Polish engineers have created the SEXTANS receiver for micro- and nanosatellites, enabling precise positioning and trajectory monitoring with a 2-meter accuracy. Developed by GMV’s Warsaw branch, SEXTANS can determine a satellite’s orbit position and speed with 0.01 m/s accuracy, supporting continuous measurement.
Considered vital for various space missions by GMV, including formation flights and space debris management, SEXTANS has garnered attention. The European Space Agency (ESA) has awarded GMV a €78.4 million contract to develop technologies and showcase the benefits of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites for Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT), aiming to launch five advanced satellites by 2027.
With plans to revolutionize satellite navigation by utilizing various altitude orbiters for improved signal accuracy, GMV and ESA are set to demonstrate the potential of LEO-PNT services. This innovative technology could reshape the future of satellite navigation, marking a significant milestone in the field.