GMV in the UK advances resilient satellite navigation with new BEACON beamforming capability

GMV, through its subsidiaries in the UK and Portugal, in partnership with Loughborough University, has been awarded a contract under the European Space Agency’s NAVISP programme to develop BEACON, an advanced beamforming antenna and receiver system designed to improve the resilience of C-band radionavigation signals from Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites. The initiative represents a significant step forward in strengthening the UK and Europe’s next-generation Positioning, Navigation and Timing (PNT) capabilities.

Combining beamforming, null-steering and angle-of-arrival estimation, BEACON will enhance signal integrity and provide stronger protection against interference and spoofing. These techniques are essential for ensuring reliable navigation performance in dense, obstructed and interference-heavy environments, where conventional antennas often struggle. By delivering these capabilities for C-band, BEACON adds a critical component to the emerging end-to-end LEO-based PNT chain.