ESA Open Invitation to Tender: 1-11043
Open Date: 08/03/2022 13:50 CEST
Closing Date: 23/05/2022 13:00 CEST

In the search for robust and resilient positioning alternatives, users have already looked at signal-of-opportunity (SOOP) techniques that make use of radiofrequency signals broadcasted for different purposes (e.g. wireless, TV, etc.). In recent studies, the feasibility of using carrier phase positioning techniques has also been demonstrated over the cellular networks and other types of SOOP. It is therefore envisaged that similar techniques could also enable high-accuracy alternative PNT solutions for UAV, if they are based on reliable and certifiable signals-of-opportunities such as the Aeronautical Radionavigation Service (ARNS) signals. In order to use ARNS signals in safety-critical UAV operations such as autonomous landing, take-off and BVLOS navigation, one would also have to be guaranteed on a certain level of trust in the PNT solution and be provided with timely alerts when the criticality threshold is exceeded. Although the consolidated knowledge on safety cases and feared events for UAV operations is not yet mature, the precise characterisation (e.g. position and clock parameters) of ARNS transmitters could facilitate the definition of integrity, integrity risks, and integrity monitoring concepts. This activity aims at developing an innovative and reliable Alternative-PNT (A-PNT) concept based on the carrier phase of ARNS signals and telecommunication SOOP hybridised with dead-reckoning and vision-based navigation sensors, able provide UAS users with a positioning solution and an integrity measure, complementary to or even independent of GNSS.

Estabilishment: ESTEC
ECOS Required: No
Classified: No
Price Range: > 500 KEURO
Authorised Contact Person: Nathalie Dorval
Initiating Service: NAV-PNI
IP Measure: N/A
Prog. Reference: E/0365-40 – NAVISP Phase 2 E1
Tender Type: Open Competition
Open To Tenderers From: AT+BE+CH+CZ+DE+DK+EL+FI+FR+GB+HU+IT+NL+NO+RO+SE
Technology Keywords: 6-B-I-Navigation System Tools / 6-B-II-Ground Receivers
Products Keywords: 2-A-3-b-Hybrid Navigation Units (IMU/GPS,…) / 2-L-3-b-Navigation Receivers *See AOCS & GNC – Single-frequency (Platform/Low-end missions)- Multiple-frequency (Science mission/hig-end missions) / 4-B-4-h-Test equipment