A computer-implemented method of determining navigation information for an aircraft , comprising: accessing , by one or more processors , a satellite-based positioning signal received at a receiver on an aircraft , the satellite-based positioning signal comprising data indicative of a distance between a satellite and the receiver ; identifying , by the one or more processors , from the satellite-based positioning signal a first vector associated with the distance and direction between the satellite and the receiver ; characterized by : identifying , by the one or more processors , from the satellite-based positioning signal, a second vector associated with a distance and direction between a reference point and the satellite ; generating , by the one or more processors , a kinematic model for determining a geometric position of the aircraft using the first vector and the second vector, the kinematic model based at least in part on an analogy with a robotic arm; and determining , by the one or more processors , navigation information for the aircraft based at least in part on the kinematic model; wherein the aircraft is modeled as an end effector for the robotic arm, the satellite is modeled as a pivot point of the robotic arm, the first vector is modeled as link extending between the pivot point and the end effector, the second vector is modeled as a link extending between a base and the pivot point. accessing , by one or more processors , a satellite-based positioning signal received at a receiver on an aircraft , the satellite-based positioning signal comprising data indicative of a distance between a satellite and the receiver ; identifying , by the one or more processors , from the satellite-based positioning signal a first vector associated with the distance and direction between the satellite and the receiver ; characterized by : identifying , by the one or more processors , from the satellite-based positioning signal, a second vector associated with a distance and direction between a reference point and the satellite ; generating , by the one or more processors , a kinematic model for determining a geometric position of the aircraft using the first vector and the second vector, the kinematic model based at least in part on an analogy with a robotic arm; and determining , by the one or more processors , navigation information for the aircraft based at least in part on the kinematic model; wherein the aircraft is modeled as an end effector for the robotic arm, the satellite is modeled as a pivot point of the robotic arm, the first vector is modeled as link extending between the pivot point and the end effector, the second vector is modeled as a link extending between a base and the pivot point. identifying , by the one or more processors , from the satellite-based positioning signal, a second vector associated with a distance and direction between a reference point and the satellite ; generating , by the one or more processors , a kinematic model for determining a geometric position of the aircraft using the first vector and the second vector, the kinematic model based at least in part on an analogy with a robotic arm; and determining , by the one or more processors , navigation information for the aircraft based at least in part on the kinematic model; wherein the aircraft is modeled as an end effector for the robotic arm, the satellite is modeled as a pivot point of the robotic arm, the first vector is modeled as link extending between the pivot point and the end effector, the second vector is modeled as a link extending between a base and the pivot point. <EOS>