Position, Navigation and Timing
Navigation is a core capability that drives military proficiency. DARPA is researching new ways of measuring time and location that will enable new and more accurate navigation solutions.
GPS — Knowledge of Position through Global Timing
In 1959, DARPA began work with Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory to develop the first satellite positioning system. The TRANSIT program used six satellites and monitored the Doppler shift to establish the location of the satellite in relation to the receiver station. Utilizing findings from this and subsequent programs, DARPA’s Strategic Technology Office (STO) developed a system that digitized GPS signals for the first time in the 1980's. Digitized signals allowed for the development of miniature GPS receivers, which significantly increased the functionality and portability of GPS.
DARPA programs are developing technologies that measure motion and time in new ways and integrate them into smaller packages. EXPLORE MORE CSAC, Cougar, NGIMG, MINT, PINS
DARPA is working to improve navigation through environments where GPS is not available, such as underwater or in robust and sub-surface locations, using signal processing. EXPLORE MORE TUNS, RSN/SSN, Sferic-based Underground GPS
DARPA is developing technologies to increase U.S. warfighter situational awareness by providing a flexible and responsive way to find, track, and monitor events and activities in realtime; these same technologies can be used to measure the fidelity of digital maps. EXPLORE MORE ARGUS-IS
Jay Lowell, Program Manager, discusses DARPA’s position, navigation and timing programs.
