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The tests saw QinetiQ’s Q40 Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receiver- which can already receive signals from multiple GNSS satellite constellations on multiple frequencies, acquire and track signals from Xona’s first production-class satellite, Pulsar-0. The tests demonstrated that by supplementing GNSS with LEO satellite signals like the Pulsar X1, enhanced resilience in contested or poor-signal environments can be achieved.

A recent software upgrade to QinetiQ’s Q40 was developed under the European Space Agencies’ Navigation Innovation and Support Program (NAVISP) in the GNSS Receiver with Advanced Pulsar Enhancement (GRAPE) project. GRAPE is a collaboration between QinetiQ and Xona, supported by the UK Space Agency and European Space Agency. Its goal is to explore how new LEO-based signals, can be integrated with existing GNSS, to enhance the accuracy and resilience of navigation services for defence, critical infrastructure, and future autonomous applications.

Chris Walker, Managing Director, Mission Systems Division, QinetiQ, said: “For the first time, we have demonstrated how signals from new LEO satellites can be used alongside existing GNSS to give users stronger, more resilient timing and position information. This is a huge step in increasing the protection of our defence, critical infrastructure and future autonomous systems against interference.”

Giorgio Taylor, Director of Business Development, UK & Europe added: “Our Pulsar constellation is designed to deliver resilience and accuracy at a time when GNSS alone is no longer enough. The demonstration of QinetiQ’s Q40 receiver from our in-orbit signal proves this technology is ready to make a difference to users, from defence to commercial autonomy.”

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Notes to editors

About QinetiQ
QinetiQ is an integrated global defence and security company focused on mission-led innovation. We employ more than 8,500 highly-skilled people, committed to creating new ways of protecting what matters most; testing technologies, systems, and processes to make sure they meet operational needs; and enabling customers to deploy new and enhanced capabilities with the assurance they will deliver the performance required. Visit our website www.QinetiQ.com. Follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter @QinetiQ. Visit our blog www.QinetiQ-blogs.com.

About QinetiQ’s GNSS capability
QinetiQ’s GNSS receiver technology builds on more than 80 years of Radio Frequency systems innovation at our Malvern site, a centre of excellence that began with Britain’s ground-breaking radar research in the 1940s. QinetiQ engineers have since advanced radio communications, sensors, electronic warfare and resilient signal processing for some of the most demanding of operational environments.

www.qinetiq.com/Q40

About Xona Space Systems
Xona Space Systems is developing the most accurate and secure commercial satellite navigation service on the planet. Delivered via high-power LEO signals that provide cm-level accuracy with unmatched protection, Xona’s patented Pulsar™ service is built on an innovative architecture that will power the next generation of GPS-enabled technology worldwide. Learn more at www.xonaspace.com.

About the GRAPE project
The GRAPE project, run under ESA’s NAVISP Element 2 programme with support from the UK Space Agency, is a joint Xona/QinetiQ effort to test and demonstrate how new LEO navigation signals can be integrated with existing GNSS to deliver more accurate and resilient PNT.

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For further information, please contact
QinetiQ Press Office on Tel: +44 (0) 1252 39 3500
Email: PressOffice@QinetiQ.com
Elwyn Shelley on Tel: +44 (0) 7385 400018,
Email: ejshelley@qinetiq.com
Visit the website at www.QinetiQ.com

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