Tag: Satellite Navigation
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Chinese Researchers Signal First In-Orbit Refuelling of a BeiDou Satellite
The claim surfaced in a paper submitted to the Journal of Deep Space Exploration by a team from the state-funded Deep Space Exploration Laboratory. Research papers cited in reporting suggest the operation occurred in February of last year. The researchers gave no details about how the manoeuvre was conducted. In the paper, the team said…
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DMU41 IMU Recovers From Proton Strikes and Withstands 30 kRad Radiation Test
Silicon Sensing said on September 23 that eight DMU41 inertial measurement units returned to normal operation after single-event effects testing with protons at energies from 50 to 200 MeV, while separate total ionizing dose trials exposed the units to as much as 30 kRad(Si). Post-test acceptance procedures found no significant performance drift, providing satellite developers…
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Fifth International Summit on Large-Scale Beidou Applications Highlights Everyday Uses and Global Cooperation
The fifth International Summit on Large-Scale Beidou Applications concluded Sept. 16 in Zhuzhou, Hunan province, after two days of demonstrations spanning consumer devices, drone operations and overseas projects. Organizers unveiled 51 products, technologies and application solutions, while 41 industry and research cooperation projects involving a total planned investment of 5.54 billion yuan were signed. The…
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Space Force Prepares New GPS Ground Control Program Less Than Six Months After OCX Cancellation
The U.S. Space Force is preparing a new effort to modernize the ground command-and-control system for the Global Positioning System, less than six months after the Pentagon canceled the troubled Next Generation Operational Control System, or OCX. A September 2 notice from the Space Enterprise Consortium marked “Coming” provides the clearest indication that the service…
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China Launches Authorized Operation of National BeiDou Reference Station Data Network
China has launched authorized commercial operation of service data from its national satellite navigation and positioning reference station network. This marks the first national-level authorization of public-data operations in the field of spatial and temporal information infrastructure. It will help transform the reference station network’s underutilized public data from a public resource into data assets…
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NASA Extends Starling Mission After Demonstrating GPS-Free Autonomous Satellite Navigation
NASA has extended its Starling spacecraft swarm mission through at least 2028 after a successful in-orbit demonstration of a navigation system that allows satellites to determine their position without relying on the Global Positioning System (GPS), marking a significant step toward greater spacecraft autonomy for future lunar and deep-space operations. The technology, known as Fast…
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Xona Launches Pulsar Verified Program to Accelerate Adoption of Next-Generation Satellite Navigation
Xona Space Systems has launched Pulsar Verified, a new ecosystem partnership program designed to help receiver manufacturers, chipset developers and test equipment providers validate compatibility with the company’s next-generation low Earth orbit (LEO) navigation signals. The initiative aims to accelerate adoption of Xona’s Pulsar navigation service by providing a technical verification process for hardware manufacturers…
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Lockheed Martin Wins $514 Million Contract for Two Additional GPS IIIF Satellites
Lockheed Martin has secured a $514 million contract from the U.S. Space Force to build two additional Global Positioning System (GPS) IIIF satellites, expanding the company’s total commitment under the program to 14 spacecraft. The award covers GPS IIIF Space Vehicles 23 and 24 and supports ongoing efforts to modernize the GPS constellation as older…
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Xona Space Systems Raises $170 Million to Develop GPS Alternative Satellite Network
Xona Space Systems has raised $170 million in a Series C funding round to accelerate development of its satellite navigation system designed as an alternative to GPS. The round was led by Mohari Ventures Natural Capital, with participation from Samsung Next, ICONIQ and other institutional investors. Xona is developing a satellite constellation called Pulsar, which…
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SpaceX Launches Jam-Resistant GPS III Satellite for U.S. Space Force
SpaceX on Tuesday night launched an advanced, jam-resistant GPS satellite for the U.S. Space Force, marking the company’s fastest turnaround to date for a national security mission. A Falcon 9 rocket carrying the GPS III-SV09 spacecraft lifted off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station at 11:53 p.m. EST (0453 GMT on Jan. 28), following a…