Infrastructure
Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) Satellites
Infrastructure: Spacecraft Overview – TSRQ1 2019
Infrastructure: Spacecraft Overview - TSRQ1 2019 examines global spacecraft/satellite operations conducted throughout the three space sectors, military, civil government, and commercial. This edition covers communication, PNT, and Earth observation/remote sensing…
2018 – Galileo Ground Networks
Responsibility for the operation of the Galileo constellation’s ground system moved in 2018 from the European Space Agency (ESA)... Responsibility for the operation of the Galileo constellation’s ground system moved…
2018 – GPS Ground Networks
In 2018, the USAF continued GPS operations with ground equipment that is decades old. The number of command and control antennas (which the USAF uses to send GPS satellite commands…
2018 – PNT Satellite Ground Networks
For PNT satellites to function reliably and in some cases provide more than just the basic function of timing signals from space to the ground, a ground network is necessary.…
2018 – PNT Satellite Manufacturers
The top three manufacturers of PNT satellites in 2018, from an overall share perspective, came from China and Russia. The China Academy of Space Technology (CAST) manufactured 35% (9) of…
2018 – Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZSS)
Japan’s Cabinet Office continues to operate all four satellites of QZSS (also known as Michibiki), the country’s PNT constellation. QZSS is a regional PNT system solely catering to Japan’s population.…
2018 – Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC)
India launched one Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS) satellite to complete its Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC) in 2018. This new satellite brings the number of operational IRNSS satellites…
2018 – Global Positioning System (GPS)
The U.S. maintained 31 operational GPS satellites during 2018, the same number operational during 2017. While that number of operational satellites is seven more than the minimum number of GPS…
2018 – Global Navigation Satellites System (GLONASS)
For 2018, Russia maintained its 2017 number of operational GLONASS PNT satellites, 24; these satellites are also known as Uragan. However, because China and the EU/ESA increased their overall numbers…
2018 – Galileo
In contrast to the PNT systems operated by other nations (except Japan), two European civil government organizations (the EU) and the ESA) share acquisition, management and operation of the Galileo…