Software-Defined Radio (SDR) R&D performed by Laboratory of Space Technologies, Embedded Systems, Navigation and Avionics (LASSENA) from ÉTS during the last few years on Software Defined Radios (SDR), have identified the new Signal of Opportunity (SoOP) technology as very promising as a source of positioning and intruder detection data. Signals transmitted by Low Elevation Orbit (LEO) satellites, which quantity is increasing exponentially around earth, as well as by 3G/4G/5G/6G towers, will be used as Positioning, Navigation and Timing (PNT), and intruder Detection data (PNT-D), which are indispensable for autonomous airborne (UAM, drones, A/C, helos…) and ground (cars, trucks, buses, trains…) vehicles. Although other systems, such as GNSS and inertial sensors provide positioning data, and LIDAR/RADAR provide detection data, SoOP will provide alternative and dissimilar PNT-D information that will be indispensable to reach the level of integrity and availability required for autonomous transportation. It is to be noted that SoOP is a passive and non-cooperative technology which provides the required backup/robustness in case of cyberattack on current systems. Only a few research centers (ICU, Virginia Tech…) have published their work on SoOP, and the door is open for Quebec to take a worldwide leadership in this disruptive technology that may become a standard by the end of our decade.
