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The combined offering will pair VectorNav’s Inertial Navigation Systems with NAL Research’s Iridium STL® satellite receivers, leveraging signals 1,000 times stronger than GPS.

MANASSAS, VA and DALLAS, TX – April 30, 2025 – NAL Research and VectorNav Technologies, two U.S.-based leaders in assured position, navigation, and timing (APNT) solutions, announced today a joint development to produce Iridium® STL (Satellite Time & Location)-aided Inertial Navigation Systems (INS) designed to meet the increasing demand for resilient PNT in GNSS-denied environments. Both companies will be exhibiting and discussing the collaboration during the SOF Week Exposition in Tampa, FL (May 5–8) — NAL Research (#3005) and VectorNav (#1941).

GPS/GNSS signals are increasingly susceptible to vulnerabilities such as jamming/spoofing, outages, and other challenges. An alternative source of APNT is crucial for enabling continuous access to accurate location data and time synchronization. Unlike other APNT sources, NAL’s APNT receivers are integrated with Iridium STL service, which leverages a low-earth orbit (LEO) transmitted signal approximately 1,000 times stronger than traditional GNSS and is capable of penetrating indoors and other GNSS-obstructed areas. Operators of uncrewed systems, in particular, can benefit from implementing an INS solution that leverages NAL’s Iridium STL-enabled APNT receivers to maintain critical operations in areas where GPS/GNSS are denied or degraded.

For such applications, VectorNav is leveraging its VN-210E GNSS-Aided INS, which combines a tactical-grade IMU with an L1/L2 GNSS receiver in a miniature, board-mount package. Designed for maximum modularity, the VN-210E hosts VectorNav’s tightly coupled INS and includes four serial ports that enable simultaneous integration with multiple external PNT-aiding sources, such as NAL Research’s ALTM GEN2 Mini Iridium STL receiver. When paired, the system provides a high-rate and continuous position, velocity, and attitude solution—even in dynamic applications and in GNSS-denied environments.

“This complete offering delivered through our high velocity collaboration with VectorNav will deliver dynamic innovation to the emerging APNT market,” said NAL Research President, Robert Bills. “Our partnership streamlines our customers’ implementation of alternative APNT sources. We look forward to helping government and enterprise users achieve operational success by enabling the ability to rapidly implement highly accurate and reliable navigation solutions.”

NAL Research and VectorNav will continue to focus on co-developing product solutions that combine VectorNav’s industrial and tactical-grade INS with NAL Research’s Iridium STL receivers. Future offerings will focus on reducing SWaP-C (size, weight, power, and cost), increasing environmental resilience, and supporting MIL-STD compliance for defense and aerospace applications.

“The demand for robust APNT solutions, manufactured at scale and capable of supporting dynamic autonomous systems, is growing rapidly—particularly in the critical maritime domain,” says Jakub Maslikowski, VP of Business Development for VectorNav. “This collaboration with NAL Research will help to realize the emerging LEO satellite PNT capability and strengthen the U.S. and allied nations’ resilience when operating in contested environments.”

To learn more about this collaboration between NAL Research and VectorNav, reach out to [email protected] or [email protected]. If you are attending SOF Week in Tampa, FL (May 5–8, 2025), do not miss the chance to meet in person—visit VectorNav at Booth #1941 and NAL Research at Booth #3005.

ABOUT NAL RESEARCH

NAL Research is a pioneer in delivering trusted and resilient connectivity and PNT solutions—designed to meet the dynamic communications, data intelligence, location, and timing needs of the future. In 2024, NAL Research and Blue Sky Network strategically merged to optimize operations and provide a diverse enterprise and government customer base with transformative solutions and enhanced service and support. NAL and Blue Sky Network’s combined portfolio now includes emerging satellite and mobile technology products, satellite-based tracking systems, powerful APNT modules, intelligent software applications, IoT tracking, and two-way devices enabling seamless global connectivity. For more information visit www.nalresearch.com.

ABOUT VECTORNAV TECHNOLOGIES

VectorNav Technologies is a global leader in inertial navigation solutions. Since its founding in 2008, VectorNav has provided systems integrators in the military, aerospace, marine, and robotics industries with SWaP-C optimized, high-performance navigation systems. VectorNav develops state-of-the-art inertial sensors and GNSS-aided solutions by applying industry-leading digital filtering and sensor calibration techniques, with decades of field experience in aerospace applications, redefining what’s possible in today’s inertial navigation technology. For more information visit www.vectornav.com.

Media Contacts

Kaelyn Banks
Marketing & Communications
NAL Research
[email protected]

Zane Woodson
Director of Marketing
VectorNav Technologies
[email protected]