GNSS Signal Interference Detection and Navigation Guard
Tagline:GNSS Interference (Jamming/Spoofing), Navigation and Quantum-Based Navigation, Advanced Signal Processing Tecnhiques
Portugal
Publications
What is GNSS Jamming and Spoofing?
ReportPublisher:Thesis Web PageDate:2026Authors:Patricia PinheiroDescription:The aviation industry has long relied on Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) to provide accurate positioning, navigation, and timing information for aircraft, ensuring safe and efficient operations. However, the increasing vulnerability of these systems to threats such as GNSS jamming and spoofing poses significant risks to aviation safety and operational integrity. Jamming disrupts satellite signals, while spoofing misleads receivers with false signals, creating navigation errors and loss of situational awareness. These interferences can have severe consequences, including flight path deviations and potential accidents. Therefore, addressing these vulnerabilities is critical for maintaining the safety, security, and reliability of modern air traffic systems.
GNSS Spoofing: Understanding Signal Model and Software Receiver
Journal ArticleDate:unpublishedAuthors:GNSS vs GPS: Are We Talking About the Same Thing?
ReportDate:2026Authors:Patricia PinheiroDescription:The terms GNSS and GPS are often used interchangeably in media, aviation discussions, and even technical conversations. However, while related, they are not synonymous. Understanding the distinction is essential for anyone working in navigation, aerospace engineering, defence policy, or signal processing research.
The History of GNSS and GPS: From Military Origins to Global Infrastructure
ReportDate:2026Authors:Patricia PinheiroDescription:The first operational satellite geolocation system was TRANSIT, developed by the U.S. Navy in the early 1960s. TRANSIT allowed submarine positioning through Doppler shift measurements. Although limited in precision and update frequency, it demonstrated the feasibility of satellite-based navigation.
TRANSIT marked the birth of satellite navigation as a strategic capability.
Understanding GNSS Jamming and Spoofing: Technical Foundations, Operational Risks and Research Perspectives
ReportDate:2026Authors:Patrícia PinheiroDescription:Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), including GPS, Galileo, GLONASS and BeiDou, constitute the backbone of modern positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) services. Their integration into aviation, maritime navigation, autonomous systems and critical infrastructure has significantly enhanced operational efficiency and safety. However, the increasing reliance on GNSS has also exposed a structural vulnerability: satellite navigation signals are inherently weak and susceptible to interference. Among the most concerning threats are GNSS jamming and spoofing, which can compromise navigation integrity, situational awareness and, in safety-critical domains, human life.
Interference Insight - Episodes
EP.1 GNSS vs GPS - Are We Talking About the Same Thing?
date: 2026Description:Understanding the distinction is important for aviation, engineering, navigation, defence, and anyone working with interference, spoofing or jamming.
Summary
The aviation industry has long relied on Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) to provide accurate positioning, navigation, and timing information for aircraft, ensuring safe and efficient operations [1], [2]. However, the increasing vulnerability of these systems to threats such as GNSS jamming and spoofing poses significant risks to aviation safety and operational integrity [3], [4]. Jamming disrupts satellite signals, while spoofing misleads receivers with false signals, creating navigation errors and loss of situational awareness. These interferences can have severe consequences, including flight path deviations and potential accidents.
Therefore, addressing these vulnerabilities is critical for maintaining the safety, security, and reliability of modern air traffic systems [5]. This doctoral thesis proposes an innovative solution aimed at detecting, mitigating, and restoring compromised GNSS signals in real time. The goal is to ensure continuous and accurate navigation even in environments where GNSS signals are intentionally or unintentionally disrupted. The proposed solution will leverage cutting-edge technologies to create a comprehensive defense mechanism against GNSS interference
REFERENCES:
[1] W. A. Ahmed, L. A. Isiaka, B. Mala, and S. F. Olatoyinbo, “Evolution of GNSS/GPS technology and its applications from ancient times to the present,” Next Research, vol. 2, no. 3, p. 100387, Sep. 2025, doi: 10.1016/j.nexres.2025.100387.
[2] R. Sabatini, T. Moore, and S. Ramasamy, “Global navigation satellite systems performance analysis and augmentation strategies in aviation,” Nov. 01, 2017, Elsevier Ltd. doi: 10.1016/j.paerosci.2017.10.002.
[3] M. L. Psiaki and T. E. Humphreys, “GNSS Spoofing and Detection,” Proceedings of the IEEE, vol. 104, no. 6, pp. 1258–1270, Jun. 2016, doi: 10.1109/JPROC.2016.2526658.
[4] J. R. Van Der Merwe, X. Zubizarreta, I. Lukčin, A. Rügamer, and W. Felber, Classification of Spoofing Attack Types,” in 2018 European Navigation Conference, ENC 2018, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc., Aug. 2018, pp. 91–99. doi: 10.1109/EURONAV.2018.8433227.
[5] C. Huang et al., “To Lock the Authentic Signals: Mitigating GNSS Spoofing with INS-Aided Tracking,” Information Fusion, p. 103596, Feb. 2025, doi: 10.1016/j.inffus.2025.103596.
Thesis Relevance
The relevance of this research is particularly significant given the increasing reliance on GNSS for both civil and military aviation. With air traffic expanding and GNSS being used for critical safety applications, the risk of interference is rising, as evidenced by documented cases of GNSS disruptions worldwide. This PhD thesis will contribute to aviation safety protocols by providing a real-time, practical solution to one of the most pressing challenges in air navigation. By offering a system capable of restoring GNSS signals to their original state, this work will enhance resilience, minimize flight disruptions, and improve overall air traffic management.
A key aspect of this research is its focus on real-time response capabilities. The ability to counteract GNSS interference in real time is essential for ensuring that aircraft can operate safely without significant delays or rerouting. This capability is particularly critical in low-visibility conditions, where precise navigation is required. By integrating real-time corrective measures, it will support air traffic control systems, allowing them to maintain accurate aircraft tracking even during GNSS disruptions.
Thesis Objectives
Study and understand the technologies of present GNSS.
Analyze current anti-spoofing and anti-jamming solutions in navigation systems.
Analyze and gather relevant information on GNSS signal interference patterns.
Propose new signal processing methodologies to detect, mitigate and preserve the integrity of GNSS signals.
Contact
Research Interests
- GNSS Signal Interference
- Spoofing
- Jamming