Global Navigation Satellite Systems Engineering, Policy, and Design
NovAtel Inc. recently announced the release of Version 1.011 firmware for its L1 OEMStar GNSS (GPS+GLONASS+SBAS) receiver, which the company says is designed to provide improved PDP and GL1DE filter performance, improved satellite tracking in low signal level environments, improved satellite-based augmentation system (SBAS) performance when operating outside of the standard grid map, and improved time to first fix.
By Inside GNSS
Spectracom has introduced a new eight-channel GPS constellation simulator, the Pendulum GSG-54.
Designed to provide a wide-range of capabilities for in-line production testing of devices integrating GPS receivers, according to the company, the simulator features ease-of-operation, fast test cycles, and versatility in supporting the integration of GPS receivers into devices under development. The unit’s bench-top chassis is designed to be compact, portable, and easy to set up.
By Inside GNSS
JAXA has announced the launch date for Japan’s first Quasi-Zenith satellite. On the morning of September 11, H-IIA Launch Vehicle No. 18 will carry the satellite, nicknamed Michibiki, to its inclined geosynchronous orbit (IGSO).
The launch was postponed from August 2 because of problems with the onboard reaction wheels. The malfunctioning part was replaced.
By Inside GNSS
SELEX Galileo, an Edinburgh, Scotland company, has signed a €30 million contract with with Surrey Satellite Technology LTD (SSTL) to supply PHM atomic clocks for all 14 Galileo FOC (full operational capability) satellites.
The PHM-Passive Hydrogen Maser- clock is the most stable for space
applications and has been tested successfully in GIOVE-B, the Galileo
system’s second validation satellite, which was launched in 2008.
The European Parliament will hold a high-level conference for industry and political decisionmakers on European space policy at the European Parliament Hemicycle in Brussels, Belgium on October 26 and 27, 2010. It is organized by Business Bridge Europe (BBE) and Parliament’s Sky and Space Intergroup.
Invited speakers for the opening session include:
By Inside GNSS
Sierra Wireless, headquartered in Richmond, British Columbia, Canada, has announced the availability of a new GPS module and supporting software, optimized for wireless applications based on Sierra Wireless AirPrime Intelligent Embedded Modules.
The new AirPrime XM0110 GPS Module is based on integrated SiRFstarIV GPS technology from CSR plc, and an OEM design optimized for wireless asset tracking and automotive applications.
By Inside GNSS
Topcon Positioning Systems (TPS) has announced the release of Spatial Factory software.
The software interface allows users to work with the combination of point cloud, trajectory, and panoramic image data that comes from the Topcon IP-S2 3D mobile mapping system.
By Inside GNSS
CSR has introduced the SiRFatlasV multifunction GPS system processor, a system-on-chip (SoC) device designed for integration into high-volume consumer navigation and location-aware products.
By Inside GNSS
Hemisphere GPS has announced its Crescent Vector II OEM board and a series of related Crescent Vector II GPS compass products.
The new OEM board, targeted for system integrators, brings a series of new features to the company’s patented Crescent receiver technology, including heave, pitch, and roll output; more accurate timing, lower phase noise, and an improved accelerometer.
The Crescent Vector II design provides precise heading and positioning accuracy even while a mobile platform is motionless.
By Inside GNSS
The 50th Civil GPS Service Interface Committee (CGSIC) Meeting will be held on Monday, September 20 and Tuesday, September 21 at the Oregon Convention Center in Portland just before the 2010 Institute of Navigation GNSS conference at the same location.
For the first time, the CGSIC meeting will be hosted by ION and the CGSIC plenary session will be on the main agenda of the larger conference.
CGSIC subcommittee meetings will be held on Monday and the plenary session on Tuesday, a reversal of the usual order.
[Updated August 1, 2010] China’s state news agency has reported that the fifth Compass (Beidou-2) satellite — the system’s first inclined geostationary orbit (IGSO) spacecraft — was launched successfully at 5:30 a.m. Sunday (August 1 — local time) from Xichang Satellite Launch Center in southwestern Sichuan Province
This was the third Compass satellite put into orbit this year, following launches in June and January 2010.
By Inside GNSS
[Reprinted with permission NAVIBIZ, Issue Date: 2010-6-7]
China is building up its global satellite navigation system BeiDou (COMPASS) that is intended to cover the world by 2020. That’s the word from the country’s first Satellite Navigation Conference, in Beijing. Developed and operated by China, BeiDou is designed to provide accurate real-time military and civil service to national security, social and economic development.
By Inside GNSS
[Reprinted with permission from NAVIBIZ, Issue Date: 2010-6-18]
At 23:53 on June 2, China successfully launched the 4th BeiDou navigational satellite into the pre-designated orbit with the "Long March 3C" carrier rocket at the Xichang Satellite Launch Center, symbolizing that China has made another important step forward in building the BeiDou (COMPASS) Navigation Satellite System. The construction of COMPASS follows the principles of openness, independency, compatibility, and gradualness.
By Inside GNSS
