ESA has signed a contract with a consortium of European companies to conduct a study on optical technology for positioning, navigation, and timing. This study will lay the groundwork for a potential in-orbit demonstrator to validate intersatellite optical links before future use in operational satellite navigation systems. This initiative is part of the FutureNAV programme, which aims to explore and validate novel technologies in satellite navigation.
Optical technology, which uses laser beams to transmit data, offers unprecedented accuracy and robustness in navigation. The technology still requires advancements and in-orbit validation before it can be integrated into operational systems. The contract with the consortium, led by German OHB System, will involve 33 companies from ESA Member states and focus on developing and testing optical technology for time synchronisation and ranging.
The results of the study and in-orbit testing will assess the readiness of optical technology and provide essential inputs for decision-makers regarding its incorporation into future operational systems. This project aims to shape the future of navigation in Europe and contribute to defining an international interoperability standard for optical timing and ranging in positioning, navigation, and timing.
Optical technology offers a more robust and accurate solution for navigation services, with the potential to reach millimetre-level spatial accuracy and picosecond-level timing. By involving industry players at an early stage, ESA is empowering European industry to lead in global positioning, navigation, and timing and benefit from the implementation of this technology in future systems. Overall, this project represents a significant step towards the development and validation of optical technology for satellite navigation systems.
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