Engineering Matters Podcast
Pinpoint precision in space positioning
Published
29 Sep 2025
When launching a satellite into orbit, getting the positioning right is of paramount importance. As humanity sends more satellites into space, the vast space above our heads has become hazardously busy.
State-of-the-art positioning technology has helped to counter this problem, with existing systems able to track the location of satellites to an accuracy of metres. Now, a new approach, Fugro’s SpaceStar® technology, works with global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) to enhance that accuracy to a matter of centimetres.
The technology optimises safety and minimises risk in space by improving collision avoidance but it also goes way beyond that enhancing earth observation applications and manoeuvring satellites into a more optimum position, faster. Closer to earth, it helps reduce the risk of interference, also known as ‘spoofing’ were GNSS signals get jammed.
And SpaceStar® has the potential to open up whole new business opportunities for companies willing to invest and innovate. One such possibility is to establish a permanent and stable platform in orbit, where satellites can—thanks to the ability of SpaceStar® to pinpoint locations—be docked to receive automated maintenance.
Guests
Simon Baksh, VP Product Development, Javad GNSS
David Barnhart, CEO and Founder, Arkisys
James Bartle, Business Development Manager, SpaceStar®, Fugro
Cyril Botteron, CEO and Founder, SpacePNT
References
Episode #128 Positioning Satellites in New Space
Partner
This episode was produced by Engineering Matters.
Fugro SpaceStar®
Highly accurate positioning in low Earth orbit (LEO) is becoming increasingly important for Earth observation applications, safe constellations management, and space debris collision avoidance. Fugro SpaceStar® LEO satellite technology delivers autonomous real-time on-board positioning to LEO satellites, with unprecedented accuracy.