The promise of cellular-to-satellite connectivity and the proliferation of new satellite navigation systems makes PNT technologies even more critical in the future.
Positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) technologies are a key element in the growing number of low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellations that are being devised to deliver services such as greater cellular connectivity, as well as in other constellations being architected to navigate the surface of the Moon and more.
At the most basic level, PNT technology refers to the determination of precise location (positioning), the ability to keep accurate time from coordinated universal time (timing) and the capacity to determine both present and desired position to move between the two (navigation).
PNT systems, which include Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) such as Global Positioning System (GPS), enable all types of use cases in aviation, transportation, logistics and more. Plus, GNSS such as GPS are key elements in infrastructure such as cellular networks and energy grids that are used by millions of consumers every day.
According to BIS Research, the global PNT technology market was valued at $961.7 million in 2020 and is estimated to reach $8.3 billion by 2031, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 22.45%.
But PNT technologies do have some challenges. For example, GNSS is vulnerable to malicious attacks in the form of jamming and spoofing. And while GPS signals, for instance, have a high degree of accuracy, that accuracy degrades depending upon certain factors such as atmospheric conditions, receiver design, and even signal blockage.
For example, GPS-enabled smartphones are typically only accurate to within a 16-feet radius under open sky, according to GPS.gov.
Fortunately, the industry is working to mitigate any security vulnerabilities through an authentication system developed by the U.S. Air Force called Chips-Message Robust Authentication (CHIMERA). In addition, new simulation technologies are making GNSS lab testing more powerful, making it possible to achieve greater accuracy and greater robustness from the same signals.
Satellite-to-cellular connectivity
Recently there’s been a lot of buzz about the cellular-to-satellite connectivity opportunity. Apple initiated much of this when it launched its “Emergency SOS via Satellite” service in November 2021. The service uses Globalstar’s low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellation and provides text messaging capability in areas without cellular coverage. The service is available to iPhone 14 users.
But Apple isn’t alone. Android smartphones will also have satellite-to-cellular capability thanks to Qualcomm’s new partnership with Iridium that was announced earlier this year.
In addition, British manufacturer Bullitt Group also said it is launching a new smartphone with satellite messaging that connects to Skylo, a connectivity company that says it is working with established satellite operators to deliver connectivity.
And there’s more. T-Mobile and SpaceX’s Starlink have formed a technical partnership with the intention of connecting T-Mobile phones with Starlink satellites when outside cellular coverage.
And AT&T has hinted that it is working with AST SpaceMobile to develop some type of consumer application that will use satellite connectivity.
While Apple’s satellite-to-cellular service is already available today, the others are expected to follow later this year and into next year. Qualcomm and Iridium said their service, called Snapdragon Satellite, will be available by the second half of 2023.
Research firm Northern Sky Research (NSR), which specializes in the satellite communications market, is bullish on satellite-to-cellular connectivity and believes it could be a big opportunity for satellite companies to reach billions of new customers.
NSR estimates that the service will deliver as much as $66.8 billion in 10-year cumulative revenues for the satellite industry.
ALSO READ: Why EO and PNT Hold Promise in a Choppy Space Industry Outlook?
New navigation systems
Beyond satellite-to-cellular connectivity, there is also a growing number of initiatives aimed at expanding the space service volume beyond what exists today to include in-orbit and lunar applications.
The European Space Agency (ESA), for example, is developing a new satellite navigation constellation that will supplement Europe’s Galileo satellite system.
These satellites, which are called LEO-PNT satellites, will orbit just a few hundred kilometers above the surface of the Earth and are expected to deliver PNT data that is more accurate than what exists today and is available everywhere.
ESA believes that these LEO-PNT satellites, because they are closer to the Earth, will be able to offer better signal strength, more reliable indoor coverage and be more resistant to jamming. In addition, because they are closer to Earth, ESA estimates that these LEO-PNT satellites will be less expensive to build and more economical to launch.
ESA told the Ministerial Council late last year that the goal of the LEO-PNT initiative is to build and fly six to 12 satellites and test their capabilities. This demonstration is expected to happen in 2026.
In addition, ESA is also working with NASA, JAXA, and other organizations to establish a satellite navigation system around the moon.
The reason for this type of navigation system is to make it possible for manned lunar missions to be able to navigate autonomously and precisely on the surface of the moon. Currently every manned flight would have to rely on experts to direct the mission from Earth.
Currently, navigation in space can be achieved using existing GNSS signals, but the low power levels as distances increase, and the fact that many satellites will be obscured by the Earth at any given time, means this is somewhat limited.
Organizations such as ESA and NASA, though, are working on ways to harness these signals deeper into space, and even for future lunar missions.
One possible solution is a receiver developed by SpacePNT called NaviMoon, which is expected to launch in 2025 or 2026. ESA believes NaviMoon may be able to determine a space vehicle’s position within about 200 feet of accuracy on the surface of the moon.
Both satellite-to-cellular communications and lunar and in-orbit applications present great possibilities and significant challenges for PNT in the near term and into the more distant future.
ALSO READ: Why Precise PNT Matters to Businesses?
