QinetiQ and Xona Space Systems have demonstrated how GPS navigation can be bolstered by using Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites, in the first UK tests of Xona’s new satellite navigation system, Pulsar. This marks a major milestone in the development of next generation Positioning, Navigation and Timing (PNT) capabilities, increasing resilience against jamming and spoofing, as well as improving GPS availability in congested or challenged environments.
The tests saw QinetiQ’s Q40 Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receiver- which can already receive signals from multiple GNSS satellite constellations on multiple frequencies, acquire and track signals from Xona’s first production-class satellite, Pulsar-0. The tests demonstrated that by supplementing GNSS with LEO satellite signals like the Pulsar X1, enhanced resilience in contested or poor-signal environments can be achieved.
A recent software upgrade to QinetiQ’s Q40 was developed under the European Space Agencies’ Navigation Innovation and Support Program (NAVISP) in the GNSS Receiver with Advanced Pulsar Enhancement (GRAPE) project. GRAPE is a collaboration between QinetiQ and Xona, supported by the UK Space Agency and European Space Agency. Its goal is to explore how new LEO-based signals, can be integrated with existing GNSS, to enhance the accuracy and resilience of navigation services for defence, critical infrastructure, and future autonomous applications.
Chris Walker, Managing Director, Mission Systems Division, QinetiQ, said: “For the first time, we have demonstrated how signals from new LEO satellites can be used alongside existing GNSS to give users stronger, more resilient timing and position information. This is a huge step in increasing the protection of our defence, critical infrastructure and future autonomous systems against interference.”
Giorgio Taylor, Director of Business Development, UK & Europe added: “Our Pulsar constellation is designed to deliver resilience and accuracy at a time when GNSS alone is no longer enough. The demonstration of QinetiQ’s Q40 receiver from our in-orbit signal proves this technology is ready to make a difference to users, from defence to commercial autonomy.”
