GMV is leading the ADVENT project consortium, in the context of the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Navigation Innovation and Support Program (NAVISP). The purpose of ADVENT is to conduct research on use of the VHF Data Exchange System (VDES) and perform a proof of concept, with the aim of allowing users on ships to obtain positions based on VDES R‑mode (VDES‑R), with pseudoranges used for positioning. The consortium consists of a team from GMV NSL, a team from GMV in Romania, and RHEATECH Ltd, a provider of Positioning, Navigation and Timing (PNT) solutions.

The ESA’s Navigation Innovation and Support Program is a key element for innovation and competitiveness, as well as a strategic tool to provide support and advancement for Europe’s overall PNT situation.

As part of the NAVISP’s Element 1, which is focused on developing innovative PNT concepts, techniques, technologies, and systems, the ESA has awarded a contract to the consortium led by GMV for “Development of Advanced VDES‑R User Technologies for Alternative PNT”. The project began on June 30th and will have a duration of 18 months.

With the aim of improving alternative PNT (APNT) capabilities, the VDES research performed during the ADVENT project will be supplemented by analysis of R‑mode synchronization and timing concepts. It will also include assessment of the potential for a terrestrial VDES R‑mode service to complement the space-based capacity provided by LEO or MEO satellites.

More information about this project, and about the consortium and its objectives, can be found on the ADVENT project page at the NAVISP website: https://navisp.esa.int/project/details/192/show.  

More information about NAVISP

The NAVISP program is structured into three areas or Elements, each designed to complement the others: Element 1 on innovation, Element 2 on competitiveness, and Element 3 on support for the EU’s Member States.

GMV has an especially important role, with participation in 19 projects in Element 1, 7 projects in Element 2, and 1 project in Element 3.