In the heart of Europe, where innovation meets the sea, a groundbreaking project is making waves. At a recent European Space Agency (ESA) event, industry heavyweights Telespazio UK and Kongsberg Discovery unveiled the results of the VAUTAP project, a pioneering initiative that’s set to revolutionize maritime navigation. The project’s focus? Strengthening positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) resilience at sea, a critical need in today’s increasingly digital and interconnected maritime world.
At the core of VAUTAP is the VDES ranging mode, or VDES R-Mode, a technology that’s as clever as it is promising. By repurposing maritime communication signals from the very high frequency data exchange system (VDES), VDES R-Mode could serve as a complementary terrestrial navigation source, stepping in when Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) signals are degraded or denied. “By extracting precise timing and distance measurements from VDES shore-based transmissions, VDES R-Mode could function as a complementary terrestrial navigation source, critical when GNSS signals are degraded or denied,” said Louise Mercy, Telespazio UK Project Manager.
But why the fuss about GNSS vulnerabilities? Well, recent trials and operational incidents have shone a spotlight on GNSS signals’ Achilles heel: their susceptibility to both natural interference and human-induced threats, like jamming and spoofing. In some high-profile incidents, GNSS disruptions have led to dangerously inaccurate vessel positioning, often without triggering onboard alarms. It’s a wake-up call for the maritime industry, and VAUTAP is answering it loud and clear.
The project is exploring a new approach, one that embraces the system-of-systems paradigm. This paradigm, increasingly cited by both academia and industry, calls for the integration of diverse and independent PNT sources. VDES, now operating on spectrum recently allocated by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), is well-positioned to be a cornerstone in this strategy. But VDES R-Mode is still in its infancy, sitting at a relatively low technology readiness level (TRL). The Telespazio-Kongsberg team is rolling up their sleeves, developing advanced waveforms, synchronization algorithms, and receiver technologies tailored to the unique propagation characteristics of VHF maritime signals.
But it’s not all about the algorithms. The project has also tackled practical engineering challenges, like adapting existing maritime radio hardware for dual-use functionality and refining the timing stability of shore-based VDES transmitters. As digitalization deepens across the maritime domain, from autonomous vessels to smart ports, the need for robust and resilient PNT solutions is becoming increasingly important.
VAUTAP, funded under ESA’s NAVISP program, aligns with the broader goal of fostering emerging and cutting-edge PNT technologies across the European value chain. But what does this mean for the future of maritime navigation? It’s a game-changer, plain and simple. By providing a complementary terrestrial navigation source, VDES R-Mode could significantly enhance the resilience of maritime PNT, reducing the risks associated with GNSS disruptions. It’s a step towards a more robust, more reliable maritime future, and it’s happening right now.
But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. VDES R-Mode is still in the development phase, and many technical standards are still in flux. However, the potential is undeniable, and the maritime industry is watching closely. As Mercy put it, “We’re not just developing a new technology; we’re shaping the future of maritime navigation.” And that, folks, is something to keep an eye on. So, buckle up and get ready for a wild ride. The future of maritime navigation is here, and it’s looking brighter than ever.
