Investment in satellite timing infrastructure to strengthen UK resilience

Image courtesy GMV

Through a competitive process, GMV were selected to enhance the UK’s national capabilities in delivering nationally assured, secure and continuous Position, Navigation and Time (PNT) services for critical infrastructure, defence and the broader economy. The initiative safeguards critical infrastructure by reducing reliance on GNSS and enhancing national Positioning, Navigation and Timing (PNT) capabilities.

GMV are leading the design, development, and testing of a Two-Way Satellite Time and Frequency Transfer (TWSTFT) system under the TOUCAN (TWSTFT Capability Demonstration) project. The contract, funded by the UK Space Agency and supported by the UK National PNT Office, is managed through ESA’s navigation programme, NAVISP.

TOUCAN strengthens GMV’s position as a leading provider of advanced time and frequency solutions. The project draws on the team’s deep expertise in time transfer and system-level engineering, reinforcing the company’s role in supporting the Government’s Framework for Greater PNT Resilience.

“TOUCAN represents a strategic milestone for GMV. It underscores our commitment to delivering cutting-edge, nationally assured, PNT solutions that are vital to the UK’s critical infrastructure and national security.” said Mark Dumville, General Manager of GMV in the UK.

TOUCAN complements efforts to reestablish a UK Enhanced Long-Range Navigation (eLoran) system, which will serve as a terrestrial backup to satellite-based services. A critical goal is to ensure that this system operates independently of the more vulnerable Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS).

The project’s primary objective is to establish an accurate, independently verifiable TWSTFT link between the eLoran transmitter and the National Physical Laboratory (NPL), the UK’s official timekeeping authority. This new link will address GNSS-dependence within eLoran, maintaining a time traceable to UTC (NPL).

In addition, the system will provide a TWSTFT connection to a facility that operates an R&D timescale, a secure reference that will one day be essential for synchronising operations, maintaining communication integrity, and supporting mission-critical systems.

Dr Paul Bate, CEO of The UK Space Agency, said: “Precise and secure timing is at the heart of so much we rely on every day – from banking and transport to energy and communications. This investment in UK satellite timing through TOUCAN is about more than technology; it’s about protecting the everyday services people and businesses depend on. By working with GMV, the PNT Office and ESA’s NAVIS programme, we’re helping to build a stronger, more resilient space ecosystem that safeguards our security and keeps the UK at the forefront of innovation.” 

GMV are delivering the design, integration, and operational demonstration of the system, building on its proven track record in delivering secure national timing products and infrastructure. Project partner Viasat are supplying satellite bandwidth, as well as supporting GMV in analysing some innovative TWSTFT technology evolutions.