Satellite Spoofing Detection via Dual-Antenna Geolocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current satellite navigation systems face challenges in detecting ground-based spoofing signals, as conventional methods often rely on ignoring fake signals rather than actively identifying and locating their source.
Innovation Solution
A non-geostationary satellite equipped with data collection and signal processing modules can detect and geolocate spoofing signals by receiving and filtering satellite navigation signals, using multiple antennas to distinguish between legitimate and fake signals, and determining the location of the spoofing source through time and position analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional techniques program satellite navigation systems to ignore fake signals, then spoofing detection capability is improved, but the ability to locate the source of spoofing signals deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of having ground-based receivers ignore fake signals, the patent inverts the approach by using a satellite to detect and analyze fake signals in reverse direction. The satellite receives spoofing signals transmitted from ground, processes them to identify as spoofing attempts, and determines the geographic location of the transmitting antenna, thereby locating the source rather than ignoring it.
2Measurement precision
If a non-geostationary satellite detects and geolocates spoofing signals, then source location accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a non-geostationary satellite that performs multiple functions: it detects spoofing signals, determines their geographic location, and tracks the transmitting antenna over time. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would otherwise require separate ground-based detection and localization systems into a single space-based platform, managing complexity through consolidation rather than multiplication of components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from ground-based to space-based detection, adding the vertical dimension of satellite orbit to the spoofing detection system. By receiving signals from a moving satellite at different positions and angles, the system achieves precise geolocation through spatial triangulation that would be more complex to implement from ground level.
3Reliability
If multiple antennas are used to distinguish legitimate and fake signals, then signal authentication capability is improved, but hardware requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the satellite itself as an intermediary platform that hosts multiple antennas and signal processing equipment. Rather than distributing multiple ground-based receivers, the intermediary satellite consolidates the hardware requirements in space, where it can receive and compare signals from multiple ground transmitters simultaneously, authenticating signals through comparative analysis.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for detecting spoofing attempts are disclosed. In one embodiment, a ground station system for detecting a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) spoof signal includes a receiver configured to receive data collected by a detection satellite that (1) is on a first orbit that is lower than a second orbit used by a GNSS satellite and (2) includes: a first antenna positioned to receive signals originating from a planetary surface, and a second antenna positioned to receive signals originating from the GNSS satellite on a higher orbit than the first orbit of the detection satellite. The ground station further includes one or more processors configured to calculate, using the time of arrival of the signal received at the first antenna and the position of the detection satellite determined based on the signal received at the second antenna, a geolocation of a source of the signal originating from a planetary surface.