GNSS-R is a technique to carry out Earth observation based on reflections on the ground (or sea, or ice) of signals originating from GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) signals. The proposed project consists of educating a new generation of experts, at doctoral level, able to bring a qualitative leap to this technology. The scientific and technological goal consists of developing such systems based on a synchronized constellation of Cubesats. An important advantage of this arrangement is the very low cost of cubesats and the possibility to increase resolution based on beamforming from the satellites. Ground truth, as well as some of the methods, will originate from near-field radar technology. This will require further research on all segments of GNSS-R technology and beyond: launching and adjustment of cubesat formations, RF synchronization, interferometry between moving platforms, calibration of RF front-ends, ground testing making use of drones, cubesat systems, on-board processing, data transfer and analysis, translation into ground truth and into predictions important for climate change studies and for optimal territory management. The project may also benefit to other technologies making use of interferometry, such as radio-astronomy and phased array based communications. It is also expected to assist industry segments making use of GNSS signals, such as precision agriculture, forestry and sea and land management.

GNSS is amongst the “game-changing” technologies for future digital and automated rail operations, acknowledged in a 2015 report from the European Union Agency for Railways (ERA) on the longer-term perspective for the evolution of the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) and the EU Parliament in its adopted report on railway safety and signalling from July 2021 also calls for a joint effort towards the introduction of GNSS in ERTMS. Three major railway operators in Europe – DBN, SBB and SNCF – endorse and support the efforts of the EU Parliament and propose a follow-up-project to the "Certifiable Localization Unit with GNSS in the railway environment” (CLUG) project to demonstrate the technological readiness of the CLUG Localisation On-Board (LOC-OB) System. In CLUG 2.0 (CLUG Demonstration of Readiness for Rail), the system architecture aims to complement the existing European Train Control System (ETCS) odometry system by using GNSS to enable absolute safe train positioning whilst also transforming the way of train localisation is done today by demonstrating a GNSS-based multi-sensor fusion architecture. To ensure that an enhanced on-board localization in ERTMS/ETCS using GNSS is interoperable, the technological readiness of the LOC-OB System shall be demonstrated in CLUG 2.0. To achieve its objectives, the consortium continues the work started in the first CLUG project, by improving the design of the safe functional architecture and validating it against the requirements defined by the operators. Ultimately, all thanks to an improved LOC-OB System for ERTMS, benefits such as increasing the line capacity, reducing headways between trains, reducing expenditure for rail infrastructure rollout can help reduce emissions, and accelerate the adoption of sustainable and smart mobility solutions that revolve around rail. LOC-OB can make rail transport more attractive, enhance the competitiveness of rail for citizens and businesses.