UK satellite navigation plans delayed

The study into the feasibility of a private satellite navigation system for the United Kingdom, launched in August 2018, has been delayed for at least six months. The study should have come out around this time.

According to the Financial Times, Britain’s preparations for its own satellite navigation system are fraught with internal disputes. These include costs. In 2018, the United Kingdom announced its intention to develop an alternative to the European Galileo navigation system for its own armed forces. Brexit will cause the UK to lose access to the secure part of the EU satellite navigation project.

It was previously reported that a feasibility study would be conducted. At least 92 million pounds, converted 106 million euros, would be earmarked for this. The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, which includes the British space agency, reports to The Register that a National Space Council will be established this year. A national space strategy is also being worked on. More details about this will follow later, according to the ministry, which does not discuss the postponement of the study.

Estimates of the cost of a British Galileo alternative range between £3 and 5 billion, or between €3.46 and €5.77 billion. In addition to the American GPS and the European Galileo, Russia has its own Glonass. China has also given its Beidou system worldwide coverage. Japan and India are also working on their own positioning systems.