CARNATIONS researchers Dr. Mark Psiaki and John Bowman co-authored a new paper revealing predictable elements in Starlink Ku-band downlink signals that can significantly improve opportunistic PNT performance.
CARNATIONS researchers Dr. Mark Psiaki and John Bowman (Virginia Tech) have co-authored a new paper that advances the understanding and use of Starlink Ku-band downlink signals for opportunistic Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT). The paper, led by student first author Wenkai Qin, is titled “Pilots and Other Predictable Elements of the Starlink Ku-Band Downlink” and is now available on arXiv while under peer review. This work highlights new opportunities to use Starlink signals as a potential backup to GNSS for global PNT applications. The research identifies previously undocumented and predictable signal structures that can significantly improve processing gain for opportunistic Low Earth Orbit (LEO) PNT.
Two key findings emerged: (1) identification of the explicit values of the Starlink “edge pilots,” and (2) confirmation of mostly predictable “T-codes” within Starlink frames. When combined with the previously known PSS and SSS signals, these features significantly increase processing gain for opportunistic LEO PNT using Starlink.
Read the paper here:
https://lnkd.in/gKPEJGGR
The paper represents a strong example of cross-center collaboration between two U.S. DOT University Transportation Centers: CARNATIONS (led by Illinois Institute of Technology) and CARMEN+ (led by The Ohio State University). The contributions of CARNATIONS researchers Dr. Mark Psiaki and John Bowman were central to the analysis and technical development behind the results.
We congratulate the full author team on this impactful publication and are proud to highlight the leadership and research contributions from the CARNATIONS community.