Interference Monitoring from Low Earth Orbit: The OPS-SAT Experiment

In the context of the Jammertest 2023, a collaborative experiment was carried out by the European Commission Joint Research Centre (JRC), the European Space Operations Centre of ESA (ESOC), the Norwegian Communication Authority, and the Norwegian Defense Research Establishment (FFI) to explore potential RF interference monitoring in the navigation GNSS band from LEO. The experiment utilizes the ESA OPS-SAT satellite and the possibility of transmitting a custom jamming signal pattern during the Jammertest event. The objective is to validate the feasibility of detecting and locating ground-generated jamming signals using SDR technology on-board LEO. The insight into the signal structure and location provides a unique chance to assess the performance and limitations of this approach in a real-world scenario. This paper presents the processing of raw RF data collected during the in-flight experiment, including the generation of frequency difference of arrival (FDOA) observables and emitter geolocation. Despite the constraints posed by onboard resources and mission limitations, this work offers a persuasive proof of concept and suggests new guidelines for implementing this technology on future LEO missions.