An Indoor, Dynamic SatNav Constellation Simulation System

Testing of satellite navigation receivers and their associated antenna systems is a critical component of fielding new navigation equipment for the warfighter. Anechoic chambers and open-air test ranges are typically used to test these systems in benign environments and in the presence of electronic attack (EA). A need exists for an indoor, dynamic satellite constellation simulation to bridge a technology gap that exists between current anechoic chamber testing and live-sky testing of navigation systems against electronic warfare (EW) assets. Filling this gap will add a level of realism to existing chamber testing, while simultaneously reducing the demand on the low-density test ranges. To meet this critical need IS4S proposes a GPS satellite constellation simulator using a network of electronically scanned antenna arrays. This system will achieve non-static AOAs that accurately emulate the AOAs from the real-live sky constellation without any moving components. In Phase I, Integrated Solutions for Systems (IS4S), partnered with Auburn University (AU) successfully demonstrated the technical feasibility of developing a system to meet this critical need. IS4S and AU have demonstrated the technical capability and expertise needed to advance the Phase 1 prototype into a fully function advanced prototype system by the end of Phase II.