Precise Positioning using the Fugro SpaceStarTM Service

GomSpace and Fugro are collaborating to offer world class position and timing accuracy on nanosatellite.

SpaceStar is the next generation technology for the provision of high-accuracy real-time navigation services in Low Earth Orbit (LEO), leveraging on the extensive Fugro expertise of delivering of GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite Systems) augmentation services for professional applications. SpaceStar allows to obtain sub-decimetre absolute positioning and nanosecond-level timing, on board a LEO satellite and in real-time without additional ground-infrastructure for the satellite operator.

SpaceStar is based upon Fugro’s proven Precise Point Positioning (PPP) technique, including multi-constellation and multi-frequency GNSS technology with real-time GNSS orbit/clock corrections delivered via L-band signal from geostationary (GEO) satellites.

 

Performance:

  • Position error <10 cm
  • Velocity error <5 mm/s
  • Time error <5 ns

 

Key Benefits:

  • Precise real-time position/velocity knowledge for manoeuvring incl. potential collision risk avoidance. Enabling close formation flying and proximity operations.
  • Reduced error budget for geolocation as relevant for Earth Observation and radio monitoring missions.
  • The onboard positioning software can be upgraded while LEO satellite is in orbit, allowing access to the latest state-of-the-art positioning technology even after launch.
  • increases quality and safety of in-orbit manoeuvre, by reducing collision risks and optimising fuel consumption leading to extended mission lifetimes.

 

Implementation:

The service can be enabled at any time provided that the satellite is equipped with a GomSpace GPS and SDR/OBC solution pre-configured for the service. Further, a subscription for the SpaceStar service is required.

 

Enquire with GomSpace for more details on the hardware implementation and service costing.

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