Satellite-Based Monitoring of GNSS Interference” Project Selected for Arctic Phi-Lab
Testnor AS, in collaboration with NTNU SmallSat Lab and FFI, is proud to announce that its project SIGRI has been accepted into the ESA Phi-Lab program. SIGRI will develop new technology for detecting and locating sources of radio-frequency interference that disrupt satellite navigation signals such as GPS — a rapidly growing problem that already affects aviation, shipping, emergency services, and countless aspects of everyday
Project Overview
Global navigation satellite systems (GNSS), including GPS and Galileo, have become part of the invisible infrastructure of modern society. They guide ships and aircraft, keep cars and mobile phones on track, and synchronise emergency services and telecommunication networks. When these signals are disturbed, whether by accident, deliberate jamming, or spoofing, the consequences can range from minor positioning errors to serious safety and security incidents. SIGRI aims to make such interference visible and traceable from space, in real time.
Why This Matters
The impact of GNSS interference reaches across many sectors. In aviation, disrupted signals lead to flight delays, re-routing, and added operational risk; a space-based monitoring service would give pilots, airlines, and air traffic controllers a far clearer picture of where problems are occurring. Maritime traffic faces similar challenges, since ships rely on GNSS for navigation and a loss of signal can quickly turn into both an operational and a safety issue. Early alerts about interference along planned routes give operators time to react. Beyond transport, critical infrastructure such as power grids, telecommunications, and financial systems all depend on precise GNSS timing, and knowing when and where interference occurs is essential for planning and risk management. Reliable positioning is equally vital for emergency services and defense, particularly in the Arctic, where maritime and air activity continues to grow.
Addressing a Growing Problem
GNSS interference is becoming increasingly common worldwide, including around Norwegian airports and along the coastline. SIGRI builds on existing capabilities by moving signal processing onboard the satellite, allowing detection and localisation to happen in real time rather than after the fact.
Strong Partnerships and Support
SIGRI unites complementary expertise from three leading institutions. Testnor leads the project and contributes its experience from open-air GNSS testing, while NTNU’s SmallSat Lab brings deep knowledge of small satellite missions, software-defined radio, and onboard data processing. FFI supports the project by designing test scenarios and carrying out the signal transmissions used to verify the system.
About Testnor
Testnor is a Norwegian company based in Tromsø, specialising in testing technology in challenging environments with a particular focus on GNSS resilience. Through its work with ESA, FFI, and other partners, Testnor has established a strong position in GNSS interference testing and with SIGRI, the company is now expanding into the next frontier: space-based monitoring services.