Resilient LEO PNT Act
The Resilient LEO PNT Act would direct the Secretary of the Air Force to run a capability demonstration, using commercial low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite services, to create a resilient positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) capability. The program, called the Commercial Low Earth Orbit Resilient Positioning, Navigation, and Timing Capability Demonstration (and related Pathfinder activities), aims to show that a LEO-based PNT system can operate without reliance on GPS, work with civilian GPS receivers without hardware changes, resist jamming and spoofing better than current GPS, and deliver extremely precise timing and positioning (less than 10 nanoseconds timing accuracy and under 30 cm position accuracy for both stationary and mobile users). It also requires the ability to restore service quickly if some satellites are disabled. The bill envisions a procurement process where the Air Force identifies U.S.-based commercial providers, awards at least one contract for a capability demonstration to be completed within 18 months, and then, if the demonstration is successful, pursues a follow-on production contract to deploy the system. It also requires a two-year briefing and report to congressional committees detailing the providers, how each demonstration met the technical goals, results of the pathfinder effort, and a plan with timeline for broader deployment. The program is contingent on available appropriations.
Key Points
- 1Pathfinder program and private-sector partnership: The Air Force will pursue a capability demonstration with covered service providers (U.S.-based commercial entities offering LEO PNT services) to test a resilient PNT system in space-based, low-Earth orbit.
- 2Technical capabilities demonstrated: The system must operate without GPS, be compatible with civilian GPS L1/L5 receivers without hardware changes, resist jamming/spoofing more effectively than current GPS, provide timing better than 10 nanoseconds and position better than 30 cm, and restore service quickly if satellites are disabled.
- 3Contractual timeline: The Air Force must identify eligible providers and award a contract as soon as practicable, with the demonstration completed no later than 18 months after contract award.
- 4Evaluation criteria: Providers will be judged on commercial viability, readiness of space and ground operations, readiness of user equipment, feasibility of rapid satellite manufacturing, and FCC authorization.
- 5Follow-on production and reporting: If the capability demonstration is successful, a follow-on production contract or transaction should be pursued within about 180 days, and a briefing/report to Congress is due within two years detailing providers, results, and deployment strategy.