ENSPACE has fostered the use of GNSS in space exploiting a novel concept of Space receiver with the following applications: navigation in space, timing determination, precise orbit determination and attitude determination. GNSS technology will be adopted by most of future space missions in LEO, MEO, GEO orbits, interplanetary missions and launchers. In parallel, cost/size reduction, flexibility and the need to increase security are key requirements to sustain the evolution of the satellite business towards mega constellations and small satellites. ENSPACE, through the project and the future exploitation activities, is capturing this need providing an innovative software suite for space navigation.
The final ENSPACE goal is the development of an innovative GNSS Space receiver with the following advanced features:
-Configurability for Multi Missions: the GNSS board is designed to have a single solution that can become a standard for all future missions that require enhanced navigation, including high availability, robustness and security.
-Configurability for Multi Applications: the GNSS board is designed and developed in order to support different Enhanced GNSS applications.
-Software Defined Radio (SDR) Technology: this increases the flexibility and in space programmability. Moreover, SDR can reduce the costs, volume, weight and energy consumption.
-Security and Robustness: Galileo authentication and receiver based anti-spoofing techniques is an asset for the future threats in space.
-Low Cost Solution: this can be achieved using low cost COTS that is an emerging trend in space. Indeed, budget constraints, demand for inexpensive small satellites, and other Enhanced Space Navigation issues are forcing space-platform designers to consider using COTS components for space.
