TrustPoint validates Calian C-band GNSS antenna against live LEO signal

TrustPoint announced on 14 October 2026 that Calian's C-band GNSS antenna, which Calian says can be commercially manufactured, has been tested against TrustPoint's live signal broadcast from low Earth orbit. In several tests the antenna acquired the signal and kept reception, a step towards hardware for GPS-independent positioning, navigation and timing (PNT).

The companies are also developing a multi-band antenna able to receive L1/L5 and C-band signals. The result follows TrustPoint's earlier C-band positioning demonstration on NovAtel receivers in GPS-denied conditions.

TrustPoint says C-band's less congested spectrum resists jamming, allows smaller antennas, lowers ionospheric error and improves urban availability. Under a U.S. Space Force Tactical Funding Increase contract, it is building an end-to-end system of four satellites and four ground stations, targeting live trilateration and initial operational services within 12 months.

Why it matters: Dedicated C-band antennas widen the hardware options for LEO-based PNT that complements GPS and other GNSS. Surveyors, autonomy developers and infrastructure operators facing interference or urban signal loss may eventually gain an extra positioning source, though service is not yet operational.