Regional Navigation Satellite Systems Exploration and Integration: Concept Evaluation with the Agile SDR Platform

In the evolving landscape of global navigation, the strategic integration of Regional Navigation Satellite Systems (RNSS) like Japan’s QZSS and India’s NavIC is imperative for enhancing civil aviation. This paper presents a comprehensive examination of the potential of RNSS to serve as reliable navigational aids, addressing the unique challenges and requirements of regional and international flight operations. It elucidates the significance of orbital configurations, such as Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO), Highly Elliptical Orbits (HEO) and Inclined Geosynchronous Orbit (IGSO), and their implications for satellite coverage, signal availability, and positional accuracy. Furthermore, the study delves into the specifics of Receiver Autonomous Integrity Monitoring (RAIM) for RNSS, ensuring the reliability and integrity of navigational data, a prerequisite for safe aviation practices. Through a simulated test flight from Tokyo to Delhi, employing Agile SDR Platform, which encapsulates GNSS receiver ARAMIS and state-of-the-art GNSS RF simulator Replicator, the research validates the operational efficacy of RNSS. It emphasizes the necessity of multi-system integration, robust satellite signal processing, and adherence to stringent accuracy requirements in diverse flight phases. The paper advocates for continued innovation, international collaboration, and policy harmonization to fully harness the potential of RNSS. By fostering the development and integration of RNSS, the paper contributes to envisioning a future where civil aviation is characterized by heightened safety, operational efficiency, and global interconnectedness.