Researchers at the University of New Brunswick were among a few scientists worldwide to pick up a new GPS signal last week.
University of New Brunswick geodesy and precision navigation Prof. Richard Langley operates an advanced satellite navigation receiver that helped them find a new GPS signal. The test signal was transmitted by the recently launched IIF-1 satellite, a new breed of GPS satellite that delivers a new, stronger signal, said UNB researcher Prof. Richard Langley.
Before now, there were two frequencies, L1 and L2. The new frequency, L5, will enable navigation and positioning where signals are blocked by trees or buildings, said Langley and that himself and other researchers knew the satellite would be testing its L5 frequency, but they weren't told when it would happen. On Thursday, Langley picked up what he said was the first of many tests.
"It will take a three-month period of testing before the signals are validated and the satellite is deemed healthy, the measurements taken during the test show the improved performance of the new signal", the satellite was over Europe and Asia when the UNB GPS system picked up the signal."We were able to catch it from Fredericton and then it was tracked from the stations to the east of us".
There are 30 GPS satellites in orbit making up a constellation. To locate a position, a GPS device measures the distances between four or more satellites. In the years to come, new IIF satellites will replace the old satellites that are retired, so the L5 frequency can be used in commercial aviation to help landing planes. The new frequency can't be picked up by regular global positioning systems such as the one's found in cars or cellphones. L5 can only be received by researchers and surveyors with the new GPS technology, said Langley.
Neil Gerein, aerospace and defense product manager for NovAtel, a GPS manufacturer in Calgary, said it will be a number of years before everyday people are using the L5 frequency.
"The GPS satellites are launched one at a time, so it will be about eight to 10 years until a full set of 24 satellites is capable of transmitting L5," he said.
Langley's lab provides information to NASA and the U.S. National Weather Service.
He said the data he gains through the new signals will assist in the study of the atmosphere's effect on GPS systems.