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#Space #GNSS

OrbFIX

OrbFIX is a GNSS receiver that provides precise multi-constellation position. It was designed for use in small satellites and micro-satellites, thanks to its compact design and low weight. The PRO version allows for position accuracy below 10 cm, making it compatible with CubeSat standards.

Flight-proven high-Precision GNSS receiver for small satellites and CubeSats 

 
OrbFIX is a compact multi-frequency, multi-constellation GNSS receiver designed for small satellites, micro-satellites and CubeSats. Built around a low-mass, modular architecture, it provides precise onboard Position, Velocity and Time (PVT) data for missions where orbital awareness and timing integrity are critical. 

OrbFIX enables autonomous high-accuracy positioning and timing in Low Earth Orbit. It can also supports mission operations by reducing reliance on ground-based orbit determination and enabling faster operational decision-making. 

Key features 

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  • Multi-constellation & multi-frequency GNSS  
  • Decimeter level positioning and nanosecond level PPS 
  • Galileo HAS support for Precise Point Positioning (PPP)  
  • Standard interfaces (RS-422/485, CAN, UART, I2C)  
  • CubeSat-compatible PC/104 footprint 
  • Platform adaptable interface 
  • Configurable update rate (> 1 Hz HAS and 50Hz for SBAS) 

Mission Applications 

As satellite missions become increasingly complex, precise onboard navigation is becoming essential not only for nominal operations, but also for advanced orbital maneuvers. OrbFIX was developed to support these evolving mission profiles. 

It is particularly suited for: 

  • Formation flying  
  • Rendezvous and proximity operations  
  • Inspection missions  
  • In-orbit servicing  
  • Collision avoidance  
  • Constellation-wide synchronization  

Its flexible architecture also allows mission-specific configurations depending on spacecraft requirements.

Advanced Orbit Determination 

OrbFIX combines multi-frequency GNSS processing with Precise Point Positioning (PPP) techniques to achieve high-accuracy orbital solutions directly onboard. This significantly improves autonomy and reduces dependency on subscription-based orbit correction workflows. 

To further enhance orbital estimation, OrbFIX integrates an AI-enhanced orbital propagator, using trained neural models to predict and correct spacecraft trajectories, resulting in improved orbit determination performance.

Core technologies 

  • PPP-based onboard positioning  
  • Multi-constellation GNSS fusion  
  • AI-enhanced trajectory correction  
  • Autonomous orbit propagation  

Flight Qualification 

OrbFIX underwent an extensive environmental and radiation qualification campaign to validate its readiness for space deployment. These tests confirmed the robustness of both hardware and architecture against launch stresses, thermal extremes and radiation exposure. 

The qualification campaign included:

  • Thermal Vacuum (TVAC): -40°C to +70°C  
  • Vibration: random, sine and quasi-static loads up to 20g  
  • Shock: up to 2000g and 10 kHz  
  • Radiation: high-energy proton irradiation and Total Ionizing Dose (TID)  

This qualification campaign established OrbFIX as a reliable candidate for operational missions. 

Flight Heritage 

OrbFIX has been successfully validated in orbit aboard the EMISAR 1U CubeSat mission, developed by a Romanian consortium. During the mission, the system confirmed its ability to operate in space conditions and autonomously determine orbital position using multi-constellation GNSS data. 

This milestone marked the product’s transition to TRL 9, demonstrating full operational maturity and confirming OrbFIX as a flight-proven solution for future orbital missions.

Flight validation confirmed 

  • In-orbit functionality  
  • Autonomous GNSS positioning  
  • Hardware maturity  
  • Operational readiness  

Upcoming Deployments 

Following its successful in-orbit validation, OrbFIX is scheduled for deployment across multiple upcoming missions. These deployments will use tailored configurations designed to meet customer-specific mission profiles and integration requirements. 

The product architecture allows adaptation for different spacecraft classes, operational environments and mission objectives, supporting both standard and highly specialized orbital applications.