- Novocomms selected for ESA-backed SATSOOP project to pioneer non-GNSS navigation.
- Innovative Ku/Ka-band antenna aims to counteract GPS vulnerabilities.
- Collaboration with Telespazio UK, OneWeb, and Cranfield University ensures robust, real-world application.
UK-based antenna innovator Novocomms has been selected as a core technology partner in the European Space Agency’s groundbreaking SATSOOP (Signals of Opportunity Positioning) project.
Novocomms’ primary contribution will be the design and delivery of a compact yet powerful antenna array suited for the SATSOOP demonstrator system.
UK’s Novocomms Pioneers GNSS-Free Satellite Navigation for ESA’s SATSOOP Project
The SATSOOP project, valued at €800,000 and scheduled for completion by 2026, is part of ESA NAVISP Element 1, a program designed to foster innovative PNT technologies across Europe. The project’s novel approach centers around using existing signals from commercial satellite constellations—rather than purpose-built navigation satellites—to deliver reliable location services.
By tapping into signals from OneWeb and similar providers operating in LEO, the system is expected to deliver higher resilience and accuracy, especially in environments where GNSS signals are weak or compromised. This is particularly vital for use cases in autonomous transport, defense, and critical infrastructure monitoring, where reliability is non-negotiable.
Novocomms’ role isn’t limited to hardware design. Its team will also play a key part in testing and validating performance metrics for the antenna system under various real-world conditions. Its facility in Birmingham, UK, includes a robust suite of simulation tools and software platforms capable of mimicking complex RF environments, ensuring optimal system performance before deployment.
This collaborative endeavor represents a significant leap in Europe’s strategic autonomy in satellite communications and navigation technologies. As nations become more reliant on precise positioning data, innovations like SATSOOP help reduce dependence on foreign-controlled systems and open doors to sovereign, secure navigation capabilities.
The inclusion of Novocomms in the SATSOOP project reinforces the UK’s strategic role in shaping the next frontier of satellite-based navigation—resilient, accurate, and independent of traditional GNSS systems.
“Innovation is the ability to see change as an opportunity—not a threat.” — Steve Jobs
