RECEIVER TECHNIQUES AND ALGORITHMS FOR PNT SOLUTIONS WITH ONLY 1 AND 2 LEO SATELLITES IN VIEW - EXPRO+

Objective: To design PNT techniques and algorithms relying on only 1 and 2 LEO satellites in view, based on the optimised fusion ofall the available estimations along time.Description: The use of LEO-based systems on top of current GNSS systems (in MEO orbits) is being considered to improve the achievable user performances, in particular in challenging user scenarios. To ensure that at least3 or 4 satellites are in view by any user on ground, a much larger number of LEO satellites than for MEO is required to be used inthis case. In this context, it is of high interest to investigate techniques exploiting signals received by LEO satellites when only 1 and 2 LEO satellites are in view by a ground user. This would enable, for example, to exploit LEO satellites with reduced constellations with a limited available number of satellites visible, and/or while a full LEO-PNT constellation is still being deployed. Theobjective of this activity is to design PNT techniques and algorithms relying on only 1 and 2 LEO satellites in view,, including transitions between 1 and 2 satellites, based on the optimised fusion of all the available estimations along time, including at least:- ToA (Time-of-Arrival), FoA (Frequency-of-Arrival) and AoA (Angle-of-Arrival)-like estimations; - Multi-epoch / synthetic apertureprocessing solutions exploiting the fast satellite geometry change; and, additionally, if introducing benefits to the above : - Clock coasting; - Inertial sensors measurements; - DEM (Digital Elevation Model)/height sensors ; The suitability of the proposed solutions is aimed to be assessed based both on simulations and real data. This activity encompasses the following tasks: - Define and design innovative techniques and algorithms in the areas identified above; - Develop the required tools/software for the assessment/test of the innovative techniques and algorithms; - Assess/test the different techniques and algorithms in realistic simulated conditions, and with real signals from LEO satellites; - Identify the most promising techniques/algorithms based on the results obtained;- Propose the way-forward to further mature each of the promising techniques/algorithms identified.Procurement Policy: C(2) = Activities in open competition, where a significant participation of non-LSI is requested. For additional information please go to:http://www.esa.int/About_Us/Business_with_ESA/Small_and_Medium_Sized_Enterprises/Opportunities_for_SMEs/Procurement_policy_on_fair_access_for_SMEs_-_the_C1-C4_Clauses