RMIT University is collaborating with Indian microchip manufacturers and Australian air traffic management company Skykraft to develop an alternative to the U.S.-owned Global Positioning System (GPS). This initiative is supported by a $3.7 million grant from the Australian Government, aiming to advance GPS alternative development.
The collaboration focuses on advancing a satellite navigation system that incorporates light-based microchip technology, specifically photonic microchips known as microcombs. These microchips can be rapidly adapted for various applications utilizing light, including positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) capabilities. The partnership aims to accelerate the development of these chips for PNT applications and establish a supply chain between Australia and India to support their deployment into low Earth orbit, significantly boosting GPS alternative development in the region.
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Professor Suelynn Choy, from RMIT’s School of Science, emphasized the importance of developing alternative, sovereign navigation systems to ensure countries like Australia and India are not solely reliant on external providers for critical PNT infrastructure. She highlighted that the global dependence on GPS makes regions vulnerable to losing essential data if the system fails. Choy noted that low Earth orbit PNT technology could deliver stronger signals that are less susceptible to interference, providing a backup to existing global navigation satellite systems, an essential aspect of GPS alternative development.
Distinguished Professor Arnan Mitchell, Director of the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Optical Microcombs for Breakthrough Science (COMBS) at RMIT, stated that the microcombs photonic chips offer a portable, affordable alternative for time synchronization on smaller satellites.
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This portability opens up opportunities for more accessible and deployable satellite networks. Mitchell expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration between Australia and India to develop microcombs technology and solve challenges in GPS alternative development.
This project, part of the Australian Space Agency’s International Space Investment India Projects, strengthens links with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and fosters commercial ties in the Indian space sector.
Source: APAC News Network
