NextNav Demonstrates World’s First GPS-Free PNT Network in Department of Homeland Security Trial

Rhea-AI Summary

NextNav has successfully demonstrated the precise timing capabilities of its TerraPoiNT service, evaluated by the Department of Homeland Security’s Science & Technology Directorate. This industry-first trial confirmed TerraPoiNT's effectiveness as a GPS alternative during simulated outages, achieving timing accuracy better than 50 nanoseconds under challenging conditions. The service supports critical infrastructures, including 5G networks and power grids. Following positive evaluations from the Department of Transportation, NextNav is moving forward with its merger with Spartacus Acquisition Corporation (NASDAQ: TMTS, TMTSW, TMTSU), expected to close in Q3 or early Q4 2021.

Positive

• TerraPoiNT achieved timing accuracy better than 50 nanoseconds during a 72-hour simulated GPS outage.
• Confirmed as a critical backup for GPS, enhancing resilience in telecommunications and power grids.
• Named the best solution in a recent Department of Transportation evaluation of 11 alternate PNT solutions.
• Merger with Spartacus Acquisition Corporation on track, increasing visibility as a publicly traded entity.

Negative

• None.

Showcases precise, resilient timing capabilities of TerraPoiNT service for critical infrastructure applications

SUNNYVALE, Calif., Aug. 16, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- NextNav, the leader in next generation GPS, announced today that it has successfully demonstrated the timing precision and resilience of its terrestrial Position, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) system, TerraPoiNT, in a recent evaluation by the Science & Technology Directorate (S&T) of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The trial, an industry-first, tested the timing redundancy of the TerraPoiNT system in a number of scenarios, including instances of GPS outages, spoofing, and jamming. It validates TerraPoiNT’s capabilities as a terrestrial, GPS-free network capable of powering critical national infrastructure in the event of GPS failure.

During a simulated 72-hour GPS outage, the TerraPoiNT service was able to deliver a timing accuracy better than 50 nanosecond in urban and semi-urban environments, successfully meeting timing requirements for various applications including 5G networks, the synchronization of the power grid, and more. In addition, TerraPoiNT provided precise timing and redundancy utilizing two alternate absolute timing sources – atomic clock (Cesium/Rb) and LEO satellite (Satelles).

“GPS is critical infrastructure, but it has its limitations,” said Ganesh Pattabiraman, co-founder and CEO of NextNav. “In working with DHS S&T, we’ve validated that TerraPoiNT can serve as an important backup to GPS and ensure the resilience and continuity of our nation’s most critical systems, including next-generation telecommunications networks, financial services, and power grids.”

The successful trial builds on recent evaluations of TerraPoiNT conducted by independent bodies. Earlier this year, the Department of Transportation (DOT) evaluated 11 alternate PNT solutions, in which each was rigorously tested across applications and scenarios. As a result of the evaluation, the DOT named TerraPoiNT the best and only performing solution across all PNT categories.

In June, NextNav entered into a definitive merger agreement with Spartacus Acquisition Corporation (NASDAQ: TMTS, TMTSW, and TMTSU) (“Spartacus”) in a transaction that would result in NextNav being listed on the Nasdaq. The transaction is expected to close late in the third quarter of 2021 or early in the fourth quarter of 2021, subject to satisfaction of customary closing conditions.

About NextNav

NextNav provides next generation GPS. NextNav Pinnacle uses highly accurate vertical positioning to transform location services so they reflect the 3D world around us. Our revolutionary TerraPoiNT system keeps critical infrastructure resilient with reliable Position, Navigation and Timing services in the absence of GPS. With carrier-grade dependability and a rapidly expanding nationwide service footprint, NextNav is driving a whole new ecosystem for geolocation applications and services.

Media Contact

Chelsea Hoedl
LaunchSquad for NextNav
NextNav@launchsquad.com

FAQ

What is TerraPoiNT and why is it important for GPS alternatives?

TerraPoiNT is a terrestrial Position, Navigation, and Timing system by NextNav that provides accurate timing and is capable of functioning independently of GPS, ensuring continuity of critical infrastructure.

How did TerraPoiNT perform in DHS evaluations?

TerraPoiNT successfully demonstrated its timing precision and resilience during tests conducted by the DHS, outperforming during simulated GPS outages.

What are the expected benefits of NextNav's merger with Spartacus Acquisition Corporation?

The merger is expected to enhance NextNav's market visibility and access to capital as it transitions to a publicly traded company on NASDAQ.

When is the merger between NextNav and Spartacus Acquisition Corporation expected to close?

The merger is anticipated to close late in Q3 or early Q4 of 2021, pending customary closing conditions.

What applications can benefit from the TerraPoiNT service?

TerraPoiNT can support applications such as 5G networks, power grid synchronization, and other critical national infrastructure reliant on precise timing.