The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a critical provider of positioning, navigation, and timing in worldwide use and many diverse applications depend on highly reliable and accurate service. Within the next decade, similar or complementary systems deployed by Russia, China, Japan, India, and the European Union will become fully operational. The spectrum surrounding GPS signals has become more crowded and interference has become more likely. Although evolutionary improvements are ongoing, the availability, accuracy, and security of GPS are approaching fundamental limits, while the need for higher-performance PNT services is growing.

This is a broad research topic to explore space-based PNT concepts in the 2050-70 timeframe. The objective is to improve the availability, accuracy, and security of space-based PNT, with an emphasis on availability in buildings and under foliage and resistant to interference. Research concepts should be unhindered by the architecture and elements of current space-based PNT systems, such as GPS orbits, signal structure, and frequency bands. Incorporation of advances in quantum information technology, advanced clock technologies, laser communication, and small satellites are encouraged. Other technologies within the scope of this research include alternative architectures for space and ground segments, advanced network-assisted PNT, advanced waveforms, signal processing concepts, and dynamic spectrum utilization.

 

References

National Security Space Office (NSSO), “National Positioning, Navigation, and Timing Architecture Study Final Report,” September 2008, http://www.rita.dot.gov/pnt/major_initiatives/national_pnt_architecture.html

Giovannetti V, Lloyd S, Maccone L: Quantum positioning system, in Coherence and Quantum Optics VIII, Proceedings of the 8th Rochester Conference. Edited by Bigelow NP, Eberly JH, Stroud CR, Walmsley IA, New York: Kluwer Academic, 2003: 303

 

Keywords:

PNT; GPS; GNSS; Position, navigation, timing; Laser ranging; Orbit determination; Cold atom; Quantum information technology; Cognitive radio;

Citizenship:  Open to U.S. citizens

Level:  Open to Postdoctoral and Senior applicants