alternative PNT Archives

A quantum sensor-based magnetic anomaly navigation system gathers data on a C-17 Globemaster III cargo aircraft during a flight over Charleston, South Carolina, Feb. 22, 2024. SandboxAQ’s concept relies on quantum sensors that detect the Earth’s magnetic field for navigation in the event that the Global Positioning System is jammed or rendered ineffective. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Ashley N. Mikaio)

DARPA eyeing new quantum sensing program

Defense officials see quantum sensors as promising capabilities for alternative positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR).

Dec 30, 2024 By Jon Harper

Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall testifies before the Senate Appropriations Committee on the fiscal year 2025 budget requests for the Department of the Air Force and Space Force, Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C., April 9, 2024. (U.S. Air Force photo by Andy Morataya)

Air Force using ‘Quick Start’ authorities for resilient GPS, moving target indication programs

The new Quick Start rapid acquisition authority allows the Air Force and other services to begin development on new programs without a congressionally approved budget.

Apr 16, 2024 By Mikayla Easley

Sgt. 1st Class Jeffrey Englehardt, the noncommissioned officer-in-charge of the operations section for the 142nd Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, which is deployed to support 1st Theater Sustainment Command, gauges wind speed near the Camp Buehring, Kuwait, drop zone for the April 22, 2021 air drop of four bundles using the Joint Precision Air Delivery System, JPADS. Englehardt said JPADS uses the Modular Autonomous Guidance Unit, or MAGU, to manipulate the the parafoil’s rigging to steer it using GPS to reach its programmed coordinates. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Neil W. McCabe)

Space Development Agency, Army collaborating on alternative PNT capabilities

“We’re working very closely with the Army, who’s been pioneering the alt-PNT across the Department of Defense,” SDA Director Derek Tournear said.

Dec 7, 2023 By Mikayla Easley

Australian defense establishment teaming with startup Q-CTRL amid AUKUS push for quantum tech

The contract announced Tuesday supports the first part of a multiyear effort to “field-deploy and validate” miniaturized systems on military platforms, according to the company.

Jul 11, 2023 By Jon Harper

Space Development Agency Director Derek Tournear is interviewed by DefenseScoop Managing Editor Jon Harper at DefenseTalks, Sept. 15, 2022.

SDA’s new on-orbit testbed will experiment with alternative PNT technology, other capabilities

Payload capabilities that are successfully demonstrated as part of SDA's NExT initiative could be incorporated into future satellite tranches.

Sep 16, 2022 By Jon Harper