Tracking the position Global satellite navigations in Europe Expanding man's understanding ‘GALILEO: 2020!’

Mankind has a thirst to travel and while travel into outer space is a relatively new concept, we increasingly rely, on Earth, on technologies deployed in space to aid our safety, security – including in a transport context, where we look for efficient and effective means.

This paper focuses on satellite navigation systems and European undertakings to compete in, what is becoming, an ever-growing, competitive market. The specific focus is on GALILEO – the journey undertaken in terms of endeavouring to make it fully operational by the end of 2020. As part of this, comment and reflection are provided as to the challenges encountered – including Covid-19 and the relationship between the UK and EU. This includes commentary as to the implications of Brexit, in terms of access and use of, and to, European satellite navigation systems.

The research-design applied is historical, policy and legislative based. It commences by considering the origins of global navigations systems before the focus is turned to Europe and reviewing the development of GALILEO (alongside EGNOS and the European Global Navigation Satellite Systems Agency).

The research finds that a fully operational GALILEO will likely not be achieved in 2020; and, that the UK, whilst contributing massively (both financially and technologically) is unlikely to reap the full benefits of GALILEO.

This material is not to be cited. Please refer to the final print version available at: https://www.bloomsburyprofessional.com/journal/communications-law-17...