Two-Way Satellite Time and Frequency Transfer (TWSTFT) Capability Project
An opportunity to progress actions outlined in the UK National Framework for Greater PNT Resilience, via a NAVISP Element 3 project focussing on two-way satellite time and frequency transfer (TWSTFT).
Documents
Details
Project purpose and concept
Positioning, Navigation and Timing (PNT) services play a critical and growing role for the UK’s economy and society. The UK’s PNT is almost completely provided through global navigation satellite systems (GNSS), primarily the US owned Global Positioning System (GPS). PNT services from GNSS are susceptible to incidental and intentional disruptions, with detrimental effects on Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) and wider society. This project has three objectives:
- remove the GNSS dependence from the eLoran transmitter at MoD Anthorn
- proof of concept to inform future UK TWSTFT projects
- proof of concept to link the two government timing assets at NPL Teddington and Dstl Porton Down
The National PNT Office has identified the opportunity to progress some of the actions outlined in the UK National Framework for Greater PNT Resilience via a NAVISP Element 3 project focussing on two-way satellite time and frequency transfer (TWSTFT). These actions are PNT Crisis Plan, National Timing Centre, and eLoran. The Project must deliver a TWSTFT link between three nodes:
- UTC(NPL) currently sourced from the National Timing Centre at NPL Teddington
- the eLoran transmitter at Anthorn as the current eLoran infrastructure in the UK and a method of disseminating time
- the timing laboratory at Porton Down as the secondary Government timing capability after the National Timing Centre
Full technical requirements can be found in the Statement of Work (above), but in general require the use of a geostationary communication satellite to achieve high accuracy timing synchronisation, capability to switch time source with no discontinuity in phase and monitoring of these services.
How to apply
The application process will progress through the following steps:
- submit an Outline Proposal to ESA OSIP. This should be in line with the Statement of Work for this project, which is attached above
- complete the ‘Additional information’ questionnaire, which is also attached above
- send copies of both the Outline Proposal submitted to ESA OSIP, and the ‘Additional information’ questionnaire by email to [email protected].
- all 3 of the above steps must be completed before 11:59pm on 11 December 2024
At this point, the UK Space Agency will assess the outline proposals and choose one (1) winner to move forward to the next stage. Results will be sent out to the contact emails you provide by 11pm on 16 December 2024. If you are successful we will ask you to move on to the next stage, which will be to furnish us and ESA with a full proposal, by or about 17 February 2025, details to be discussed on completion of the competition phase. ESA will provide a template document to work from when preparing the full proposal. Ideally, negotiations will begin in February, and contracts will be signed in March.
Further information
If more information or clarifications on the information are needed, please get in contact via email: [email protected].
Updates to this page
Published 24 October 2024Last updated 21 November 2024 + show all updates
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Changes made to deadlines for applications on the landing page.
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First published.