Safran STL Option Satellite Time & Location Service

The Challenge

GPS and other GNSS signals play a key role in the operation of critical infrastructure systems such as communications networks, financial systems, power grids, and more. Despite the fact GNSS systems do a good job of providing solutions for diverse applications, they were never designed to be used in many of the ways they are being applied today. And as critical applications push the envelope in their use of GNSS systems, the result is deficiencies which leave them vulnerable.

GNSS signals originate from 20,000 km above the earth and are very weak by the time the reach the ground. This means that they have difficulty working indoors and can be affected by interference ranging from benign sources like ionospheric conditions to more serious ones like intentional jamming. Commercial GNSS signals are also unencrypted, and therefore susceptible to spoofing which is a serious threat for critical applications.

The Solution

Safran STL, delivered by Satelles, is a secure, robust timing solution that can be used to complement GPS and other GNSS satellite signals, making applications more resilient, reliable, and secure.

Originating from the Iridium® constellation of 66 low-earth-orbiting satellites, STL is 1,000 times stronger than GNSS systems, capable of reaching deep into buildings and overcoming jamming issues without the aid of local infrastructure. Cryptographic security features of STL also provide exceptional resilience to intentional spoofing.

Used in tandem with GPS and other GNSS signals, Safran STL provides a powerful, resilient solution for critical timing applications. Safran precision timing products integrated with Safran STL provide the perfect platform for GNSS augmented solutions as well as indoor solutions where GPS can’t be reached. If timing is critical to your application, contact Safran to learn more about Safran STL and other Resilient Positioning, Navigation, and Timing solutions.

Powerful Signal

Due to the proximity of LEO satellites (25 times closer to the Earth than GNSS satellites) and a high-power satellite signal, Safran STL broadcasts are 1,000 times (30 dB) stronger than GPS, allowing them to penetrate deep into GPS-challenged environments where signals are obstructed or degraded, including indoors and underground.

Global Coverage

An innovative mesh architecture of 66 polar-orbit LEO satellites forms an efficient and flexible global network in space to ensure a robust time and location service everywhere — including urban and rural locations, and across oceans, airways, and polar regions.

Cross-links provide continuous orbit and time information on the entire constellation even when most are not in view of ground systems. Overlapping spot beams provide location-specific keys that change every second to support location-based authentication.

Secure Delivery

Safran STL’s unique security features provide a trusted PNT solution that is highly resistant to cyberattacks and other signal manipulation. For example, the complex, overlapping beam patterns of the satellites combined with signal authentication techniques allow Safran STL to deliver a trusted time and location capability that is highly secure.

Specifications

• Size 57 mm dia. X 15 mm H
• 96” cable standard
• Weight: 160 g
• Enclosure: Radome: ASA plastic, Base: Zamak white metal
• Attachment method: Magnet
• Oper Temp. Range -40 to +85 oC
• IP67 and RoHS compliant
• Shock: Vertical axis: 50 G, other axes: 30 G
• Vibration: 3 axis, sweep = 15 min, 10 to 200 Hz sweep: 3G

For more information: Safran

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