Maxar has unveiled Raptor, an innovative software suite that enables autonomous systems to operate in GPS-denied environments. Designed to navigate scenarios where satellite signals are degraded or inaccessible, Raptor offers significant advantages for the defense, humanitarian, and commercial sectors.
No more GPS with Maxar?
The program integrates Maxar’s extensive 3D global terrain database with vision-based technology. Autonomous systems, like drones, can extract precise navigational data using existing cameras without requiring extra hardware.
This approach makes Raptor a lightweight and cost-effective solution, addressing critical issues in GPS-reliant operations. Raptor provides three core functionalities tailored to various operational needs:
- Raptor Guide enables aerial platforms to determine their position with an accuracy of under 10 meters in real time.
- Raptor Sync georegisters drone video feeds in real time, supplying detailed ground coordinates for improved situational awareness.
- Raptor Ace extracts exact target coordinates from standard video footage, ensuring high precision even in complex or remote environments.
The software’s ability to function in environments with weak or disrupted GPS strengthens capabilities for critical applications, particularly in contested zones or urban areas prone to signal interference. By anchoring navigation to reliable visual and terrain data, Raptor adds a layer of resilience to autonomous operations.
Maxar’s extensive experience in geospatial intelligence underpins the Raptor software. With a database exceeding 125 petabytes of satellite imagery, the company has played a vital role in numerous global initiatives, from disaster relief to defense intelligence. This wealth of data allows Raptor to deliver reliable and consistent results across varied terrains and conditions.
Watch this space
While the proprietary nature of Maxar’s data raises questions about ecosystem lock-in for some users, the software’s ease of integration and broad applicability make it a strong candidate for organizations seeking alternatives to GPS-based navigation.
The release of Raptor underscores the growing need for resilient technologies in increasingly contested and unpredictable operating environments. By tackling the vulnerabilities of traditional GPS systems, Maxar’s latest offering provides a forward-looking solution for advancing autonomy across industries.
YouTube: Introducing Raptor – Groundbreaking Software Unlocking Next-Gen GPS Resilience for Autonomous Systems
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Photo credit: All images shown are owned by Maxar and were made available as part of a press release.
Source: Maxar press release
