The Institute of Space Sciences (ICE-CSIC), through the Earth Observation Group led by researcher Estel Cardellach, participates in the GLITTER doctoral network, within the Horizon Europe Marie Skłodowska-Curie Action programme. This programme seeks to train the new generation of experts to advance in Earth observation through the GNSS-R technique, based on reflections in the ground (or sea, or ice) of signals from GNSS satellites (System Global Navigation Satellite).

The GLITTER PhD network will host twelve predoctoral researchers from nine European organisations who will study complementary aspects of a single problem: what a 'swarm' of nanosatellites with GNSS reflectometry payloads should look like and operate. ICE-CSIC will host a predoctoral researcher within this project to investigate possible instrumental concepts, that is, possible techniques for combining the signals received from the different satellites of the 'swarm' to obtain new and/or better Earth observation products. It will also be responsible for implementing the signal simulator.

The scientific and technological goal of GLITTER is to develop systems based on a synchronised constellation of CubeSats. An important advantage is the low cost of CubeSats and the possibility of increasing resolution based on satellite beamforming. The project may also benefit other technologies that use interferometry, such as radio astronomy and phased array communications. It is also expected to help industry segments that use GNSS signals, such as precision agriculture, forestry, and land and sea management.

Furthermore, within the framework of the GLITTER project, the ICE-CSIC will organise the first of the four training schools for the twelve predoctoral researchers, also open to students and professionals from the project organisations. Each of them will last a week. The first, titled "Remote sensors and small-satellites systems for Earth Observation", will take place on 25-29 November 2024 at ICE-CSIC.