The Fresh UK PNT Strategy

The Fresh UK PNT Strategy

Attending Space-Comm Expo two weeks ago was an eye-opener on the unflinching work that the UK is doing in PNT. This was highlighted by the two vital re-shared announcements made byJohn Pottle , the Director of theRoyal Institute of Navigation , with his two panellists: Dean Thomas from theUK Space Agency and David Hill,Viasat during his live session on the 7 March. The First from the previous Minister of Science, Research and InnovationGeorge Freeman MP on the creation of a dedicated UK PNT office across sectors and across government, a rare endeavour even in the US, where things are still run in siloes.

The UK is realising the critical and overarching nature of PNT in our daily lives and is following the footprints of PNT autonomy. The @UK PNT Office will be created by theDepartment for Science, Innovation and Technology and will serve as a central point for PNT policy, coordination, and conveyance, guaranteeing a unified approach over government offices.

The second was the creation of the UK SBAS led byViasat on the back of a test flight, flown fromCranfield Airport using the @National Flying Laboratory Center's Saab 340B aircraft, and that showcased that the UK is capable of having its own SBAS that delivers more precise, reliable navigation data for the first time, showing how highly accurate GPS data can be , maximising on safety and improving efficiency. Since the UK is no longer part of the EU's similar @European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service (@EGNOS), following its exit from the European Union, this step towards a UK SBAS is incredibly important to the UK, where EGNOS can still be used for non-safety applications in the UK, the ViaSat trial aims to provide a first step toward a complementary UK SBAS which can be used for critical safety of life navigation services across air, land, and sea. The system outlines ten key measures and suggestions aimed at upgrading PNT resilience and relieving the impact of disturbances. These two initiatives incorporate developing a crisis plan to be actuated in the event of GNSS service loss, the foundation of a National Timing Centre to supply high-quality timing for the UK, and the investigation of technologies such as eLORAN for reinforcement position and navigation.

In an increasingly interconnected world, the vulnerability of our satellite-based frameworks has become a pressing concern. The recent revealing of a new system for Greater PNT Resilience by the UK government marks a noteworthy step towards addressing these vulnerabilities and guaranteeing the continuous functioning of critical services.

Unfortunately, the urgency of this issue cannot be exaggerated, as highlighted within the Blackett report, which underscored the critical conditions of satellite-derived time and position. The report uncovered that disruptions to GNSS could result in staggering financial losses, with the UK confronting a potential loss of £1 billion per day in such an event.

Moreover, the system adjusts with broader vital activities such as the National Quantum Strategy, emphasising the significance of cutting-edge technologies in supporting PNT versatility. By investing in research and improvement, standards, and testing, the UK points to drive advancement and cultivate development within the PNT sector, situating itself at the forefront of technological progression.

The foundation of the National PNT Office and the rollout of strong GNSS receiver chips are characteristic of the UK's proactive approach to addressing PNT vulnerabilities. By planning efforts over government, industry, and academia, the UK is laying the groundwork for a strong and resilient PNT environment that can withstand potential disruptions.

Add to all of this a striving UK Space Agency Accelerator, A UK Space Trade Union and a UK Space ecosystem,UKspace, and a dedicated Welsch SpaceSpace Wales participating in 10% of the UK Space Industry.

The launch of the Greater PNT Resilience system heralds a new era of strategic planning and collaboration to defend space-based frameworks. With the UK driving the charge, partners across segments are coming together to brace PNT capabilities and guarantee the continuous functioning of critical services. By investing in resilience, development, and technological leadership, the UK is not only ensuring its interests but moreover laying the foundation for a more secure and strong future.

References

GOV.UK. (2023). Critical services to be better protected from satellite data disruptions through new Position, Navigation and Timing framework.GOV.UK.https://www.gov.uk/government/news/critical-services-to-be-better-protected-from-satellite-data-disruptions-through-new-position-navigation-and-timing-framework

UK Sovereign Satellite Navigation Overlay Successfully Demonstrated for First Time | Viasat, Inc.

Jnally. (2023, November 5). The UK's new plan for PNT resilience. Spatial Source.https://www.spatialsource.com.au/the-uks-new-plan-for-pnt-resilience/

GOV.UK. (2022). The UK Government Resilience Framework: 2023 Implementation Update.https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/656def711104cf0013fa7498/The_UK_Government_Resilience_Framework_2023_Implementation_Update.pdf

Satellite-derived Time and Position (publishing.service.gov.uk)

Exploring the Potential of Future Telecoms

Visit our Future Telecoms Hub to learn more or to register for regular updates.

Future Telecoms is techUK's exploration of what the connectivity of tomorrow will look like. We will highlight the criticality of communications to our future prosperity and economic growth, and how the future telecoms ecosystem acts as the engine of innovation. Visit our Future Telecoms Hub to learn more or to register for regular updates.

Upcoming Future Telecoms events

Latest news and insights

Get our Telecoms insights straight to your inbox

Sign-up to get the latest updates and opportunities from our Communications Infrastructure and Services programme.

Contact the team

Learn more about our Future Telecoms campaign