According to a recent study, remote sensing engineers from the University of South Australia have integrated celestial navigation with vision-based technologies to develop an alternative method for nighttime navigation in areas where GPS is unavailable or unreliable.
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A rise in GPS jamming attacks during drone warfare has driven Australian researchers to develop an innovative celestial navigation system that relies on visual data from stars, offering an alternative to GPS for nighttime navigation.
Engineers from the University of South Australia (UniSA) have combined celestial navigation with vision-based technologies, creating a lightweight, cost-effective solution for environments where GPS is unreliable or unavailable. Their findings are detailed in a new study published in Drones.
UniSA researcher Dr. Samuel Teague highlights the system's affordability and adaptability, stating it can be seamlessly integrated into standard drones.
Unlike traditional star-based navigation systems, which are often complex, heavy and costly, our system is simpler, lighter, and does not need stabilization hardware, making it suitable for smaller drones. This type of navigation is ideal for operations over oceans, or in warfare zones where GPS jamming is a risk. Apart from the defense sector, it could also be highly useful for environmental monitoring.
Dr. Samuel Teague, Research Assistant, University of South Australia
The system works by using an algorithm that takes visual data from stars and processes it through standard autopilot systems. In tests with a fixed-wing drone, it achieved positioning accuracy within four kilometers—an impressive result, especially given how simple and affordable the system is.
Dr. Teague explains that the system relies on passive celestial navigation instead of radio frequency GNSS signals, making it resistant to jamming—a crucial advantage for drones in challenging environments.
The primary benefits of the technique include:
- Hard to Detect: As the system uses cues from the stars, it does not emit signals, making it almost impossible to detect.
- Affordable and Lightweight: Made with off-the-shelf components, the system is budget-friendly and easy to install, even on smaller drones.
- Jamming-Proof: By avoiding GPS entirely, the system provides a reliable backup for drones in areas where GPS signals are blocked or unreliable.
Senior researcher Professor Javaan Chahl, DST Joint Chair of Sensor Systems at UniSA, says the technology opens up exciting possibilities for drones in many fields.
For instance, in environmental monitoring over remote locations or long-endurance surveillance missions where GPS might be unavailable or compromised, this technology offers a valuable new capability. GNSS denial is an increasing challenge, and our research addresses this gap. We have developed a navigation method that’s resilient, independent of external signals, and achievable with low-cost, easily accessible components. This makes it applicable to a variety of UAVs, from commercial drones to more advanced defense applications.
Javaan Chahl, Professor, University of South Australia
This project is part of UniSA’s ongoing research and development efforts to advance drone technologies for both defence and civilian use. Supported by the Commonwealth Scholarships Program and the Australian Government Research Training Program, it reflects the University’s dedication to fostering innovative solutions in autonomous systems.
Using stars to navigate drones
Video Credit: University of South Australia
Journal Reference:
Teague, J. and Chahl, J. (2024) An Algorithm for Affordable Vision-Based GNSS-Denied Strapdown Celestial Navigation. Drones. doi.org/10.3390/drones8110652