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Gnss-r sateLlITe earTh obsERvation

Project description

CubeSat constellations to boost Earth observation

GNSS-R is an Earth observation technique that uses reflections of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signals from surfaces – land, sea or ice. With the support of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the GLITTER project will train a new generation of doctoral-level experts to further advance this technology. The focus will be on developing low-cost, synchronised constellations of CubeSats and enhancing the resolution of the reflected signals of the GNSS-R system through beamforming. Ground truth data and methods will be derived from near-field radars. This should involve investigating many fields, including CubeSat formation, radiofrequency synchronisation, interferometry and data processing. GLITTER applications extend to radio astronomy, phased-array communications, and industries relying on GNSS signals in addition to precision agriculture, forestry, and sea and land management.

Objective

GNSS-R is a technique to carry out Earth observation based on reflections on the ground (or sea, or ice) of signals originating from GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) signals. The proposed project consists of educating a new generation of experts, at doctoral level, able to bring a qualitative leap to this technology. The scientific and technological goal consists of developing such systems based on a synchronized constellation of Cubesats. An important advantage of this arrangement is the very low cost of cubesats and the possibility to increase resolution based on beamforming from the satellites. Ground truth, as well as some of the methods, will originate from near-field radar technology. This will require further research on all segments of GNSS-R technology and beyond: launching and adjustment of cubesat formations, RF synchronization, interferometry between moving platforms, calibration of RF front-ends, ground testing making use of drones, cubesat systems, on-board processing, data transfer and analysis, translation into ground truth and into predictions important for climate change studies and for optimal territory management. The project may also benefit to other technologies making use of interferometry, such as radio-astronomy and phased array based communications. It is also expected to assist industry segments making use of GNSS signals, such as precision agriculture, forestry and sea and land management.

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Topic(s)

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HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-DN - HORIZON TMA MSCA Doctoral Networks

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Call for proposal

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(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2022-DN-01

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Coordinator

UNIVERSITE CATHOLIQUE DE LOUVAIN
Net EU contribution

Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.

€ 787 860,00
Address
PLACE DE L UNIVERSITE 1
1348 LOUVAIN LA NEUVE
Belgium

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Region
Région wallonne Prov. Brabant Wallon Arr. Nivelles
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
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Total cost

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Participants (5)

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