This solution increases the resilience of IoT terminals against possible GPS signal interference by third parties, reduces costs and consumes less energy.
Sateliot has announced the testing of a revolutionary system that enables its satellites to connect directly with IoT devices without relying on global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) such as GPS. The innovation, developed under the FreeGNSSNetwork project in collaboration with the European Space Agency (ESA) and Spanish company GMV, represents a major leap forward for Europes technological autonomy, particularly in defence and security sectors where GNSS-denied operations are critical.
Traditionally, Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellationslike those deployed by Sateliothave provided connectivity to regions beyond the reach of terrestrial networks, covering more than half the planets surface. However, these systems depended heavily on GNSS, which increased device energy consumption and hardware costs.
The FreeGNSSNetwork initiative eliminates this dependence by using advanced algorithms that allow IoT devices to calculate their position directly from satellite signals. This approach ensures stable and accurate connectivity even under challenging or disrupted conditions, including wartime scenarios.
The system achieves device positioning accuracy of around 10 meters and delivers highly precise time synchronization of 50 nanosecondsjust 0.00000005 seconds. Currently undergoing testing in laboratory environments simulating real-world satellite communications, the technology will soon be demonstrated in orbit using prototype satellites and terminals transmitting Positioning, Navigation and Timing (PNT) data directly to IoT devices.
Sateliot co-founder and CEO Jaume Sanpera described the project as a “paradigm shift” for the industry, positioning Spain as a leader in satellite innovation. “This research expands Europes coverage and connectivity into previously unreachable areas while showcasing Spains capacity to develop cutting-edge, dual-use technologies for both civil and defence applications,” he said.
The agreement was formalised during the European Space Agencys 50th anniversary celebrations at ESAC in Madrid, attended by ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher, Spains Minister of Science, Innovation and Universities Diana Morant, and the Director of the Spanish Space Agency (AEE) Juan Carlos Cortés, alongside other senior officials.
According to Sateliot, the project not only strengthens Europes resilience and energy efficiency in satellite communications but also lays the groundwork for future 6G advancements, with the company contributing actively to related developments within the 3GPP framework.
