Unveiled on 27 May 2025, Astradia is an endo-atmospheric star tracker that, when combined with an inertial navigation system (INS), ensures accurate and reliable attitude measurements. This allows aircraft to maintain precise geo-positioning independently of traditional satellite-based systems.
Unlike conventional satellite navigation technologies such as GPS or Galileo, Astradia provides absolute Positioning, Navigation and Timing (PNT) data that is immune to jamming, spoofing, or disruption. It operates without emitting radio waves, which enhances stealth capabilities by reducing the risk of detection.
Sandra Feilles, Head of Innovation and Programs at Sodern, stated, “At Sodern, we are proud to design dual-use technologies that require both precision and robustness in order to meet the specific needs of the armed forces, allied with an industrial design to help optimize costs. Astradia is a very good example of this and will be of interest to civil and military aircraft operators.”
Astradia is the result of years of research and development and leverages Sodern’s extensive experience in star tracking technology. The system benefits from flight-proven algorithms, a certified calibration infrastructure, and heritage from thousands of space-based star trackers.
Weighing under 3 kg and measuring 176 mm x 185 mm x 207 mm, Astradia’s compact and monobloc design ensures straightforward integration across a wide range of aircraft, including drones and surveillance platforms. Its robust build makes it suitable for various aerial missions.
Astradia delivers high-precision tracking with accuracy to within a few arc-seconds, equivalent to 1 metre over 70 kilometres. This capability is especially beneficial for aligning inertial systems and opens avenues for missions requiring exceptionally precise tracking.
Operating without interruption, the tracker provides continuous updates every second, ensuring reliable navigation even in remote regions or over oceans. It significantly reduces navigation drift over long durations, enhancing in-flight positioning security.
Astradia will be showcased at the Sodern stand during the 2025 International Paris Air Show, offering a first-hand look at this cutting-edge navigation solution.
