An antidote to GPS spoofing- can FAA authorize using it NOW!!!
The present, substantial threat to aviation (see above example) navigation by GPS spoofing has been thoroughly documented in GPS Spoofing Workgroup’s FINAL REPORT, issued September 6,2024. That expert panel
catalogued the technical problem, defined the impacts, highlighted their safety concerns, provided crew guidance and procatively suggested solutions. Norway CAA’s Thomas Hytten reviewed the 128 page report in the next section of the FINAL REPORT.
Among the experts’ preventative recommendations was the introduction of ALTERNATIVE POSITION, NAVIGATION AND TIME (APNT) systems. The second section of today’s Journal is an announcement by OneWeb Technologies of its ASTRA™, which the company described as follows:
“a software-defined outdoor receiver with access to A-PNT broadcast service to enhance connectivity resilience available in the market. The Astra receiver processes PNT signals from GNSS and other alternate sources and frequency bands. This advanced capability enables continuous connectivity and situational awareness even in very harsh spectrum-contested campaigns by adversaries.”
This technical advance in combating GPS spoofing would appear to merit quick regulatory approval by the FAA. While it appears to be a complex system, the certification team might give review priority. Further, A-PNT is not required equipment under the current FARs; it looks to provide a significant solution to an ever increasing threat to global aerial navigation.
A while ago, in an effort to encourage the use of non-required safety equipment in general aviation airplanes and helicopters, the FAA issued guidance to facilitate the installation of such equipment like the ASTRA™. Historically all equipment installed in aircraft had to through the agency’s careful, cautious certification testing. The policy named, Approval of Non-Required Safety Enhancing Equipment (NORSEE), applied to Part 23, 27 and 29 aircraft and was limited to equipment such as shoulder harnesses, engine monitoring systems, enhanced vision systems, and angle of attack indicators.
As conflicts and nefarious actors increase around the globe and pose horrendous risks to innocent travelers, might not the FAA Administrator require his Flight Standards and Chief Counsel staff to create ab EXPEDITED REGULATORY REVIEW like NORSEE to authorize the utilization qualified A-PNT ASAP with a process like NORSEE!!!
GPS spoofing – A growing risk for flight safety
published by EASA
Interference with GPS signals in the form of jamming has long been a challenge in aviation, but GPS spoofing has now also emerged as a significant flight safety concern for the aviation industry.
This type of cyberattack is primarily associated with conflict zones such as the Middle East and Russia/Ukraine. It involves sending out a false GPS signal to deceive navigation systems into reporting the wrong position. The aim is often to disrupt drone navigation, but this can also have severe consequences, especially for aircraft reliant on accurate navigation data. In light of the evolving situation, a revision of the existing regulations from ICAO/EASA concerning flight navigation has been initiated.
A working group has studied the phenomenon and concluded with the following recommendations:
- Training: Flight crews must be BETTER TRAINED to detect and handle GPS failures or spoofing incidents. This includes understanding the typical signs of navigation system interference and having a clear contingency plan in case of malfunction.
- Technology upgrade: It is necessary to UPGRADE NAVIGATION EQUIPMENT to make it more resistant to GPS spoofing. Modern systems should be able to detect false signals and use alternative navigation sources when needed.
- Improved collaboration: Airlines, air traffic control (ATC), and authorities must work more closely to share real-time information about GPS disruptions. This will ensure that incidents can be handled quickly and effectively.
- Redundancy of navigation sources: The working group also recommends using multiple sources of navigation information, such as INS (inertial navigation systems), as a safety net in cases where GPS data is compromised.
For more information, read the full report and recommendations from the GPS Spoofing Workgroup.
Fact Box: What is GPS Spoofing?
GPS spoofing is a form of cyberattack where false GPS signals are sent out to mislead navigation equipment. This can cause a vessel, such as an aircraft, to report an incorrect position and navigate off its planned route. Spoofing can have severe consequences for aviation safety, making it crucial to detect and handle such interference.
OneWeb Technologies Introduces First Packaged Positioning, Navigation and Timing (PNT) Solution
Battlefield-Tested Astra™ A-PNT Solution Commercially Available Now
Houston, Texas, September 10, 2024 – OneWeb Technologies, Inc., a pioneering provider of innovative and secure commercial satellite communications (SATCOM) solutions, today announced the commercial availability of its ASTRA™ solution designed to ensure seamless LEO SATCOM connectivity and operational performance when GPS/global navigation satellite signals (GNSS) are unavailable or compromised. Astra became commercially available earlier this month.
Astra is the first packaged solution consisting of a software-defined outdoor receiver with access to A-PNT broadcast service to enhance connectivity resilience available in the market. The Astra receiver processes PNT signals from GNSS and other alternate sources and frequency bands. This advanced capability enables continuous connectivity and situational awareness even in very harsh spectrum-contested campaigns by adversaries. In fitting with the military’s Primary, Alternate, Contingency, Emergency (PACE) communications plan considerations, Astra establishes options for resilient communications capabilities and ensures the continuity and success of critical missions.
“Astra is a game-changer for defense users operating in difficult environments,” said KEVIN STEEN, President and CEO of Eutelsat America Corp. and OneWeb Technologies.” Astra A-PNT ensures that mission-critical operations can continue seamlessly — enhancing both connectivity and situational performance — by providing a reliable alternative to traditional GPS/GNSS.
Astra’s key features include:
- Pairs with a non-GNSS A-PNT broadcast services, such as Iridium
- Identifies the best source of PNT, and produces an output signal compatible with the standard GPS L1 interface
- Maintains robust PNT resilience in GNSS-challenged environments globally
Free Aircraft Performance Group App Combats Spoofing
Aircraft Performance Group (APG) has launched NaviGuard, a free GPS anomaly detection app, amid a 500% surge in GPS spoofing incidents affecting global aviation safety this year. The Apple iOS app allows pilots to detect abnormal GPS readings on iPads and verify data through radio navigation. The latest updates allow users to edit navigational aid points and share GPS logs with aviation safety departments.
The recent spike in GPS spoofing poses significant challenges for flight crews, particularly in conflict zones. OpsGroup has issued alerts regarding multiple aircraft types encountering false GPS signals, leading to potential navigation failures.
With approximately 1,500 flights affected daily, particularly over high-risk areas in the Middle East, the need for reliable navigation tools is urgent. Since its launch, the app has seen more than 3,000 downloads, reflecting strong demand from the aviation community.
NaviGuard offers users a way to verify positional data using traditional navaids such as VOR and NDB. It is a lean app that “does what it says on the tin,” said product manager Michael Shama, adding that the APG made this choice to offer the app for free as a service to aviation safety.
Potential spoofing zones are updated with EASA data and update every aeronautical information regulation and control cycle. The app is meant to be a tool for situational awareness and positional verification, not navigation, Shama said.