Optimizing Performance of Space-Based Detection and Localization of Terrestrial GNSS RFI Based on the Direct Geolocation Algorithm Using Vitis HLS

Hepzibah Ernest, Thomas Pany

Abstract:	There has been a recent increase in the need to monitor RFI from space to acquire signal intelligence over zones of conflict. Single satellite based approaches are constrained in both detection sensitivity and the range of interference types. Multi-satellite techniques overcome these limitations by exploiting interferometric principles. In particular, the dual-satellite direct geolocation algorithm enables superior detection and localization across a wide range of signal structures including chirp type jammers. While this capability has previously been demonstrated in post-processing using real data captures from Spire satellites, many applications require real-time analytics to support rapid response. This paper addresses the transition of dual-satellite RFI geolocation from offline analysis to onboard, real-time implementation. System-level studies were first carried out to define an optimal configuration that minimizes computational cost while meeting performance requirements. Based on this system design, an FPGA IP core was developed and further optimized to accelerate the computationally intensive sections of the algorithm using Vitis HLS. Finally, the impact of two critical factors, namely the real-time PVT accuracy of onboard GNSS receivers and inter-satellite time/frequency synchronization on the localization performance are evaluated.
Published in:	Proceedings of the 38th International Technical Meeting of the Satellite Division of The Institute of Navigation (ION GNSS+ 2025) September 8 - 12, 2025 Hilton Baltimore Inner Harbor Baltimore, Maryland
Pages:	101 - 109
Cite this article:	Ernest, Hepzibah, Pany, Thomas, "Optimizing Performance of Space-Based Detection and Localization of Terrestrial GNSS RFI Based on the Direct Geolocation Algorithm Using Vitis HLS," Proceedings of the 38th International Technical Meeting of the Satellite Division of The Institute of Navigation (ION GNSS+ 2025), Baltimore, Maryland, September 2025, pp. 101-109. https://doi.org/10.33012/2025.20229
Full Paper:	ION Members/Non-Members: 1 Download Credit Sign In