TrustPoint and Calian Tested New GNSS Antenna
The companies successfully demonstrated a mass-market C-band antenna designed for orbital signal reception.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Telecommunications
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TrustPoint and Calian have confirmed the successful demonstration of a mass-market ready C-band GNSS antenna. The device successfully acquired and maintained a live orbital signal from TrustPoint’s low earth orbit navigation system.
Why it matters
C-band signals offer improved resistance to jamming and reduced ionospheric error, providing a critical alternative for users in environments where traditional GPS access is compromised. This technology aims to provide reliable positioning services when standard satellite navigation cannot be assumed.
The new hardware is a multi-band antenna engineered to receive L1, L5, and C-band signals simultaneously. It was verified through multiple live trials against signals broadcast from TrustPoint’s current orbital navigation constellation.
The players
TrustPoint
This company is a developer of navigation systems based in low earth orbit that holds a Tactical Funding Increase contract with the U.S. Space Force.
Calian
Based in Ottawa, Canada, this firm is a long-standing technology provider with approximately 6,000 employees and 40 years of operational history.
U.S. Space Force
This branch of the United States Armed Forces provides research funding for advanced satellite positioning and navigation capabilities.
The details
The collaboration utilizes Calian’s manufacturing expertise to create a commercially viable antenna capable of processing signals from TrustPoint’s orbital infrastructure. This project follows prior tests where C-band positioning was successfully verified on NovAtel receivers within GPS-denied zones.
Timeline
October 14, 2026: The companies announced the successful antenna demonstration.
October 2027: TrustPoint targets the launch of initial operational services.
The Tech Race
This development marks a significant shift in the global PNT system race, moving toward decentralized, orbital alternatives to traditional GPS infrastructure. It directly challenges reliance on monolithic satellite networks by introducing commercially manufacturable receivers capable of signal verification.
The transition to these antennas will eventually provide users with more reliable positioning in urban environments where signal jamming or interference is common. This technology aims to ensure consistent navigation access even in scenarios where reliance on standard GPS is restricted.
The takeaway
This successful demonstration highlights a growing move toward diversified navigation technologies that operate independently of legacy satellite systems. Developers and commercial users should monitor the 2027 service rollout for potential integration into high-precision positioning equipment.
What happens next
TrustPoint plans to establish a full PNT system comprised of four satellites and four ground stations by October 2027.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest innovations in Telecommunications systems.
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