Next-generation GNSS

Kepler – the Next-Generation Global Navigation Satellite System

Our proposal for a GNSS with significant improvement in Signal-in-Space accuracy, integrity, and operational resilience, consisting of:

  • A MEO segment of satellites linked by optical terminals
  • Potentially a LEO monitoring and calibration segment
  • Few ground stations for alignment to the terrestrial reference frame and UTC
  • Autonomous in-orbit system synchronization
  • Accurate orbit determination
  • Resilient and robust operations
  • Centimeter-level signal-in-space accuracy and global integrity

Optical Transceivers for Time-Transfer and Ranging

  • Simultaneous two-way optical link for inter-satellite time transfer and ranging
  • Optical spread spectrum modulation
  • Optical domain despreading
  • Coherent demodulation
  • COTS Electro-optical components
  • Ranging precision at 102µm-level
  • Time synchronization with a stability of 1E-13
  • Mbps to Gcps inter-satellite data transfer