Next Generation SkyPASS

Ensuring that warfighters can continue operations when GPS is denied has become a critical consideration across the military. Accurate target designation, precision navigation, and reliable surveying are functions that rely on GPS and accurate heading information. Polaris has recently developed a sensor that detects a form of celestial navigation, sky polarization, to give accurate heading information that can address this issue. While providing good performance, availability and performance under demanding conditions requires further development. Specifically, Polaris will pursue modifications to the detection technique to provide night time capability and will assess potential performance on more difficult platforms such as missiles and munitions. Further, algorithms to determine absolute position will be developed. Sensor hardware that exploit the results will be designed, built, and demonstrated.