASA STC

Aerodata AG has been granted a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) for its advanced GPS Anti-Jamming and AntiSpoofing solution. This certification applies to installations integrated with Garmin 5000 avionics in a Cessna® Citation Latitude® jet.

With the growing threat of GPS jamming and spoofing in both civil and military aviation, Aerodata has developed a robust solution to ensure continuous GPS availability. As attacks on GPS systems continue to increase, this Anti-Jamming and AntiSpoofing technology is crucial in maintaining safe and reliable aviation operations, by ensuring GPS based systems remain unaffected under GPS denied conditions. www.aerodata.de

Xona Space Systems, QASCOM advance resilient PNT

Xona Space Systems has partnered with QASCOM to integrate Xona PULSAR into QASCOM’s GNSS software-defined radio (SDR), the QN400-P. The partnership seeks to deliver security, jamming and spoofing resistance and next-gen accuracy for industries such as UAV navigation and defense. The QN400-P receiver offers multi-frequency, multi-constellation GNSS capabilities, including GPS and Galileo. Additionally, it includes measures for the mitigation of jamming and spoofing and is compatible with low-Earth orbit (LEO) PNT services, such as Xona’s PULSAR. www.xonaspace.com