As published in Satnews:
Orolia has announced that in several indoor environments in the field, the company has successfully synchronized a Spectracom SecureSync high precision time server with the new Iridium Satelles Satellite Time & Location (STL) time synchronization signal powered by Iridium satellites.
Configured with an embedded STL receiver and a small patch antenna, the SecureSync was able to sync up with the STL signal in several challenging indoor locations. The first successful synchronization was in the interior of a building in one of the most challenging urban canyons on Earth, downtown Manhattan on the 7th floor of the New York Stock Exchange.
The second was in the interior of a conference center with multiple sources of potential signal interference during The Institute of Navigation event in Monterey, California. Additional successful indoor timing signal synchronization locations include MiFiD2 events near the Paris Stock Exchange, a multi-story building, and inside Gibson Hall in downtown London. More GNSS challenged locations to come.
How did the Satelles STL signal penetrate the buildings for indoor operation when other satellite signals have limitations? The success is related to the fact STL uses the narrow band paging channels of Iridium, a one-way transmission from the satellite with a very high gain system. The STL signal is completely different from the wide band, lower gain two-way channel of the Iridium phone, and cannot be compared.
The STL signal is 1,000 times stronger than GPS because it originates from the Iridium constellation of 66 satellites orbiting in LEO. It is also encrypted for high security, which greatly enhances the Resilient PNT capabilities of the Spectracom product lines, especially the bestselling SecureSync precision time and frequency reference. The Spectracom SecureSync with integrated STL synchronization is available to order from the Spectracom website or by contacting a representative.
Having proven the ability to provide a strong and reliable alternative signal in various indoor field locations, the new globally accessible STL signal adds a significant safety net to any critical GNSS application. Adding to the mix of signals of opportunity the resiliency of positioning and timing for financial, defense and critical infrastructure is greatly enhanced.
John Fischer, Orolia Vice-President, Advanced R&D, stated that the new STL signal is the ideal solution for those needing increased security and reliability, applications such as high frequency securities trading, financial transaction time-stamping compliance and critical infrastructure timing. It is not only an additional signal to back up traditional GNSS, it is also stronger and more secure, adding significantly to the resiliency of high performance systems and networks that must rely on precise time synchronization.
Rohit Braggs, Orolia Vice President, PNT Networks & Sources, added that Orolia is focused on providing Resilient PNT solutions, and by combining and layering technology in innovative ways, customers are assisted in meeting their mission goals. This new satellite-based service provides a unique signal that augments Spectracom systems, enhancing the company’s ability to effectively mitigate emerging GPS and GNSS threats. Link to Article
