When Satellite Navigation Meets Satellite Communication in Low-Earth-Orbit Satellite Systems

Project Information

INAC-LEO

Grant agreement ID: 101154499

DOI

10.3030/101154499

Project terminated on 21 February 2025

EC signature date 8 April 2024

Start date 1 December 2024

End date 30 November 2026

Funded under

• Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)

Total cost

No data

EU contribution

€ 191 760,00

Coordinated by

KATHOLIEKE UNIVERSITEIT LEUVEN
Belgium

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - INAC-LEO (When Satellite Navigation Meets Satellite Communication in Low-Earth-Orbit Satellite Systems)

Reporting period: 2024-12-01 to 2026-11-30

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

Satellite-based technologies are essential to modern life, enabling navigation, communication, and emergency services. Traditionally, satellite communication and navigation have been developed and operated as separate systems. However, with the rise of Low-Earth-Orbit (LEO) satellite constellations, there is a growing opportunity to integrate both functions into a single, more efficient system. The European Union plans to launch its own secure LEO communication constellation by 2027. While these satellites are ideal for connectivity, they currently lack the positioning accuracy required for navigation applications. This project was designed to address this challenge. The goal was to develop new methods that would allow LEO communication satellites to also serve as navigation tools—without requiring additional systems or hardware.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

Progress in this work package was limited, as the project was still at an early stage. During the first two months, the work focused on building the theoretical framework for LEO satellite navigation using Doppler and constellation data. Initial research included defining the basic concepts and mathematical models needed to use Doppler and constellation information from multiple LEO satellites to support independent navigation. However, no experimental validation or simulation was carried out during this period.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

Ghost result: early termination of the project. Deliverable not implemented.