Final Presentation EL1-077: “Technological Enablers of Cellular Networks for PVT Assurance”

Last Updated: 17/03/2026 11:32     Created at: 17/03/2026 11:30

On 16 March 2026, Qascom, prime contractor in a consortium with Loctio and University of Patras, presented the results of NAVISP-EL1-077 (PARTICLE), which focused on Assured Position, Navigation and Timing (PNT).

The PARTICLE project demonstrated a secure and resilient approach to PNT by combining authenticated Galileo signals and 5G positioning. 

The solution integrates Galileo OSNMA data authentication, E6-based range authentication, receiver-based anti-spoofing techniques and 5G positioning as a complementary and redundant source. A dedicated GNSS/5G testbed was developed, including service-provider and user-terminal emulators, cryptographic key management and a secure element for protected storage and processing of sensitive material.

A structured threat analysis, following ISO/IEC 27005, identified significant physical-layer risks for both GNSS and 5G. For 5G Observed Time Difference Of Arrival (OTDOA) positioning, several security enhancements were proposed and evaluated, including encrypted positioning reference signals, embedded authentication, angular-based signal authentication, downlink–uplink handshaking and position-tracking anomaly detection.

The activity was fully funded by ESA NAVISP Element 1, whose objective is to innovate PNT technologies. The slides can be accessed here.