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Astradia: Sodern adapts its star tracker for ships
A year after launching its star tracker for airborne navigation, ArianeGroup subsidiary Sodern is unveiling a maritime version. Described as “unique”, the technology provides accurate positioning without relying on GNSS signals.
Astradia
© Sodern
Visitors to Sodern’s stand can explore the capabilities of its star tracker, which operates both day and night, in an interactive demonstration running continuously throughout the exhibition. Sodern’s teams are proud of their innovation, already proven in aviation applications and now adapted for ships. Coupled with an inertial navigation system (INS), the endo-atmospheric star tracker provides onboard positioning without relying on GPS or other radio navigation signals.
“Even without GPS data, whether due to jamming or spoofing, Astradia can determine a vessel’s position to within a few hundred metres, even on the high seas or in contested waters, without emitting any signals. Operational trials will begin in 2027, with the aim of launching industrial production as early as 2028,” explains Sandra Feilles, Vice President Innovation and Programmes at Sodern.
“The stars are all we need”
Capable of detecting stars in broad daylight, even faint ones, the star tracker uses a star catalogue to calculate the user’s position in real time. Sodern is keeping its detection technology and the system’s exact capabilities firmly under wraps. “That’s our expertise, and it’s unique,” explains Sandra Feilles.
Sodern is already in talks with several prospective customers. Adapted from the airborne version, the naval star tracker will be manufactured at the company’s factory in Limeil-Brévannes, near Paris.
- Aude Leroy
