Iridium PNT
Backup positioning and timing signal sent from Iridium's low Earth orbit satellites, now available on a fingernail-size chip that helps GPS devices resist jamming and spoofing.
Why it matters
GPS signals are weak and easy to jam or fake, which affects aircraft, ships and telecom networks. Iridium's signal from low orbit is strong enough to work indoors and in contested areas where GPS often fails, so devices can stay on time and on position.
How the technology works
Iridium satellites broadcast cryptographically secured timing and location data in one-way bursts. The Iridium PNT ASIC, 8 by 8 mm and under 0.2 grams, receives those bursts and checks their integrity so a device can cross-check or replace GPS.
Sources
Updated Oct 22, 2026 · How we source facts · Suggest a correction