The UK is investing in satellite-based timing infrastructure to strengthen national resilience and reduce reliance on vulnerable satellite navigation systems, with GMV selected to lead the development of a secure time transfer capability under a new government-backed project.
GMV will design, develop and test a Two-Way Satellite Time and Frequency Transfer (TWSTFT) system as part of the TOUCAN (TWSTFT Capability Demonstration) project. The initiative is funded by the UK Space Agency through its participation in the European Space Agency’s Navigation Innovation and Support Programme (NAVISP) and is supported by the UK National Positioning, Navigation and Timing (PNT) Office.
The project forms part of the UK Government’s broader Framework for Greater PNT Resilience, which aims to safeguard critical infrastructure by reducing dependence on Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) and strengthening nationally assured timing capabilities.
Under TOUCAN, GMV will establish an accurate and independently verifiable TWSTFT link between the UK’s enhanced Long-Range Navigation (eLoran) system and the National Physical Laboratory (NPL), the country’s official timekeeping authority. The link is intended to ensure that eLoran can operate independently of GNSS while maintaining time traceability to Coordinated Universal Time as maintained by NPL.
The system will also provide a secure TWSTFT connection to a research and development timing facility, creating a reference that could support future requirements for synchronisation, communications integrity and mission-critical operations.
TOUCAN complements the UK’s efforts to re-establish eLoran as a terrestrial backup to satellite-based navigation and timing services, addressing growing concerns about GNSS vulnerability to disruption, interference and spoofing.
“TOUCAN represents a strategic milestone for GMV and reinforces our role in delivering nationally assured timing and PNT solutions,” said Mark Dumville, general manager of GMV in the UK. He said the project builds on the company’s experience in time transfer and system-level engineering to support national infrastructure and security needs.
Dr Paul Bate, chief executive of the UK Space Agency, said secure and precise timing underpins everyday services ranging from banking and transport to energy and communications.
“This investment is about protecting the services people and businesses rely on, while strengthening the UK’s space ecosystem and national resilience,” he said.
GMV is responsible for the system’s design, integration and operational demonstration. Project partner Viasat is providing satellite bandwidth and supporting the evaluation of potential advancements in TWSTFT technology.
The UK Space Agency said the project reflects growing international efforts to diversify and harden PNT infrastructure as reliance on precise timing and navigation continues to expand across civil, commercial and defence sectors.
