Mobility, energy use, urban development – these are just a few of the areas in which the application of satellite navigation technologies can make processes smarter and more effective. As part of this year’s European Satellite Navigation Competition (ESNC), the German Aerospace Center (DLR) is offering a special prize on the topic of “Smart Navigation – with Enhanced Constellations” with the objective to promote new procedures, methods, and ideas for ways to apply satellite navigation. The winner will receive support from DLR in continuing to develop and implement their idea.

Oberpfaffenhofen, 24 May 2012: New approaches that leverage combined usage are a smart way to get the most out of existing infrastructures in the field of satellite navigation. “We’re looking for truly smart solutions that view existing satellite navigation infrastructures and technologies from every angle while combining them in new, enriching ways and rethinking the status quo. Our goal is to find holistic ideas for applications that are more than the sum of their parts,” explains Robert Klarner, DLR Technology Marketing. This is why DLR is using this year’s ESNC to offer a prize for smart navigation with enhanced constellations in three topic areas.

“GNSS Multiconstellations,” for example, wants applicants to investigate sensible, effective ways to use Galileo and other available satellite navigation systems – together.

The area “Robust by Design,” meanwhile, focuses on procedures and methods for minimising signal disturbance. This is particularly relevant in the fields of navigation and telecommunication. Here, DLR is equally interested in solutions for ionospheric disruptions and measures against disturbances caused by mobile base stations or intentional interference signals.

Finally, “Integrated Applications” is about finding innovations that incorporate two or more satellite systems – such as navigation, Earth observation, or telecommunication – and examining the advantages to be gained from combining them.

The winner will receive five person-months of technical support from DLR (a EUR 50,000 value) – in the form of feasibility and conceptual studies or prototype development, for example – which are intended to assist the winner in realising their idea.

Ideas can be submitted for DLR’s special prize until 30 June at www.galileo-masters.eu.

About the German Aerospace Center (DLR)

DLR is the national aerospace research centre of the Federal Republic of Germany. Its extensive research and development work is carried out in national and international cooperations. In addition to its own research, DLR serves the German government as the space agency responsible for the planning and execution of the country’s aerospace activities, as well as the international protection of interests. DLR’s mission covers the exploration of the Earth and the solar system, research in environmental preservation and environmentally friendly technologies, and optimising mobility, communications, and security. The scientific and technological expertise obtained by DLR thus aids in strengthening Germany as an industrial and technological location. www.dlr.de/en

About the European Satellite Navigation Competition (ESNC)

The ESNC is an international competition that recognises the best ideas in the field of satellite navigation every year. From companies and research institutes to students and other independent individuals, anyone is free to enter. The only thing that matters is your idea! Innovation proposals can be submitted at www.galileo-masters.eu from 1 April to 30 June.

The ESNC was inaugurated in three regions under the patronage of the Bavarian Ministry of Economic Affairs in 2004. Since then, the competition has transformed into a network that embodies innovation and expertise. Supporting the ESNC this year as new regional partners are Austria, Bulgaria, Finland, Ireland, North America, Poland, and Portugal. This brings the number of regions now competing for the distinction of having produced the overall winner – the Galileo Master – to more than 20.

For more information, please visit www.galileo-masters.eu.



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