A DAY WITHOUT SPACE AND A CALL FOR GREATER POSITIONING, NAVIGATION, AND TIMING RESILIENCY IN THE UNITED STATES

“Imagine If…” an exploration of a day without Space and Call for Greater PNT Resilience

Are you ready to delve into the future of Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) resiliency? I am very proud to share David Simpson’s, our Expert In Residence, analysis, grounded in the principles of the futures and foresight.  This perspective emphasizes the critical importance of Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) systems for national security, public safety, and daily civilian activities. It highlights the growing dependency on space-based PNT, particularly GPS, and the vulnerabilities associated with this reliance.  Simpson unpacks the critical need for robust PNT systems by exploring the convergence of technological advancements, threat landscapes, and geopolitical dynamics that shape the future of PNT, offering strategic recommendations to navigate an increasingly complex world.

Key Highlights:

• The growing dependencies and threats with PNT call for integrating space-based and terrestrial PNT systems for enhanced resilience.
• Rapidly growing Chinese PNT expertise and capabilities with accurate, available and resilient PNT integrated under the BeiDou program that could gain strong market and global geopolitical support.
• Potential future scenarios that will require new approaches to retain and, in some areas, regain U.S. PNT primacy.
• Immediate and long-term strategies to address current and emerging challenges.

The document calls for immediate and sustained efforts to enhance PNT resiliency through the development of both space-based and terrestrial systems. By developing and implementing a comprehensive and integrated PNT strategy, the U.S. can safeguard national security, support critical infrastructure, and maintain its leadership in the global PNT landscape.  Recommended steps include a new, affordable approach to U.S. PNT Governance that better leverages private sector investment and innovation.

Dive into Simpson’s detailed analysis to understand how to ensure the robustness and reliability of PNT systems amidst evolving threats and technological shifts. Together, let’s build a future where our critical infrastructures remain secure and resilient.

-Dave Baber, Managing Director, Toffler Associates