PhD Researcher, GNSS and Space Engineering, University of Nottingham
Tasneem Yousif is a PhD Researcher in GNSS and Space Engineering at the University of Nottingham, whose work addresses interference affecting Global Navigation Satellite Systems. Her research focuses on detecting, characterizing, and geolocating jamming and spoofing using Low Earth Orbit satellites, with methods designed for implementation on real spacecraft. She has developed techniques that have progressed from signal analysis to flight-proven and planned satellite payloads, bridging research and operational application. Her work responds directly to a growing vulnerability in global navigation infrastructure with implications for both space-based and terrestrial systems.
Her primary contribution is the development of a GNSS radio-frequency interference detection and geolocation framework that exploits measurements from LEO platforms. Using FFT-based signal analysis applied to flight data from missions including CYGNSS and DoT-1, Tasneem demonstrated techniques capable of identifying and localizing interference sources at scale. This work has produced multiple Q1 journal publications and earned recognition at international technical conferences, including Best Presentation at ION GNSS+ 2024. More importantly, the methods have been incorporated into active and planned satellite payloads.
Tasneem led the design of the GNSS payload for AstroJam, a CubeSat mission selected for ESA’s Fly Your Satellite programme. The payload is notable both for its technical ambition and its execution: it is the first CubeSat-hosted GNSS interferometry payload designed for in-orbit demonstration, and the first university-led CubeSat to combine GNSS interference monitoring with biomedical sensing. Tasneem defined the payload architecture, designed the multi-channel RF front end, implemented FPGA-based processing, and established dual operational modes supporting both raw data downlink and onboard spectral analysis.
A key outcome of this work is a reusable FFT spectrum characterization module implemented in VHDL on a Xilinx Zynq-7030 FPGA. The module has been verified through simulation and flight-proven on SSTL’s DoT-1 satellite. It has since been integrated into the HydroGNSS payload, that has launched in November 2025, and into JamSail, a CubeSat mission combining GNSS interference detection with orbit adjustment using a compact refractive solar sail. Tasneem currently leads GNSS payload development for JamSail, extending the same architecture across platforms with different mission constraints.
Her research is closely connected to industry and national programs. Tasneem leads the RFI Detection work package within a Centre for Earth Observation Instrumentation project in collaboration with Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd. During a placement at SSTL, she worked on payload interfaces for Amazônia-1B and HydroGNSS, developing high-speed data handling systems and contributing directly to operational spacecraft programs.
Tasneem has received several recognitions for her work in engineering and research. She was named among the Top 50 Women in Engineering 2025 by the Women’s Engineering Society (WES) and received the IEEE Upsilon Pi Epsilon (UPE) 2024 Award from the IEEE Computer Society. She is actively involved in STEM outreach. She is an active member of the NottSpace Society, where she participates in and supports space outreach activities.
Tasneem also teaches and mentors within the University of Nottingham’s electrical, electronic, and aerospace engineering programs and remains active in international technical communities, including IEEE Region 8 Young Professionals and Women in Engineering.
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