Global Navigation Satellite Systems Engineering, Policy, and Design
The latest version of the Galileo Open Service Definition Document (OS SDD), updated November 2021, describes upgrades enacted in the Galileo system since May 2019: improvements, current constellation status and updates in the ground infrastructure that increase its robustness. This is the last update foreseen before Galileo Open Service reaches Full Operational Capability (FOC).
By Inside GNSS
The last GPS III Space Vehicle under the original GPS III contract has been christened “Hedy Lamarr” as part of its production milestone known as core mate, assembling it into a full satellite.
By Inside GNSS
The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) has executed a $316 million contract option for BAE Systems’ advanced M-Code GPS modules, raising the contract funding to $641 million.
By Inside GNSS
A Soyuz launcher operated by Arianespace and commissioned by ESA lifted off with the pair of 715 kg satellites from French Guiana on December 5. The two join 26 Galileo satellites in the orbiting constellation that now provide Initial Services.
By Inside GNSS
In a race with the U.S. to develop a laser communications network in space, China’s BeiDou GNSS has conducted an inter-satellite and satellite-ground station experiment using using lasers rather than the usual radio signals. The technology could potentially transmit data a million times faster than by radio signal to almost any location. Some experts say it could increase satnav accuracy by a factor of 6 to 40
By Inside GNSS
Russia conducted an unannounced direct-ascent anti-satellite (DA-ASAT) missile test on November 15, targeting and exploding its own defunct satellite Tselina-D. After the test, Russian television executive and spokesperson Dmitry Konstantinovich Kiselyov, head of the official Russian government-owned international news agency Rossiya Segodnya, reportedly said on live tv that this demonstrated that Russia could and would if necessary target U.S. GPS satellites, thus “blinding” its military forces.
By Inside GNSS
Europe’s first prototype satnav space vehicle, Galileo In-Orbit Validation Element A (GIOVE-A), was decommissioned on November 24 after 16 years of work in orbit. The 2005-launched mission secured Galileo’s radio frequencies for Europe and demonstrated key new space-based navigation hardware.
By Inside GNSS
Spectranetix, Inc. has released its SX-124, ruggedized 3U OpenVPX high-performance position, navigation and timing (PNT) solution. With an ability to provide timing and positioning information in a GPS-denied environment through sensor fusion, the SX‑124 switch is a highly integrated next-generation cyber / electronic warfare (EW) / Signals intelligence (SIGINT) / Communications / Battle Management System (BMS) device
By Inside GNSS
Telespazio UK, a subsidiary of Telespazio of France and Italy, received a development contract from the European Space Agency (ESA) for a Next Generation Network Assisted Position, Navigation and Timing (PNT) Assurance (NG-NAPA) project.
By Inside GNSS
Viasat Inc., a global communications company, will acquire Inmarsat, a provider of global mobile satellite communications services, in a transaction valued at $7.3 billion. Two of the four European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service (EGNOS) broadcasting payloads, part of Europe’s GNSS, ride aboard Inmarsat satellites,
By Inside GNSS
The U.S. Space Force ordered three GPS 3F satellites from Lockheed Martin for $737 million, exercising an option to purchase the satellites under a previously awarded contract.
By Inside GNSS
The smartphone and its various everyday apps link us to GPS, Wi-Fi networks, Bluetooth LTE, audio and cell tower proximity that help us find out where we are and tell us how to get to where we need to go, down to precise latitudes, longitudes and altitudes, accurate to within a few yards. So who should have access to this information?
By Dawn M.K. Zoldi (Colonel, USAF, Ret.)
