Multi-satellite constellations will form the backbone of future global navigation satellite systems (GNSS). As new applications evolve, the requirements for specialised satellite navigation antennas will increase to support the advanced features of new GNSS applications.
The basic antenna requirement for future navigational systems is to receive low-level multi-frequency signals from constellations of Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) satellites. The signals may arrive from anywhere in the upper hemisphere with levels that are below the system thermal noise. In terms of antenna design, the objective is to control and tailor the antenna radiation properties and its frequency response for optimum reception of the multi-frequency GNSS signal. The specifications also require robustness in the presence of interference and multi-path achieved using lightweight and low-cost antenna structures.
Cobham Technical Services is focused on research, development, evaluation and cost-benefit analysis to define new integrated navigation antenna technologies which will be used in combination with avionics, satcom and communication systems.
Cobham has also developed anti-jamming GPS antennas as well as multi-standard GPS/GALILEO antennas.