Nexus is Astranis's resilient GPS satellite selected by the U.S. Space Force for the LEAP R-GPS program, leveraging the MicroGEO platform with a dedicated PNT payload to provide jamming- and spoofing-resistant GPS augmentation.
Astranis Nexus (R-GPS)
Nexus is Astranis's resilient GPS satellite selected by the U.S. Space Force for the LEAP R-GPS program, leveraging the MicroGEO platform with a dedicated PNT payload to provide jamming- and spoofing-resistant GPS augmentation.
Description
Astranis Nexus is a specialized government satellite platform derived from the MicroGEO architecture, designed specifically for Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) missions. In November 2024, Astranis was selected by the U.S. Space Force Space Systems Command as one of four prime contractors under the Lite Evolving Augmented Proliferation (LEAP) program to develop next-generation Resilient GPS satellites. The initial contract was valued at $8 million for concept development, with the program targeting a fleet of more than 20 small GPS satellites.
Nexus uses the proven Astranis MicroGEO satellite bus combined with PNT algorithms from partner Xona Space Systems, all implemented in software on the Astranis Octane software-defined radio hardware. This software-defined approach allows the GPS payload to be updated on-orbit as signal standards evolve. Nexus broadcasts all current and future GPS signals including M-Code, which provides enhanced anti-jam performance for military users in contested environments.
The Nexus constellation is designed to augment and backup the existing GPS Block III satellite constellation, providing resilience against jamming, spoofing, and kinetic attacks on the current GPS architecture. The Space Force has targeted the first eight R-GPS satellites ready for launch by 2028.
Specifications
| Satellite class | MicroGEO (PNT variant) |
|---|---|
| Mission | Resilient GPS / Positioning, Navigation & Timing |
| Program | U.S. Space Force LEAP R-GPS |
| Radio hardware | Astranis Octane Software-Defined Radio |
| GPS signals | All GPS signals including M-Code |
| Pnt partner | Xona Space Systems |
| Planned constellation size | >20 satellites |
| First launch target | 2028 (first 8 satellites) |
| Initial contract value | $8 million (concept development) |
