INAC-LEO · When Satellite Navigation Meets Satellite Communication in Low-Earth-Orbit Satellite Systems
Horizon Europe — Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions
- Duration
- 2024-12-01 → 2026-11-30
- EU contribution
- €191,760
- Participants
- 1
- Scheme
- HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF
Lines connect the coordinator with its partners.
Results in brief
When Satellite Navigation Meets Satellite Communication in Low-Earth-Orbit Satellite Systems
Satellite-based technologies are essential to modern life, enabling navigation, communication, and emergency services. Traditionally, satellite communication and navigation have been developed and operated as separate systems. However, with the rise of Low-Earth-Orbit (LEO) satellite constellations, there is a growing opportunity to integrate both functions into a single, more efficient system. The European Union plans to launch its own secure LEO communication constellation by 2027. While these satellites are ideal for connectivity, they currently lack the positioning accuracy required for navigation applications. This project was designed to address this challenge. The goal was to develop new methods that would allow LEO communication satellites to also serve as navigation tools—without requiring additional systems or hardware.
Data: CORDIS, © European Union
Project objective
In the realm of satellite systems, communication and navigation have traditionally functioned as separate systems, each requiring its own dedicated hardware. However, emerging wireless technologies present a game-changing opportunity: they can enhance navigation capabilities by the Low-Earth-Orbit (LEO) satellite systems and enable integrated systems that serve both communication and navigation requirements. This project aims to unlock the untapped potential of LEO satellite systems for Integrated Navigation and Communication (INAC), a critical step for Europe in developing cost-effective, dual-purpose satellite systems that could transform emergency services and Internet of Things (IoT) applications.The project is structured around three key objectives. Firstly, with the aid of LEO communication satellites planned by the European Union, Work Plan 1 (WP1) will establish a theoretical framework for LEO satellite navigation by using dynamic constellation characteristics and Doppler information. Secondly, WP2 will design a communication-aided navigation system that leverages the low-latency and high spectral efficiency of LEO communication satellites, aiming to enhance accuracy while minimizing computational demands. Lastly, WP3 will develop an integrated system that combines communication and navigation using next-generation multiple-access (NGMA) techniques, ensuring optimal performance in both communication and navigation without compromise. With a projected market impact potentially surpassing 10 billion Euros, this initiative stands to make a substantial contribution to the European space ecosystem, while providing groundbreaking solutions to global communication and navigation challenges.
Original text from CORDIS.
Participants
- KATHOLIEKE UNIVERSITEIT LEUVEN · LeuvenCoordinatorBelgium
Links
Data: CORDIS, © European Union