The global positioning system (GPS), powered by 24 satellites, is crucial for both military and civilian life, offering services beyond just locating the nearest gas station. However, the heavy reliance on GPS by the military, for ground missions, missile systems, and more, has led to concerns about it becoming a single point of failure. In fact, military personnel and agencies have warned about this risk, regularly staging drills without GPS in case the system fails. But it’s not just the military; civilian life worldwide depends on GPS more than we realize. Besides the potential for technological failures, there’s also the fear that adversaries could block GPS access using jamming technology. To counter this, a team from Aerospace’s Communication System Implementation Subdivision has built a tool to jam the jammers, ensuring uninterrupted GPS services that we all rely on so heavily.

GPS jamming is a significant threat to both civilian infrastructure and military operations, potentially disrupting critical applications like electric grids and ATM networks. To counter this, Aerospace’s Communication System Implementation Subdivision has spent years developing the Blind Interference Signal Suppression (BLISS) technology, aimed at neutralizing jamming signals that hinder GPS reception. GPS signals, due to their low power on Earth, are vulnerable to jamming, especially in battlefield scenarios where enemies may deliberately interfere to prevent accurate positioning. Domestically, illegal personal privacy jammers, easily obtainable online, have been used in several documented cases to block location information and evade GPS tracking.

BLISS mitigates the effects of various strong jammers, thanks to its proprietary algorithms estimating jammer characteristics. Dr. Philip Dafesh, a BLISS architect, explained how it works. BLISS can be easily integrated, either as a standalone device between a GPS receiver and its antenna or directly into future receiver chipsets, enhancing existing receivers’ performance.

• Can BLISS Counter a Variety of Jammer Types Effectively?
• How Will SATELLITE APPLICATIONS CATAPULT and The Aerospace Corporation UK Collaborate on In-Orbit Servicing Capabilities?
• What Are Satellite Applications Catapult and Its Uses?

Can BLISS Counter a Variety of Jammer Types Effectively?

BLISS technology stands out for its exceptional effectiveness against signal jammers, even those that rapidly shift frequencies or phase characteristics. Unlike conventional jammer suppression methods, which typically target narrow band jamming within a limited frequency range, BLISS remains effective even when faced with jammers matched to the signal of interest. This remarkable technology, originally funded by Aerospace’s Innovation Lab (iLab), holds vast potential for enhancing global navigation satellite system performance. Recognizing its value, Orolia, a leader in precision time and frequency products, has licensed BLISS to its subsidiary, Talen-X. This strategic partnership is poised to revolutionize how we address complex satellite navigation challenges, leveraging BLISS’s unique capabilities to ensure reliable and uninterrupted signal transmission.

BLISS demonstrates how concepts born in iLab translate into practical applications. By harnessing advanced technologies across various domains, our skilled and diverse team brings to life functional proof-of-concept devices, BLISS being a prime example,” remarks Dr. Esteban Valles, head of the Digital Communication Implementation Department. This innovative solution effectively counters a broad spectrum of jammer types, showcasing the power of ideas realized through expert collaboration.

How Will SATELLITE APPLICATIONS CATAPULT and The Aerospace Corporation UK Collaborate on In-Orbit Servicing Capabilities?

The Satellite Applications Catapult and The Aerospace Corporation (Aerospace) UK Ltd have embarked on a collaboration journey, seeking to integrate their robotics facilities located in Westcott, UK, and El Segundo, California, USA. This partnership aims to accelerate the validation and verification process of emerging in-space servicing capabilities, fostering international cooperation and supporting the growth of the entire sector. By reducing product development timelines and swiftly delivering proofs of concept, this initiative promises to benefit funders, investors, and insurers alike, paving the way for a new era of efficient and innovative space technologies.

Collaborating on in-orbit servicing capabilities, SATELLITE APPLICATIONS CATAPULT and the AEROSPACE CORPORATION UK are pioneering innovative commercial artificial intelligence solutions for rendezvous and proximity operations in space. This partnership not only serves the national interests of both countries but also fosters international confidence in linked capabilities. Aligned with the Collaboration Statement for IOSM/ISAM, this initiative is a testament to the synergies achieved through the collective efforts of UKspace, CONFERS, and AIAA. According to Ron Birk, Principal Director of the Aerospace Corporation’s Space Enterprise Evolution Directorate, this collaboration provides a platform to address queries from regulators, investors, integrators, and insurers, thereby accelerating the transition from development to deployment. Furthermore, it leverages the advantages of testbeds and proving grounds, ensuring stakeholders across the space enterprise witness swift returns on their investments.

The Aerospace Corporation UK Ltd and Satellite Applications Catapult announce a groundbreaking agreement to integrate space testing facilities between the UK and the US. This partnership aims to unlock immense benefits for companies in both countries, enabling easier access to cutting-edge orbit services, assembly, and manufacturing facilities. By delivering ‘flight proven equivalency,’ the initiative will establish trust among commercial entities and enhance collective national capabilities. David Sandy, Managing Director of The Aerospace Corporation UK Ltd, emphasizes the significance of this integration, stating that it serves as a first step in fostering stronger collaboration. Richard Lowe, CTO at the Satellite Applications Catapult, echoes this sentiment, highlighting the mutual benefits of shared access to facilities. This agreement promises to open new doors for companies on both sides of the Atlantic, driving innovation and growth in the aerospace industry.

Collaborating on cutting-edge in-orbit servicing capabilities, SATELLITE APPLICATIONS CATAPULT and the AEROSPACE CORPORATION UK are pushing the boundaries of space technology. At the forefront of their efforts is the Westcott IOSM Yard, a sophisticated facility designed for testing close-proximity operations and validating in-orbit servicing technologies. This dynamic platform utilizes robotic equipment to simulate a microgravity environment, ensuring technologies are mission-ready before launch. Currently, the yard is undergoing a significant £2m upgrade funded by the UK Space Agency. This investment aims to bolster the growing IOSM sector in the UK, providing access to large-scale equipment that replicates orbital conditions and flight dynamics. Complementing these advancements is the Collaborative & Autonomous Vehicle Ecosystem (CAVE). CAVE offers a comprehensive environment for researching, developing, integrating, and testing autonomous systems. By utilizing Vicon motion capture cameras, robotic arms, rovers, and drones, CAVE explores how enhanced autonomy and collaborative robotics can revolutionize the management of autonomous space systems.

What Are Satellite Applications Catapult and Its Uses?

Driving economic growth through space exploration, the Satellite Applications Catapult stands as an independent innovation and technology company, founded by Innovate UK. We collaborate with businesses, regardless of size, to unlock their full potential utilizing space infrastructure and its applications. Operating in an open innovation setting, we unite diverse teams to brainstorm ideas and craft cutting-edge solutions.