In the last years there has been a growing interest in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) constellations to provide telecommunication and navigation PNT services, both from commercial and governmental entities. ESA’s LEO PNT constellation proposes an augmented-PNT service compared to the classical MEO or GEO satellites in current GNSS systems.
In this context, GMV proposes the development of an Engineering Model (EM) including all the critical components of a generic Navigation Payload / Signal Generator demonstrator for a future LEO-PNT system. It will be based on a flexible signal generation capability based on Software Defined Radio SDR technologies, FPGA acceleration and system-on-chip (SW+FPGA RFSoC). The final product, belonging to the - Satellite Navigation Space Segment, is a generic Navigation Payload Signal Generator demonstrator for a future LEO-PNT system. The payload will transmit Navigation signal in 2 frequency bands.
The payload EM will be implemented in a highly integrated system RFSoC from Xilinx. The current project proposes to focus on the signal generation up to RF output presenting a roadmap to a demonstration payload and development plan for the High Gain RF part and antennas. The EM will be developed as a stand-alone module / unit, including enclosure. The high level schematic architecture and the main functions of the payload are presented in this document, together with the external interfaces. Also, the benefits and drawbacks of the different frequency bands have been analysed qualitatively with several performance indicators.
The product development activities include:
• Analysis of the critical functionalities and requirements of a future Navigation Payload on-board a LEO-PNT system.
• Design of a complete Engineering Model (EM) of a generic Navigation Payload / Signal Generator demonstrator for a future LEO-PNT system. The EM design will be representative of a future Flight Model (FM) in fit, form and function.
• Develop an Elegant BreadBoard (EBB) and an Engineering Model (EM) (2 step basis) of the critical components of a generic Navigation Payload demonstrator for a future LEO-PNT system.
• Assess the achievable performances with a representative EM unit.
• Conclusions, critical technologies and implementation roadmap to reduce the implementation risk of the future models (EQM/FM) payload equipment.
The design of the EM will seek for simplicity and cost efficiency, and will be based, as much as possible, on the use of COTS components.
The proposed duration of the project would be 24 months.