Maxar Intelligence has developed a revolutionary navigation solution for drones, not needing GPS. A system called Raptor uses visual landmarks and 3D terrain models, created on the basis of Maxar satellite images.
The company has officially announced 25 March.
How Raptor works?
Instead of satellite signals drones with Raptor determine their location, Comparing the image from the camera with the 3D card of the terrain.
Key components of the system:
- Onboard software, which determines the location of the drone in real time.
- Video geo-binding program up to 3D-data Maxar.
- Drone operators, which allows to receive accurate coordinates of objects from video.
The system actually replaces GPS, allowing drones to work autonomously in all conditions. Maxar regularly updates the models of the terrain and can actively update data for certain regions at customer request.
Application on the market:
- Global 3D covers. Technology uses detailed models of the entire Earth.
- Military and security operations. Drones from different platforms can exchange navigation data and interact in a single system.
- Autonomous systems. Raptor is not tied to a specific drone manufacturer, that allows it to integrate into different technological ecosystems.
The system allows drones to coordinate their actions with each other, with land systems and other navigation means.
Tested in real conditions
Raptor passed the test with beta-clients for several months before the official launch. This system marks the strategic shift of Maxar: from satellite images to a software solution developer for autonomous technologies.
Thanks to Raptor Maxar takes a significant step in developing alternative navigation methods, that can dramatically change the approach to managing unmanned systems around the world.
Source: https://spacenews.com/maxar-launches-gps-alternative-navigation-system-for-drones/