What is ASPN?
ASPN is a community-developed data standard that describes what positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) data may be exchanged for consistent usage and interoperability of PNT estimators across different systems, sources, and users.
ASPN defines navigation message content of both the PNT information sources and the PNT users. These definitions enable PNT estimators to be built using these message content definitions.
Why do we need ASPN?
As more complementary PNT approaches are developed, it becomes more crucial to build a way to quickly and consistently integrate these approaches into both new and existing systems. This has been challenging due to the diversity of missions, platforms, and interfaces.
Within the PNT community, there is growing interest to employ modular open system approaches (MOSAs) during development to address this challenge and enable faster technology refresh, cost savings, and increased interoperability.
ASPN was developed to enable consistent acquisitions and interoperability across PNT programs by providing a common data standard for PNT systems.
Implements wider sensor support without data model modification
Enables application across multiple services, platforms, and systems
Enhances compatibility without requiring coordination
Sustained by community-driven innovation
