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A new post-Brexit GNSS “must be secured,” according to the UKspace trade association. On Nov. 21, UKspace published its manifesto for a future British government to consider, which includes actions that will enable Britain to compete in the “new space race.”
Among the recommendations is a satellite system to provide navigation services.
“The UK’s post-Brexit participation in a new global satellite navigation system must be secured, whether through ESA or a sovereign capability,” the manifesto said.
“The 2019 Spending Review committed to continuing to provide £191M of funding to support Brexit-related activities ‘including the development of a UK Global Navigation Satellite System option and delivering business stability for company law and audit.’
“Following this initial design phase, the estimated cost of the programme is £5B. This needs to be reflected in long-term budget lines to sustain key precision, navigation and timing skills in the industry.”
Other topics in the manifesto include increased funding for the European Space Agency (ESA), establishment of a national space program, continuing to partner on Copernicus, and funding for the new National Space Council.
Michael Bridges
Fantastic that we will have an independent gps system.
Now we have the cost of 5bn for the program we just need a construction timetable so we know when this will be active.
We also need to work on the name as UKGNSS or (UK Global Navigation Satellite System)
Or even (GNSS) is not very creative, and I think if we are going to do it we should go all out.
We should call the new system (Phoenix) as I think it describes the UK as a country born anew, bright, but dangerous if crossed.