General Dynamics, a leading aerospace and defense company, has developed the Sentinel M-Code GPS Receiver, a state-of-the-art system providing precise Position, Velocity, and Time (PVT) information for both Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO) applications. The receiver also supports Middle Earth Orbit (MEO) and High Earth Orbit (HEO) orbits, making it highly versatile for space missions.
Built on the legacy Monarch GPS Receiver Space-Qualified Digital Design, the Sentinel M-Code GPS Receiver benefits from over 1,000 equivalent years of accumulated trouble-free Department of Defense (DoD) space heritage, having successfully completed over 6 million orbits.
The receiver's performance and satellite visibility are significantly enhanced through the integration of dual antennas. It allows the assignment of each of the 64 GPS channels to either antenna, further optimizing signal reception.
Key Features of this GNSS Receiver for Satellites:
- Optional Relative Navigation Position, Velocity, and Time Modes.
- RS-422 I/O interface and control, utilizing a protocol similar to the Legacy Viceroy® C/A Receiver.
- Optional MIL-STD-1553B Interface & Control, employing a protocol akin to the legacy Monarch-M P(Y) code receiver.
- Capable of operating in LEO, GEO, MEO, and HEO orbits.
- GEO Sidelobe Acquisition and Tracking Algorithms ensure continuous PNT (Position, Navigation, and Time) availability.
- Fast Acquisition Processor enables rapid COLD start capability.
- Integrated Anti-Jam Technology and anti-spoof algorithms ensure superior performance even in GPS-contested and denied environments.
- 64 Channels, supporting L1 and L2 signals.
- Supports C/A, P(Y), and Modernized M-Code, with optional L2C civil signal.
- Provides near real-time PVT measurements for enhanced user performance.
- Relative Navigation Capability allows for differential positioning, velocity, and time determination between co-orbiting spacecraft (Optional).
- Precision Time Stamping enables unprecedented accuracies in space operations.
- Precise Position Service Key Management supports all Selective Availability Anti-spoof Module (SAASM) Unique Keying.
- Single or Dual Antenna Capability offers spacecraft user installation flexibility and optimized performance.
- Qualified and Tested for the Space Environment: Endures Pyrotechnic Shock, Random Vibration, Thermal-vacuum, and EMI/EMC (Tailored Mil-Std-461F).
The Sentinel M-Code GPS Receiver represents a major advancement in space navigation technology, empowering space missions with accurate and reliable positioning capabilities. Its ability to perform in various orbits and challenging environments makes it an indispensable tool for the aerospace industry. General Dynamics' commitment to innovation continues to drive the development of cutting-edge solutions that shape the future of space exploration.
Click here to learn more about General Dynamics' Sentinel M-Code GPS Receiver.
