Complementary PNT Infrastructure in LEO

GNSS is the only global, free, comprehensive technology providing absolute PNT data to users worldwide.

Its limitations are known, including long life cycle and replenishment schedule, affecting their ability to adapt easily to short term market needs and to some extent, resilience. Considering the above, alternative PNT methods and solutions have been developed, innovative PNT systems are emerging (ground-based or space-based) and are expected to further enhance their capabilities to satisfy the growing market needs for ubiquitous localisation.

In this framework it appears necessary to develop a proper understanding of the emerging trends in alternative PNT technologies. With a renewed interest in LEO constellations, PNT innovation investigations should focus as a priority on LEO-based PNT, and their potential to complement a GNSS backbone with, for example, improved reactivity to new user needs and new capabilities.

This activity aims to perform a system analysis addressing LEO-based alternative or complementary PNT, benefiting from the increasing number of satellites in LEO. It will address multiple LEO scenarios, the overall system architecture, specific aspects such as ground mission segment, user equipment technologies and will anticipate the technical implications deriving from such potential system. 

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