GEYSER

GalilEo cYber SpacE Receiver

During the last decade, the space industry has experienced a profound transformation. Driven by technological advancements and a new entrepreneurial spirit, the space environment is now hosting an increasing number of platforms and has therefore become a new playground for GNSS technologies. Whatever the mission-type (e.g., telecommunication, Earth observation, or navigation), providing reliable real-time GNSS data to Earth-orbiting satellites can bring many financial, technical and societal benefits such as reduced mission costs, improved navigation performance and the provision of trustworthy EO data. 

From using real-time GNSS data for absolute and relative spacecraft navigation, to deriving Earth Observation measurements from it, GNSS has proven its worth for in-space applications. Driven by the NewSpace paradigm, the diversification and proliferation of space users has led to an increasing need for spaceborne GNSS-based solutions. It is in this framework, targeting the new emerging GNSS Space applications and Space Economy trends, that the GEYSER (GalilEo cYber SpacE Receiver) project was conceived.

The project aims at the development of two new solutions: 

• GEYSER Hardware Solution, a medium-grade space receiver for robust and high-accuracy positioning, addressing emerging satellite markets (mega constellations and Low Earth Orbit PNT) and launchers
• GEYSER Software Solution, based on the same Software Core of the hardware product. This solution will be compatible with commercially available SDR (“Software Defined Radio“) boards for CubeSats. The current plan foresees to offer the SW product for experimental missions or in-orbit demonstrators of Space Agencies or other institution.

Challenge and technical solution

The GEYSER receiver brought diverse novelties and innovations addressing:

• New Satellite Markets, as the receiver is designed according to Small Satellite plarform requirements
• Emerging GNSS applications in space, with robust PNT Cybersecurity and Authentication (OSNMA) in Space and real time High Accuracy Precise Orbit Determination (POD) for Space Debris collision avoidance and “Station Keeping” maneuvering
• Processing and Plugin Software Upgrades, supporting the L5/E5a frequency and the development of plugins for Cybersecurity, High Accuracy POD and High Dynamics Navigation