Concepts for a Low Cost Navigation System

The Seeker desires a  concept/design for an aerospace quality navigation system, which does not rely (exclusively) on GPS.  Solutions which are simple, practicable and easy to implement are preferred.  The solution may be a fusion of existing devices commercially available as well as novel Solver solutions. 

This is an Accelerated Ideation Challenge with a guaranteed award for at least one submitted solution.

Traditional aerospace navigation systems rely on a combination of expensive inertial systems, GNSS/GPS, and possibly radio navigation aids. We are seeking a low cost alternative to aerospace inertial navigation systems. 

This Challenge is seeking innovative solutions to aerospace navigation using novel sensors or a fusion of  existing devices or a combination of both,  while maintaining a low cost.  This is an Ideation Challenge, which has the following unique features:

• There is a guaranteed early award.  A guaranteed award of $4,000 for the best submission, as solely determined by the Seeker, received in the first 15 days of the posting period [submissions must be received by 11:59 PM (US Eastern Time) on September 19, 2014].
• There is a guaranteed final award.  The awards will be paid to the best submission(s) as solely determined by the Seeker. The total payout will be $6,000, with at least one award being no smaller than $4,000 and no award being smaller than $2,000 – winner of the initial award also eligible.
• Submission forwarding occurs during the Challenge.  Since submissions will be forwarded to the Seeker throughout the Challenge, please make sure you upload only a finished proposal. You can submit an updated version of your proposal only as a new submission. If you submit an updated version of your proposal, please clearly indicate the new items and/or edits compared to your previous submission. This will allow the Seeker to quickly find the new information and determine how it improves your submission.

To receive an award, the Solvers will have to transfer to the Seeker their exclusive Intellectual Property (IP) rights to the solution.  However, the Seeker will be willing to consider a licensing agreement for a partial award if exclusive rights cannot be transferred by the Solver

Submissions to this Challenge must be received by 11:59 PM (US Eastern Time) on October 3, 2014.  Late submissions will not be considered.

The Seeker will complete the review process and make a decision with regards to the Winning Solution(s). All Solvers that submit a proposal will be notified on the status of their submissions; however, no detailed evaluation of individual submissions will be provided.