Next Generation Canadian Satellite-based Positioning Technology

Present navigation applications rely mostly on the integration of Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) and Inertial Navigation Systems (INS). However, GNSS signals are prone to interruption due to various disturbances, including signal interference and jamming. On the other hand, Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellations from several providers are becoming rapidly accessible. LEO-based communication systems offer much stronger signals with higher satellite availability than GNSS. Thus, it could provide an opportunity for integration with INS for reliable positioning during GNSS signal outages. Telesat Canada, my prospective partner in this project, plans to have its LEO satellite constellation operational in 2022. This project explores integrating signals from the LEO satellite constellation with the on-board inertial sensors to provide a robust navigation system in denied GNSS environments. All facilities, equipment, and simulation tools required for this research are available at both Telesat and my university’s research lab. In addition to enriching my practical experience, this project work will help Telesat to investigate the feasibility of using their LEO satellite constellation for positioning services, which is a large market sector that Telesat could enter if LEO-based positioning can be demonstrated to offer superior performance.

Faculty Supervisor:

Aboelmagd Noureldin

Student:

Malek Karaim

Partner:

Telesat Canada

Discipline:

Computer science

Sector:

Information and cultural industries

University:

Queen's University