Research and analysis

Space-based PNT Technical Concepts

A report summarising the 10 technical concepts for delivering Positioning, Navigation and Timing services developed under the Space Based PNT Programme.

• From: UK Space Agency and Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
• Published: 18 October 2023

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Space-based PNT Technical Concepts

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Space Based PNT Technical Concepts (pdf)

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Details

This document presents a summary of the Technical Concept Development work carried out under the Space Based PNT Programme (SBPP). This work was carried out between October 2020 and November 2021.

This document describes the outcomes from the work, the services provided, the approach to defining the concepts, a user perspective, an overview of each concept and conclusions.

The services that were considered in the report were:

1. Open Service (OS) accessible to all.
2. Government Authorised User Service (GAUS) provided specifically for UK Critical National Infrastructure with higher assurance levels and protections against Jamming and Spoofing.
3. Encrypted Service (ES) for military and national security applications with the highest levels of assurance and protection.
4. Alerting Service to provide alerts to the public of natural disasters and terrorist attacks.

The report summarises the technical details and level of service provision provided by each of the 10 novel concepts for provision of PNT from space.

The concepts are sufficiently varied to cover a wide range of needs as specified by stakeholders. The Technical Concepts have shown the range of what is possible – but they are not refined or optimised against a specific set of endorsed requirements. The Concepts can now be used, iteratively, to help guide discussion with stakeholders about their needs and inform policy on future provision of PNT from space.

Published 18 October 2023