SBIR-STTR Award

Current navigation systems are heavily reliant on GPS for both commercial and military applications. While GPS provides high accuracy, it is subject to denial in a contested environment. Under this effort, NAVSYS shall deliver an alternative navigation (ALTNAV) solution that utilizes signals of opportunity (SoOP) from a combination of commercial and military space systems. This will heavily leverage prior work performed by NAVSYS to deliver PNT as a Service (PNTaaS) under contract to DARPA, Air Force, and Navy customers. Under the Phase I effort, we shall design an ALTNAV solution using SoOP signals and Software Defined Radio (SDR) technology suitable for use on a hypersonic glide vehicle. We shall demonstrate the expected ALTNAV performance through simulation and develop a plan to build a prototype solution in Phase II. We shall work with industry partners to develop a transition plan to a solution suitable for the high-velocity and challenging environmental conditions associated with hypersonic flight or low earth orbit. Under the Phase I option, we shall use prototype hardware and signal simulators to demonstrate a proof of concept of the ALTNAV solution. Under Phase II, we shall build a prototype for live demonstration of the navigation solution using space SoOp broadcasts

Benefit:
The proposed solution will provide a precision navigation capability suitable for transition to defense contractors for use on high speed weapons and space systems. The demand for back-up PNT solutions continues to grow in both the commercial and military market. NAVSYS is a founding member of the Open PNT Industry Alliance (www.openpnt.org), a coalition of positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) companies. This industry alliance has the goal of fortifying economic and national security by supporting government efforts to accelerate the implementation of backup PNT capabilities for critical infrastructure. NAVSYS will offer the proposed PNTaaS solution for commercial applications that need precision timing to strengthen national resilience as addressed in the Executive Order signed by the President on Feb 12, 2020.

Keywords:
Alternate navigation, Alternate navigation, Software Defined Radio (SDR), Assured PNT, GPS denial, Space Signals of Opportunity, PNTaaS

Current navigation systems are heavily reliant on GPS for both commercial and military applications. While GPS provides high accuracy, it is subject to denial in a contested environment. Under this effort, NAVSYS shall deliver an alternative navigation (ALTNAV) solution that utilizes signals of opportunity (SoOP) from a combination of commercial and military space systems. This will heavily leverage prior work performed by NAVSYS to deliver PNT as a Service (PNTaaS) under contract to DARPA, Air Force, and Navy customers. Under the Phase II effort, we shall integrate an ALTNAV Software Defined Radio into a commercial SATCOM terminal to provide the capability to broadcast a time synced ALTNAV modulated signal over existing commercial and military communication satellites. Our ALTNAV technology allows these existing satellite communication signals to also serve as PNT signals. We shall also integrate an ALTNAV SDR to perform a live demonstration of the capability to provide SoOP updates from a combination of GEO and LEO satellites to enable precision navigation to continue on a hypersonic glide vehicle in the absence of GPS.

Benefit:
The proposed solution will provide a precision navigation capability suitable for transition to defense contractors for use on high-speed weapons and space systems. The demand for back-up PNT solutions continues to grow in both the commercial and military market. NAVSYS is a founding member of the Open PNT Industry Alliance (www.openpnt.org), a coalition of positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) companies. This industry alliance has the goal of fortifying economic and national security by supporting government efforts to accelerate the implementation of backup PNT capabilities for critical infrastructure. NAVSYS will offer the proposed PNTaaS solution for commercial applications that need precision timing to strengthen national resilience as addressed in the Executive Order signed by the President on Feb 12, 2020.

Keywords:
Assured PNT, Space Signals of Opportunity, Alternate navigation (ALTNAV), Software Defined Radio (SDR), GPS denial, PNTaaS