Satellite Navigation

Excellence in Robust Positioning
and Navigation

Qascom offers solutions for navigation in space and on Earth. The company develops space receivers capable of calculating precise orbits in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and higher altitudes. These receivers have been tested in several missions. Qascom is one of the first companies to develop a moon receiver, which is now part of its product solutions for lunar navigation.

Qascom also provides solutions for testing navigation applications with professional receivers, such as testing new satellites and signals (Test User Receivers). These professional receivers are used to test emerging navigation applications, including rail, drone navigation, and launchers.

Space Receivers

Qascom specializes in developing robust space receivers for both Earth LEO constellations and launchers. Qascom’s space receiver solutions leverage SDR technology to enhance the robustness of space applications. This is achieved through the integration of secure signals, such as Galileo OSNMA, as well as the incorporation of anti-jam and anti-spoof mitigation algorithms.

The company offers flight-qualified units, ready for integration into space applications, along with comprehensive engineering support throughout the program’s engineering phases.

Qascom has successfully completed several space missions, where its receivers were flight-qualified at TRL 9 through testing and demonstration.

Robust and precise positioning in space

Qascom offers a range of solutions for space navigation, available both as product supplies and with engineering models, flight models, and space qualification engineering services:

  • Offer QN400-P/QN500-P space receivers as COTS: these are space-qualified units, shipped with their own casing.
  • Support for the design of space missions or constellations: We assist with the requirements for space GNSS positioning and integration into the customer’s vehicle.
  • Supply of engineering models, engineering qualification models, and flight models: We provide support throughout the various project milestones of the customer.
  • Analysis and simulation of specific space scenarios: Using Qascom’s Navigation laboratories, we conduct detailed analysis and simulations.
  • Design and development of specific testbeds: We integrate spacecraft interfaces, space GNSS receivers, and GNSS simulators, utilizing QA707 capabilities to simulate space scenarios.

    Test User Receivers Solutions

    As part of the satellite navigation receiver’s development, Qascom has the capability to offer the development of Test User Receivers (TURs). A TUR is used to validate satellite signals once they are launched into space. Qascom offers the testing of new signals, both for GNSS and SBAS (Satellite-Based Augmentation System), such as EGNOS.

    Qascom is involved in the development of both government and non-government Galileo TURs.

    Qascom is also working on the development of TURs for lunar (moon) constellations and future LEO constellations.

    Our Solutions for Satellite Navigation Testing

    Qascom offers the following solutions to test satellites during the Initial Orbit Validation (IOV) phase:

    • Implementation of new signals that need to be validated and tested.
    • Integration of the Qascom receiver into rack cabinets to be installed in ground control center facilities.
    • Development of performance assessment tools that connect to the receiver and provide support for the test campaigns.
    • Preparation and execution of test campaigns.
    • Installation of TURs, which can be static at ground facilities or mobile on vehicles, such as vans or specially equipped cars.

      Robust Navigation for Critical Applications

      Qascom offers the possibility to test emerging critical applications by adapting our receiver technology to meet user needs. The QN400/500 is a versatile solution that can be installed in drones, aircraft, trains, as well as reference stations or timing applications.

      Qascom offers its strong background in security to integrate robust positioning, navigation, and timing into customer-specific applications, demonstrating the advantages in critical conditions.

      Qascom has successfully demonstrated the use of authentication (OSNMA), anti-jam and anti-spoof algorithms, as well as the integration of inertial systems in drones, railways, and rockets.

      The engineering services offered to customize our receiver technology for specific applications provide the opportunity for the customer to design a tailored product suitable to their needs.

      Our Approach to Robust Navigation Implementation

      The solutions that Qascom can offer in the domain of robust navigation for critical applications are:

      • Identification of the requirements and user needs from the customer in terms of high availability, integrity, precision, and security.
      • Design of the integration of our receiver technology into the target platform, whether that be airborne, maritime, road, or launcher applications.
      • Customization of the receiver in hardware, software, or signal processing algorithms.
      • Assembly, integration, and verification of the receiver, as well as testing for vulnerabilities with our simulation equipment.
      • Execution of test campaigns and presentation of results to the customer.
      • Final development and production of the product.

        Moon Navigation Applications

        Qascom is involved in several programs related to moon navigation. The company participates in all major moon programs, such as the ESA Moonlight and NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) program. The Lunar GNSS Receiver (LuGRE) is an experiment within the CLPS program, conducted in collaboration with the Italian Space Agency and NASA. Qascom is also involved in the development of moon radiobeacons and moon navigation simulators as part of ESA activities.

        Qascom offers 360° solutions for moon navigation and communication applications, from the simulation of navigation and communication scenarios on the moon, to the design and development of moon constellations and ground infrastructure for navigation (lunar radiobeacons).

        Qascom develops two receiver solutions for the moon:

        • The Moon GNSS Receiver: This is a modification of our QN400 solution with a cold redundant design that, together with a high-gain antenna, allows the reception of GNSS signals on the moon.
        • The Lunar Communications and Navigation Services (LCNS) Receiver: This receiver allows the reception of signals from moonlight/LunaNet constellations. The LCNS receiver was developed as part of the lunar radiobeacon ESA project and will be further supported by the Moonlight contract, where Qascom is leading the user segment.

        Qascom offers solutions to integrate both the Moon GNSS receiver, the LCNS receiver, or a hybrid GNSS+LCNS solution into moon applications or cislunar transfer. These options can be designed according to user needs and requirements and are adapted to the customer’s specific application (such as lunar base stations, rovers, spacecraft, and landers).

        Our Solutions for the Moon

        The solutions that Qascom offers for moon navigation are:

        • GNSS Moon Receiver: To receive GNSS signals at the moon’s orbit or surface.
        • LCNS Receiver: For applications on the moon’s surface that will use the future Moonlight/LunaNet constellations.
        • Moon GNSS/LCNS Simulator: To simulate both GNSS signals on the moon or the entire GNSS constellation through a plug-in for our QA707 simulator.
        • Moon Radiobeacon: Our radio beacon technology with a rad-hard design specific to the moon, capable of broadcasting the LCNS signal from the moon’s surface.

          Ground Infrastructures and Radio Beacons

          GNSS is an optimal solution for its global coverage capability. However, GNSS cannot guarantee the robustness and high availability required, particularly in security scenarios or urban contexts. Qascom has developed a radiobeacon solution that enables the deployment of ground-based infrastructures transmitting GNSS-like signals in different frequencies to the target application. The radio beacon infrastructure allows full integration of ground and space signals, enhancing the robustness, availability, security, and precision of navigation applications.

          The ground transmitters can be installed in critical areas where GNSS is not available or is denied, allowing navigation even without GNSS. Such applications include drone navigation, maritime, emergency services, defense applications, robotics, and indoor or underground navigation.

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          Our Solution for Ground Infrastructures

          The solutions that Qascom offers in the domain of ground infrastructures for critical applications are:

          For Earth infrastructure, ground, and space applications:

          • Design and simulation of the required ground infrastructure for the critical application.
          • Delivery of the radiobeacon ground hardware and installation.
          • Delivery of the Qascom-modified QN400 receiver to work with the radio beacon infrastructure.
          • Integration, testing, and verification of the system.

          For the Moon:

          • Design and simulation of the required ground infrastructure for the moon.
          • Delivery of the moon radiobeacon, with TRL and qualifications to be agreed upon.
          • Delivery of the Qascom-modified QN500 LCNS receiver to work with the moon radiobeacon infrastructure.
          • Integration, qualification, and verification of the system.