The UAE Space Agency (UAESA) aims to develop an augmentation system to enhance existing GNSS systems through the development of a LEO (Low Earth Orbit) constellation.
Prerequisites:
• Reliable and continuous access to GNSS signals for augmentation and coordination with GNSS providers if required (i.e. for SBAS Interoperatbility)
• Network to monitoring and reference stations to track GNSS signal errors
• Correction processing capability to calculate and correct errors
• Regulatory alignment with international standards (ICAO, IMO, ITU)
Cost:
LEO/Smallsat Augmentation
• Ballpark (CAPEX): USD 50–100M + OPEX USD 5-10M/yr
• Includes: design and development of CubeSat/smallsat augmentation payloads, limited constellation deployment, launch services, ground stations and control facilities, testing and integration, training and technology transfer, constellation operations, replenishment of short-lifespan satellites, cybersecurity, certification and compliance, staffing
Regional SBAS System
• Ballpark (CAPEX): USD 100–300M +OPEX USD 10–20M/yr
• Includes: development of ground-based augmentation infrastructure (reference stations, master control centres, uplink facilities), GEO augmentation payloads, certification with ICAO, international interoperability coordination, national R&D and training, continuous operations and monitoring, certification upkeep, cybersecurity, ICAO compliance, staff salaries, system upgrades
Timeframe:
LEO/Smallsat Augmentation
• Overall: 48–72 mo
• Phases: scoping/feasibility (12–18 mo), design/prototyping (12–18 mo), integration/testing (12–18 mo), launch/deployment (6–12 mo), operations (ongoing with OPEX)
Regional SBAS System
• Overall: 60–96 mo
• Phases: scoping & spectrum/ICAO alignment (12–18 mo), design/procurement (18–24 mo), infrastructure development/integration (24–36 mo), certification/testing (6–18 mo), operations (ongoing with OPEX)
Pros:
• Increased Accuracy - Improvement to even cm level positioning compared to standard GNSS signal
• Better Monitoring - Enhanced real-time awareness on GNSS data and its integrity
• Economic Benefits - Advanced services that require greater precision are enabled
Considerations:
• High Deployment Costs - Plan for substantial initial investment due to deployment expenses.
• Complex Integration Requirements - Coordinate closely with GNSS providers to manage complex integration, calibration, and alignment needs.