In September, NaviGate announced the completion of the demonstration of NaviCode Caravel on board D-Orbit’s ION Satellite Carrier. Operating directly on the spacecraft’s on-board computer and without any additional hardware, the software calculated the satellite’s position in real time using raw GNSS data.
Tested through D-Orbit’s Software In-Orbit Demonstration service, Caravel processed real flight telemetry data across several sessions, achieving a minimum formal uncertainty of 5.2 cm and average values in the decimetre range using GPS measurements only.
By reprocessing the flight data on the ground with GODOT, the European Space Agency’s flight dynamics software, NaviGate verified the consistency of the on-board solutions obtained with NaviCode Caravel.
“This successful in-orbit operation validates a solution that enables satellites to determine their position accurately and autonomously, using the GNSS receiver already available on board,” said Andrea Sesta, Chief Technology Officer and Co-Founder of NaviGate.
From ESA support to in-orbit demonstration
Caravel, the first solution in the NaviCode family and winner of the 2026 CASSINI Challenges, was developed as part of a proof-of-concept programme funded by Galaxia, the National Aerospace Technology Transfer Hub promoted by CDP Venture Capital together with Obloo Ventures. NaviGate is now working with constellation operators and mission integrators to define the first pilot projects.
Incubated at ESA Business Incubation Centre (BIC) Lazio, part of ESA’s Europe-wide network supporting space-related startups with technical expertise, business coaching, networking opportunities and equity-free funding, NaviGate benefited from early-stage support to advance its technology towards commercial application. “The support received through the ESA BIC programme helped the company boost the technology development and connect with industrial partners in view of the In-Orbit Demonstration, proving the effectiveness of the ESA Commercialisation programmes in bringing innovative solutions into the space industry supply chain”, said Michele Iapaolo, the ESA Country Manager of ESA BIC Lazio.
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