GMV, jointly with the Space Research Center of the Polish Academy of Sciences and Hertz Systems will develop Software Defined Radio (SDR) GNSS receiver for microsatellites and small launchers. The device will be designed for precise positioning of small satellites on Earth orbit and also serving as an avionics element for small launchers. Within the project consortium will develop the mono-frequency (L1/E1), dual constellation (GPS/Galileo) SDR GNSS receiver for small launchers and will design dual-frequency (L1/E1 and L5/E5), and dual constellation (GPS/Galileo) receiver at TRL 5 for microsatellites.

The Software Defined Radio (SDR) GNSS receiver will be an alternative to dearer, bigger systems currently available on the market. The model is being built to meet sector needs, especially those of emerging firms and the manufacturers of microsatellites or small launchers, cutting both construction- and operational- costs of objects launched into space. Precise orbit determination using the programmable GNSS receiver is just as crucial for new types of mission, such as in-orbit satellite refueling and servicing, space-debris capture, formation flying of various small satellites and direct in-orbit construction of large structures.

The first prototype of the programmable GNSS receiver will be tried out onboard ARION-1 in early 2020.