ISU - Summer 2024

Thales Alenia Space to develop future satellite navigation systems

SBAS is a highly accurate reliable navigation system. Credit: Thales Alenia Space

Edinburgh, 8 February 2022. – Thales Alenia Space announced that it has been awarded a contract by the French Space Agency CNES to develop a Dual Frequency Multi Constellations (DFMC) SBAS prototype. 

The project is part of the next generation of SBAS (satellite-based augmentation system), just like EGNOS, the European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service satellite system. 

The prototype will complement both GPS and Galileo systems and will benefit from signals transmitted on multiple frequencies. This will ensure highly accurate and reliable performance in aviation navigation and landing as well as other applications.

The developed prototype will be deployed and tested in operation using a geostationary satellite. The performance will be analyzed in detail according to international standard criteria, the company said. This will be the first time in European satellite navigation system history that a DFMC SBAS signal is emitted over Europe and Africa.

Check Also

Lockheed Martin

Lockheed Martin to Acquire Terran Orbital

Lockheed Martin has announced the signing of a definitive agreement to acquire Terran Orbital, a provider of satellite-based solutions primarily supporting the aerospace and defense industries. Terran Orbital brings a high throughput, robotic manufacturing capacity and high-performing modular space vehicle designs. Combined with Lockheed Martin's record of performance and innovation, this transaction will usher in a broader range of capabilities and value for customers.