There is currently no known example of this form of development being applied specifically to PNT systems; however, similar approaches have been successfully implemented in other domains, such as Earth Observation, and could serve as a useful reference.

Prerequisites:

• Strong political mandate and sustained funding

• Spectrum/ITU coordination and filings and regional regulatory framework

• Partnerships with established GNSS/space primes and launch providers

• Technical Infrastructure (Servers and Storage, Network, GNSS Receivers)

• Technical expertise for system development, integration and operations

• Cybersecurity, data protection, and continuity planning

• Legal/regulatory framework for managing and sharing PNT data.

• Procurement pathway

• Partner support as needed

Cost:

• Ballpark: USD 5–10 B (shared among partners)

• Includes: governance framework and cost-sharing agreements, constellation design and architecture, satellite procurement and AIV (assembly, integration & verification), launch services and insurance, ground control and monitoring infrastructure, navigation signal design and authentication, international certification (ICAO/IMO/ITU), training and technology transfer, long-term operations and replenishment

Timeframe:

•Overall: 84–120 mo (7–10 years)

• Phases: scoping/partnership negotiation (12–18 mo), design/prototyping (18–24 mo), satellite production & ground segment development (24–36 mo), launches & integration (12–24 mo), operations (ongoing with OPEX)

Pros:

• Leveraging Shared Resources - Access to capabilities at a lower cost

• Driving Cooperation - Fosters international collaboration

Considerations:

• Dependency - Reliant on external providers

• Technology Transfer - Constraints can arise from the technology transfer set up