Iridium Offers Alternative GPS Service Using its Own LEO Constellation

Iridium’s Satellite Network Operations Center. Photo: Iridium

[Via Satellite 05-23-2016] Iridium has launched a new Position, Navigation and Timing (PNT) capability called Satellite Time and Location (STL) that can substitute or augment traditional location-based technologies. STL technology deployed through the operator’s network of 66 cross-linked satellites in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and in end-user receivers can verify GPS, Glonass, Galileo, and other navigation services and, if needed, can fill in for them should they become compromised.

Iridium says STL can protect, toughen and augment traditional GPS technology by providing a position or timing source when GPS signals are degraded or unavailable. It can also provide an alternative source of time to check the integrity of a GPS signal, and works indoors, according to the company.

STL fits on a chip set about the size of a postage stamp, and can be easily embedded into devices of all kinds. The technology’s signal strength can help make GPS systems more difficult to spoof, because signals are transmitted through Iridium’s satellite constellation with a unique code to each position on the ground. The code can be independently authenticated, proving that a device is located in a specific place in the world, thus enabling “location aware” applications that only allow operation or access if the user is in the location expected.

Iridium is working with Satelles, a division of iKare Corporation, as its primary technology partner to deliver this solution through Iridium paging channels, which are able to reach small, low-cost receivers in most environments. Satelles provides technology and services to companies that are commercializing this capability to protect assets, authenticate users, or do other functions reliant on GPS time and location.

To date, Iridium has successfully demonstrated its STL solution across multiple sectors including the military, academia and commercial applications. This technology is available today and will be supported by Iridium Next, Iridium’s next-generation global satellite constellation, which is scheduled for completion by late 2017.