Britain’s historic departure from the European Union on January 31 means the UK will no longer have access to Europe’s high precision GNSS signal. But Brexit also presents an opportunity for Britain to invest directly into its space sector and develop infrastructure that will not rely on the EU.
Professor Chris Chatwin from the University of Sussex believes British companies have the skills, knowledge and experience to make the most out of Brexit.
He told Express.co.uk: “I think the UK has quite a lot of, for instance, oversees territories and influences in the Commonwealth that put us in quite a good position to do well, irrespective of what the EU want to do.
“But clearly they don’t want us to do well because it will undermine Europe, won’t it? Because everyone will think, ‘Oh we’re better of out of this’, don’t you think?”
In December 2018, Prime Minister Theresa May confirmed Britain will not rely on Europe’s Galileo for defence and security after Brexit.
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Galileo is the EU’s global satellite-based navigation system (GNSS) that is still under development.
A number of Galileo satellites are already in orbit and are providing Europe with a basic signal that is picked up by devices such as smartphones.
A complete Galileo constellation by 2026 will feature 24 operational satellites and six spares that will broadcast a high-precision signal.
Despite investing about £1.2billion into Galileo, the UK abandoned the £9billion project in favour of Brexit and new opportunities.
Britain’s military forces already have access to the encrypted signals provided by the American GPS.
And Professor Chatwin said there is an opportunity for Britain to develop its own satellite systems for a fraction of the EU’s price tag.
Clearly they don’t want us to do well because it will undermine Europe
Professor Chris Chatwin, University of Sussex
Professor Chatwin said: “I’m quite hopeful that we might do better out of Europe.”
In December 2019, Express.co.uk was told the Government has set aside a sum of £5billion to develop a Galileo replacement.
Chris Skidmore, the Minister of State for Universities, Science, Research and Innovation said details of this plan will be announced in March.
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The details of the plan could reveal a satellite system that is deeply integrated with the US’ GPS.
Regardless, Professor Chatwin said this is a good opportunity for the British space sector.
He said: “I think the positive thing about doing your own system is that it builds up a new industry.
“So it’s not so much that we absolutely need the signal, it’s more the fact that you’re supporting industry.
“And so your space sector industry is going to get stronger and stronger, and maybe the can be a major source of revenue.”
Starting from January 1, 2021, the Government said most of the British public and satellite signal users will not feel any impact from Brexit.
The Government said: “For example, devices that currently use Galileo and EGNOS, such as smartphones, will continue to be able to so.
“UK businesses and organisations will continue to be able to use the freely available ‘open’ signal to develop products and services for consumers, and will be able to continue using the open position, navigation and timing services provided by Galileo and EGNOS.
EU subsidiaries of UK businesses remain eligible to bid for future work on the EU Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) programmes.”
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