STARLINK PNT FOR SOF: HOW PROLIFERATED LOW EARTH ORBIT SATELLITE CONSTELLATIONS CAN INCREASE OPERATIONAL RESILIENCE IN GPS DEGRADED ENVIRONMENTS
Authors
Hansen, Lloyd F.
Subjects
PNT
LEO
maritime
SOF
Special Operations Forces
alternative PNT
ALT-PNT
GNSS
GPS
position navigation and timing
LEO
maritime
SOF
Special Operations Forces
alternative PNT
ALT-PNT
GNSS
GPS
position navigation and timing
Advisors
Lan, Wenschel D.
Date of Issue
2023-12
Date
Publisher
Monterey, CA; Naval Postgraduate School
Language
Abstract
This research seeks to determine the capabilities and limitations of Starlink position, navigation and timing (PNT) capabilities to inform how Special Operations Forces can utilize proliferated Low Earth Orbit satellite constellations to create a more robust and resilient PNT primary, alternate, contingency, and emergency (PACE) plan. The pertinence of this research is underscored by the escalating threats to GPS integrity, which pose significant risks to military navigation systems. Key findings suggest that while Starlink PNT is less capable than GPS, especially in mobile contexts, it is operationally relevant in static contexts where GPS is denied, and position data is critical. Additionally, Starlink PNT offers cost-effective resiliency due to Starlink terminals already being deployed across the military as alternative communications systems. This thesis recommends the addition of Starlink PNT data from existing Starlink communication terminals to bolster the PNT PACE plan, providing a low-cost enhancement to operational resilience in the face of GPS vulnerabilities.
Type
Thesis
Description
Series/Report No
Department
Defense Analysis (DA)
Organization
Space Systems Academic Group (SSAG)
Identifiers
NPS Report Number
Sponsors
Naval Special Warfare Command
Funder
Format
Citation
Distribution Statement
Approved for public release. Distribution is unlimited.
Rights
This publication is a work of the U.S. Government as defined in Title 17, United States Code, Section 101. Copyright protection is not available for this work in the United States.