Low-Earth orbit (LEO) systems have emerged as a promising complement to GNSS, offering higher received power, better satellite geometry and broader spectrum options. Researchers aim to evaluate whether LEO-PNT can complement or enhance GNSS performance through large-scale simulations and design comparisons.
<p>Researchers from Tampere University and Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona <a target="_blank" href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s43020-025-00186-5" target="_blank" rel="noopener">published (DOI: 10.1186/s43020-025-00186-5)</a> a comparative analysis in the December 2025 issue of <a target="_blank" href="https://satellite-navigation.springeropen.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>Satellite Navigation</em></a>. The study investigates how different LEO constellation configurations perform in positioning accuracy and interference robustness when operating alone or jointly with GNSS. </p> <p>Using semi-analytical modeling and 192,000 Monte Carlo simulations, the team evaluated 400 users across European regions in five outdoor scenarios. Key variables included carrier bands (1.5/5/10 GHz), effective isotropic radiated power (EIRP) levels and constellation geometry design.</p> <p>The team simulated multiple standalone and hybrid constellation architectures, analysing carrier-to-noise ratio (C/N<sub>0</sub>), geometric dilution of precision (GDOP), position dilution of precision (PDOP) and lower bound 3D accuracy. </p> <p>Results indicate that an EIRP of 50 dBm is sufficient for high-quality outdoor positioning when operating in L- and C-bands. While 10 GHz platforms require higher power to compensate for path loss, hybrid LEO + GNSS modes show markedly improved stability and reliability.</p> <p>Multi-shell constellations such as Çelikbilek-1 and Marchionne-2 delivered a favorable balance between satellite count and global geometry, outperforming single-shell layouts. In harsh urban canyon conditions, GNSS accuracy degraded up to seven-fold, whereas LEO-PNT maintained stable ranging performance with limited loss. </p> <p>Interference resistance also improved. Stronger LEO signal power means jammers require far greater intensity to cause equal degradation. Hybrid designs provided the most significant gains. Combinations such as Çelikbilek-1 + GPS/Galileo, or CentiSpace + BeiDou, yielded better PDOP distributions, faster fix availability and broader user coverage. </p> <p>The authors conclude that LEO systems are not aimed at replacing GNSS, but rather to enhance availability and resilience under signal-challenged environments.</p> <p>“Our results show that moderate-power LEO constellations can substantially strengthen outdoor positioning without requiring expensive satellite hardware,” the authors noted. “Geometry plays a major role — carefully designed multi-shell constellations achieve strong accuracy even with fewer satellites. As LEO-PNT develops, hybrid integration with GNSS offers the most cost-effective path toward secure, robust PNT solutions. This work provides guidance for future system designers evaluating frequency, transmission power and constellation configuration trade-offs.”</p> <p>The findings suggest a realistic rollout pathway for resilient satellite navigation. LEO-enhanced PNT could benefit autonomous vehicles, UAV routing, emergency response, precision farming and critical infrastructure monitoring — especially where GNSS falters in interference-dense or high-rise environments.</p> <p>Lower-power LEO transmission also reduces deployment cost, opening access for commercial operators. </p> <p>Future work may assess indoor positioning potential, bandwidth expansion, and real-orbit testing to refine simulation assumptions. As global demand for secure PNT grows, the integration of LEO and GNSS could become a cornerstone for next-generation navigation technology.</p> <p><p>The post <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="https://www.gpsworld.com/leo-satellites-show-promise-in-boosting-navigation-accuracy-where-gps-struggles/">LEO satellites show promise in boosting navigation accuracy where GPS struggles</a> first appeared on <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="https://www.gpsworld.com">GPS World</a>.</p></p>