The Satellite Networks department plays since many years a leading role in Europe in the conception and investigation of novel system concepts, transmission techniques, protocols and applications for Satellite Communications.
The focus of the department Communications Systems is on aeronautical, car-to-car and train-to-train communications, on multisensor navigation, and swarm exploration. Most of these topics treat system aspects. We foster the development and standardization of LDACS, the future worldwide aeronautical communication standard for air traffic management. We enable accurate pedestrian indoor navigation based on multisensor fusion. We aim at exploring planets and supporting disaster management with autonomously and decentralized operating swarms of rovers and aerial platforms. To increase safety on rail and road we develop robust and reliable communications systems and methods for relative positioning. For many of these topics we need detailed knowledge of wave propagation; thus, we carry out channel measurement for various environments (ground-air, satellite-air, satellite-ground, ship-ship, ship-shore, train-train, car-car), develop accurate models and contribute to the standardization at ITU-R.
The department of Navigation in the Institute of Communications and Navigation aims for a significant role in the realization of the European Global Navigation Satellite System (Galileo) with a focus on ground systems and user terminals. Due to the integration of Communication and Navigation, new fields of research with economic importance shall be developed. In this context, augmentation systems for safety of life applications of satellite navigation as well as multifunctional, cost-efficient, and compact user terminals should be mentioned.
The department of Nautical Systems is working on research topics in the field of maritime PNT (Position, Navigation and Time) sensors and dedicated satellite based as well as terrestrial augmentation systems and services. Main topics are multi-sensor-navigation, the provision of resilient PNT data, die on-going development of satellite-based and terrestrial maritime GNSS augmentation systems and backup systems as well as the development of new methods to estimate a comprehensive and reliable maritime traffic situation picture. The work is partly embedded in the e-navigation strategy of the International Maritime Organization to harmonize all electronic navigation instruments on board ships and on shore. The overall objective is focused to contributions for safety and security at sea and the protection of the marine environment.