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NASA Satellites Detect Covert GPS Jammers
28 May
Summary
- NASA satellites can locate GPS jammers within kilometers.
- CYGNSS and NISAR satellite systems were used in the experiment.
- GPS jamming impacts aviation, maritime, and military operations.
NASA satellite systems, initially designed for observing cyclone wind speeds and ice sheet changes, have shown an unexpected capability in detecting GPS jammers. An experiment detailed in GPS World revealed that two NASA satellite systems could approximate the location of a known GPS jammer in Iran within several kilometers.
The Cyclone Global Navigation Satellite System (CYGNSS) uses eight microsatellites to measure ocean wind speeds by detecting reflected GPS signals. When a jammer is active, it creates a detectable footprint in these reflected signals. The NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) system uses radar imaging to monitor Earth's surface, and jammer emissions create distinct streaks in its imagery.
In a controlled test near Shiraz, Iran, using data from January 8 and January 20, 2026, CYGNSS located the jammer within 4.33 kilometers, with a circular error probable of 3.48 kilometers. NISAR located the jammer within 6.26 kilometers. While these systems cannot provide near-real-time monitoring, their ability to identify approximate jammer locations is crucial for flight planning and maritime warnings.
GPS interference is a growing global concern, affecting hundreds of flights daily and disrupting shipping in various seas. The conflict with Iran, beginning February 28, 2026, saw over 1,100 ships experience GPS interference in the Persian Gulf. NASA's CYGNSS data indicates the mystery jammer near Iran is now operating at significantly higher power.
