Guest Presentation by Dr. Lars Grundhöfer (DLR)

You are warmly invited to a guest presentation by Dr. Lars Grundhöfer from the German Aerospace Centre (DLR).

Abstract

Reports of GNSS interference in the Baltic Sea have become almost routine: aircraft losing GPS signals, vessels deviating from their course, and timekeeping systems failing. This talk presents the development of a navigation system that remains operational in the presence of jamming.

Since 2017, R-Mode has been under development as a terrestrial navigation system that uses existing radio beacons and maritime infrastructure to provide independent positioning without reliance on satellites. The presentation will describe the transition from an initially obscure research project regarded as unnecessary to a system now considered crucial for resilience and sovereignty. It will include technical insights and field observations from vessels in the Baltic Sea.

The current state of the system, planned further development, and possible extension to underwater use will also be covered.

About the speaker

Lars Grundhöfer (Member, IEEE) received his B.Sc. and M.Sc. degrees in Electrical Engineering from Hamburg University of Technology, Germany, in 2015 and 2017, respectively. He completed his PhD in 2024 in collaboration with the German Aerospace Center (DLR) and Technische Universität Ilmenau, Germany.

For his work, he received the 2025 Helmholtz Doctoral Prize in the Aerospace Engineering category. He currently serves as a Scientist at the German Aerospace Centre, Institute of Communications and Navigation. His research focuses on terrestrial maritime navigation systems operating in the medium-frequency band.

Practical information

Date: Tuesday, 13 October 2026
Time: 10:30–11:30
Location: Ellehammer seminar room (Ø28-600-3), Faculty of Engineering, SDU Odense

We hope to see you there and look forward to an inspiring presentation and discussion.