FoxHunt: GPS Disruption Detection and Geolocation System

A number of civil sectors, including energy, transportation, emergency, communications, and banking, use GPS to perform critically important functions. This is a concern due to the fragility of the GPS signal, and vulnerability to attacks or disruptions. The problem has been studied to greater or lesser degree by sector. At this point however it remains unclear exactly how vulnerable these sectors may be on unseen GPS dependencies, and how to respond if and when GPS disruptions occur. In Phase I, SSCI will first perform a thorough assessment of the vulnerabilities the energy generation and distribution sector faces. With our partner, we will undertake a thorough review of existing studies, and identify gaps where we will perform more in-depth research. We will also look to extend those studies to other sectors, such as emergency services. Secondly, we will propose means to detect and diagnose GPS disruptions. As part of the initial GPS-dependence survey, we will have identified ways in which existing equipment can be used, or easily modified, to provide detection and localization information. We will then propose a design for new hardware devices, deployment, and operations concepts, to supplement existing infrastructure where necessary. The result is a usable capability to reliably and rapidly detect and localize transmitters. Thus SSCI will be in position to develop and test hardware prototypes in Phase II, and demonstrate the key new technologies needed. At the end of Phase II we expect to have demonstrated feasibility and practicality of the system.