Building Ground-Based Elements For GPS

Raytheon has signed a contract with the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) Satellite Center for the ground-based elements of the GPS (Global Positioning System) and GEO (Geostationary Earth Orbit) Augmented Navigation (GAGAN) Technology Demonstration System (TDS). The contract, terms of which were not disclosed, was signed recently in Bangalore.

GAGAN-TDS, a cooperative effort between Raytheon and ISRO, will usher in a new era in civil navigation through use of the space-based augmentation system. When completed, GAGAN will augment the standard positioning signals from the GPS satellites with an additional signal to improve the accuracy, integrity, continuity, and availability of the aircraft receiver. The GAGAN project is part of a world-wide movement toward space-based navigation, which has been endorsed by the International Civil Aviation Organization. It will increase safety and efficiency by allowing precision approaches to all airports and direct routing between destinations.

The Airports Authority of India is collaborating with ISRO on the project and will be the agency to place the commissioned system into operation. Other modes of transportation, such as rail, maritime, and road traffic, will also be able to use the signal for a variety of applications.

"Signing the GAGAN contract is a great development in US-India space and air traffic management cooperation," said Sue Baumgarten, president, Raytheon International. "It is another example of the deepening relationship between our two countries, as well as the expanding opportunities for Raytheon in India. This is an important relationship for Raytheon, and we are committed to earning the confidence of our Indian customers."

Raytheon will develop the hardware and software for the ground-based elements of GAGAN, which will consist of eight Indian reference stations, an Indian master control center, and an Indian land uplink station. All the subsystems will be integrated through a digital communication system that ISRO will supply, and the correction messages will be broadcast from a geosynchronous satellite that ISRO will launch.

"This is a challenging project, both because of its technical complexity and the high degree of collaboration required for success," said Bob Eckel, vice president for Raytheon Air Traffic Management Systems. "We are confident that our excellent partnership with ISRO and AAI will bring success and set new standards for efficient and safe air travel."

Raytheon will base its design on WAAS (the Wide Area Augmentation System), which was commissioned by the US Federal Aviation Administration in July 2003.

FMI: www.raytheon.com