Experimental NTS-3 PNT capability could mitigate Ligado interference

摘要

An experimental positioning navigation and timing capability being developed by L3Harris and the Air Force Research Laboratory could offer options to mitigate the impact of GPS signal interference -including the projected disruption from Ligado Network's controversial plan to field a fifth-generation wireless network in the L-band. The Navigation Technology Satellite-3 experiment is slated to launch in 2022 and will not only demonstrate significant new PNT technologies like phased-array antennas and reprogrammable systems, but could also improve the resiliency of the current GPS constellation. The Air Force awarded L3Harris an $80 million contract for NTS-3 in 2018, which includes options for up to nine satellites.