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DARPA’s Robust Surface Navigation (RSN) program will allow American warfighters to geo-locate and navigate effectively when GPS is unavailable due to hostile action (e.g. jamming) or blockage by structures and foliage. After successfully completed Phase 1, Argon ST in Fairfax, VA received a $6.5 million contract for Phase 2A, with options for Phases 2B and 2C.

DARPA’s Strategic Technology Office initially selected Argon ST in 2008 to develop algorithms for mitigating multi-path signal errors and signal blockage that occur in urban canyons and indoor environments. According to DARPA, the RSN program will develop the procedures and technologies for geo-location of stationary assets and navigation of mobile platforms by exploiting signals of opportunity and/or specialized signals from satellite, airborne, and terrestrial assets. The use of widely available signals of opportunity will provide a robust non-GPS capability. Signals of opportunity can also be augmented when necessary by purpose-deployed signal-emitting beacons.

Argon ST has selected Honeywell Laboratories in Minneapolis, MN; Ticom Geomatics in Austin, TX; and The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory in Cambridge, MA to provide supporting software and engineering services in connection with this project.