Slingshot Aerospace to enhance USSF technology for GPS jamming and spoofing detection
by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Jan 16, 2025
Slingshot Aerospace, a leader in AI-driven satellite tracking and space traffic solutions, has secured $1.9 million from the United States Space Force’s (USSF) Space Systems Command (SSC) to advance its capabilities in detecting and geolocating GPS jamming and spoofing threats. These tactics, often employed in conflict zones, undermine technology effectiveness and may signal future security threats.
The funding supports the PNT-SENTINEL program (Positioning, Navigation, and Timing – Secure Electronic Navigation Threat Intelligence and Location), which builds on Slingshot’s existing operational technology. Using AI and predictive analytics, the program aims to enhance data processing and deliver faster, actionable insights for military decision-makers.
Awarded as a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase 2 contract through SpaceWERX-the U.S. Air Force’s innovation arm-this initiative expands on the DEEP (Data Exploitation and Enhanced Processing) technology developed under a $1.9 million Phase 1 contract in 2021. DEEP’s capabilities, already utilized by the USSF, form the foundation for PNT-SENTINEL, aiding in identifying interference sources and supporting counterterrorism and conflict monitoring.
“Modern military operations rely on space systems like GPS, so it’s no surprise that GPS jamming is already a pervasive threat,” said Tim Solms, Chief Executive Officer of Slingshot Aerospace. “In addition to military operations, the larger global community is also highly reliant on GPS, but jamming and spoofing may not discriminate between military and civilian users-meaning that functions of daily life like financial transactions and commercial air traffic control could also be affected.”
Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), including the U.S. GPS and European Galileo systems, are crucial to military and civilian operations. Malicious interference can disrupt satellite signals, impacting aircraft, drones, and precision munitions, as well as everyday navigation and critical infrastructure.
Slingshot will integrate its advanced AI model, Agatha, into the PNT-SENTINEL program to enhance automated detection of jamming and spoofing incidents. This system will distinguish between unintentional interference and deliberate attacks. Additional upgrades include:
– Pattern recognition algorithms: Advanced algorithms will analyze and predict the evolution of active jamming events.
– Multi-GNSS processing: The system will monitor interference across multiple satellite constellations, enabling allied nations to share data for a comprehensive, real-time view of jamming activity.
– Seamless integration with existing systems: The capability will synchronize with current military systems, allowing near-real-time dissemination of actionable intelligence.
– Enhanced user interface: A user-friendly platform will enable rapid decision-making for national security operations.
Slingshot’s mesh network of thousands of satellites provides extensive global coverage, surpassing the limitations of ground-based detection systems. By continuously collecting signal degradation data, the technology delivers near-real-time maps of GPS jamming activity, offering broader insights compared to legacy systems with restricted deployment options in contested areas.
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