Scientists in Saratov, in the Lower Volga area of Russia, have developed the country’s first navigation system that uses the Earth’s magnetic field. According to Russian news agency ITAR-TASS, the new system can be fully self-contained and is capable of providing an alternative to satellite-based navigation systems.
The technology and the software have all been developed in Russia, the source emphasized.
Alexander Ignatiev, the head of a design bureau at the local Institute of Critical Technologies, claimed that “from the point of view of navigation accuracy, our system is a sure match to GLONASS.”
Ignatiev added that a number of technical solutions utilized in the project have been patented by developers, and that the first prototype of the navigator has been created. “It is still quite dimensional, but we see opportunities to reduce the size of the device significantly. To achieve this, it is necessary to attract component-manufacturing firms to the project,” he believes.
Valery Anikin, the dean of the department of physics at Saratov State University, specifically pointed out that developing a new system to supplant the existing one was not the goal of the effort.
“However, in terms of improved safety, it would be much better for the two to co-exist and mutually improve each other, in case something happens to telecom satellites,” Anikin said.
The development of geomagnetic navigation systems is now one of the most promising areas of research, stressed Anikin. Saratov has a long history in electromagnetic research, so “it is not surprising that the practical development of a new navigation system is carried out here,” he said.
The scientists think the new navigation system will reach a commercial stage of development “in a few years.”
Source: ITAR-TASS
