Signal
Since 2022, the German Aerospace Center’s (DLR) Mobile Rocket Base (MORABA) has recorded deliberate interference on GNSS signals during sounding rocket launches from Esrange in northern Sweden and Andøya in northern Norway. The jamming has affected GPS L1, Galileo E1, and BeiDou B1C/B1I, manifesting as sharp drops in carrier-to-noise ratio. At times, this caused intermittent or complete navigation loss at altitudes above 22 km in Sweden and 36 km in Norway. The incidents have grown more frequent and severe, directly disrupting scientific missions.
Implications
GNSS jamming is no longer confined to ground-level or aviation altitudes. Its extension into near-space threatens mission safety, scientific data integrity, and recovery of research payloads. The pattern indicates adversaries are testing or signalling expanded electronic warfare capabilities into the stratosphere. Resilient PNT (positioning, navigation, timing) systems must now be integrated into sounding rockets, UAVs, and space-science missions. For NATO, this expands the contested spectrum domain to the edge of space.
Strategic Takeaway
Resilience to GNSS interference must extend into near-space. Jamming is no longer bounded by the stratosphere.
Investor Implications
Expect growing demand for GPS-independent navigation solutions, such as quantum sensors, magnetics-based navigation, and encrypted satnav overlays. Firms supplying resilient PNT technologies will see expanded defence and aerospace contracts. Scientific payload operators and sounding rocket providers will prioritise onboard redundancy. Investors should watch European aerospace suppliers and startups specialising in anti-jam and multi-sensor navigation, as they are positioned to win early procurement.
Source: mdpi.com
The signal is the high ground. Hold it.
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