Space Geodesy and Navigation Laboratory

This can range from determining the motion of a tectonic plate, to helping a blind pedestrian navigate across a city, or to predicting the trajectory of a space vehicle thousands of kilometres above the surface of the earth moving at several kilometres per second.

Our methods include developing new hardware, exploiting GNSS signals (Global Navigation Satellite System) in novel ways and mathematical modelling of forces on space vehicles induced by the space environment. We design and conduct experiments. We simulate complex systems operating in space. We have several distinctive, niche capabilities that have led to successful long-term research relationships with NASA, the European Space Agency, the Ordnance Survey and the UK Hydrographic Office.

Key projects include intelligent positioning for cities using 3D city models, designing a navigation system for Mars for the European Space Agency, novel navigation systems for ambulances using multiple environment sensors, and orbit determination models (used as operational standards) for the principal missions used by NASA to measure sea level change from space. We like to think we embrace UCL’s values by doing impactful work that benefits many, many people.