NASA Explores Earth Science with New Navigational System
February 7, 2025
Washington, D.C. – NASA is developing a new navigational system to improve the accuracy of Earth-observing satellites. The system, called the Global Navigation Satellite System – Reflectometry (GNSS-R), will use signals reflected from Earth’s surface to determine the satellite’s position with greater precision than current systems.
GNSS-R works by measuring the time it takes for a signal from a GPS satellite to bounce off the Earth’s surface and return to the satellite. This time delay can be used to calculate the distance between the satellite and the reflecting surface. By combining measurements from multiple GPS satellites, the satellite can determine its position with high accuracy.
GNSS-R has a number of advantages over traditional navigation systems. First, it is more accurate, especially in areas where there are few GPS satellites in view. Second, it is less susceptible to interference from other signals, such as those from other satellites or ground-based transmitters. Third, it can be used to measure the height of the reflecting surface, which can be useful for mapping and other applications.
NASA is planning to launch a GNSS-R payload on the upcoming SWOT mission, scheduled for launch in 2028. SWOT will measure the height of water in rivers, lakes, and oceans, and GNSS-R will provide precise navigation data for the mission.
“GNSS-R is a promising new technology that has the potential to revolutionize Earth science,” said Dr. Thomas Zurbuchen, NASA’s associate administrator for the Science Mission Directorate. “This system will provide us with more accurate and reliable data, which will help us to better understand our planet and its changing climate.”
In addition to SWOT, NASA is also planning to use GNSS-R on a number of other Earth science missions, including:
- The GRACE-FO mission, which measures changes in Earth’s gravity field.
- The ICESat-2 mission, which measures the height of ice sheets and glaciers.
- The NISAR mission, which will measure the height of forests and other vegetation.
GNSS-R is a key part of NASA’s Earth Science Data Systems Program, which is developing new technologies to improve the accuracy, reliability, and accessibility of Earth science data.
NASA Explores Earth Science with New Navigational System
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