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Register Your Interest Now: SALHUB Training Courses for PNT, EO and SatComms

Posted By Clare Stead, 31 July 2024

Register Your Interest Now:
SALHUB Training Courses for PNT, EO and SatComms

The Space Applications Learning Hub (SALHUB) is one of five new projects recently announced by the UK Space Agency (UKSA) to help tackle key skills gaps identified by the recent UK space sector skills survey. This UKSA funding has been provided to boost the availability of training and to break down barriers to opportunities within the fast-growing, high-tech sector.

The SALHUB is led by the Royal Institute of Navigation (RIN) together with expert partners Space Professionals Partnership Limited (SPPL), Geospatial Ventures Limited (GVL) and Space Skills Alliance (SSA).

This project will deliver expert-led training modules in systems engineering, data/artificial intelligence (AI)/machine learning (ML) and commercial operations across positioning, navigation and timing (PNT), Earth observation (EO/GIS) and satellite communications (SatComms).

Training across these three domains of PNT, EO and SatComms will be delivered both online and in-person. Online training will be delivered between 30 September and 6 December 2024 (see initial schedule below), and in-person training will be delivered in early 2025, with a 5-day course for each domain.

All courses during the grant period are open, available to all and free to attend. All courses, particularly the in-person courses, may well fill quickly so please register your interest here to be first to hear when booking opens.

Expert-led Training

The RIN is a widely respected UK learned society and professional body. RIN domain experts supported the work resulting in the October 2023 Policy Framework for greater PNT resilience.

The SALHUB project will build upon the RIN’s acclaimed earlier PNT training by introducing domain experts GVL and SPPL to develop high quality training courses for PNT (led by RIN), EO (GVL) and SatComms (SPPL).

Positioning, Navigation and Timing (PNT) Training

PNT enables all aspects of everyday life, from smartphone apps to enabling critical infrastructure such as communications and power networks. PNT is a growing area and our courses are designed for anyone considering moving into a sector using PNT, anyone who has just made that move, or indeed those wanting new insights and to deepen PNT skills. Courses will be offered at foundation and intermediate level.

The foundation courses will provide a vital bedrock of awareness and knowledge needed by everyone involved in using or specifying positioning or timing as part of a system or application. Intermediate level courses go deeper, into system engineering design, data analytics for PNT systems and how to interpret and apply PNT data, including use of AI/ML techniques.

In a little more detail: the PNT course initial delivery will span a series of webinar sessions to be delivered in late 2024 (see dates below) and will address how to write positioning and timing system specifications for any use case, best practices for resilient PNT, a review of data sources, types of data and outputs from positioning and timing systems, interpretation and analysis of PNT data and a special module on timing. There will be modules on bringing everything together into a system-of-systems capable of performing resiliently. We will also cover how to track and maintain performance for your use case, flagging issues and how to plan to address them.

In early 2025, the PNT courses will be also delivered in a week-long block in-person in London, where the above modules will be complemented by additional hands-on workshops and using real data sets and tools.

Earth Observation (EO) & Graphical Information System (GIS) Training

EO and GIS are an integral part of the operations of a wide array of organisations. These skills are increasingly in demand across the widest range of sectors & span disciplines from understanding online mapping systems & environmental monitoring to urban planning. Our EO and GIS courses are designed for anyone considering moving into the space or indeed anyone with a desire to understand the use and applications of EO and GIS. They are also relevant to people seeking new insights or those who are keen to deepen the EO and GIS skills. Our courses will be aimed at foundation skills with learning moving to intermediate levels at later stages.

The Earth Observation and GIS Training is a modular course providing both an overview of EO and GIS and detailed insights into EO and GIS systems and applications. The foundation level will include an Introduction to EO and GIS, covering an overview of EO and GIS, their uses and benefits, and different configurations (including satellite-based EO and GIS software).

More detailed modules will include Data Acquisition and Sources, covering the types of EO data (optical, radar, thermal) and GIS data sources (spatial databases, remote sensing, field surveys); Data Processing and Management, focusing on preprocessing EO data and managing GIS data; and System Specifications and Design, discussing how to write EO and GIS system specifications and design resilient systems. Further modules will explore Data Interpretation and Analysis, remote sensing techniques, AI/ML in EO and GIS, Performance Monitoring and Maintenance, and practical workshops using QGIS with Copernicus data. The course culminates with a module on System Integration and Application, considering technical and societal benefits of EO and GIS.

The initial online webinar course delivery will take place in late 2024. In early 2025, the course will be delivered in a week-long in-person training programme, including all the above modules, additional hands-on workshops, and real datasets and tools.

Satellite Communications (SatComms) Training

SAL-HUB will offer a modular course providing both an overview of Satellite communications and some detail in terms of Satcom systems and business needs. The foundation level will include an Introduction to Satellite Communications covering an overview of uses and benefits, and different configurations (including low earth orbit and geostationary).

More detailed modules will include Use Cases to Requirements covering an understanding of common use cases for Satcom; Regulation & Standards; Satcom System Design including satellite capacity, ground segment system management and related services; network design and link budgets; Management Systems; 5G & Satellites; System Design and Business Requirements and Techno-Economic Analysis considering technical and societal benefits of SatComms.

Cross-Cutting themes in System Engineering, Data/AI/ML and Commercial Operations

Before the PNT, EO and SatComms courses begin, there will also be an introductory week of cross-cutting content that explores systems engineering, data/AI/ML and commercial operations. These sessions will cover foundational modules that will act as a leveller for attendees coming from different sectors.

The System Engineering modules will include focus on system engineering from a space industry perspective and include an Introduction to Space System Engineering; System Context, Requirements and Design; and System Verification, Validation and Qualification.

The Data/AI/ML modules will focus on an introduction to the concepts of AI and ML from the perspective of the space industry. They will include an introduction to AI and ML, satellite & space data contexts, data processing and also introduce task setting including supervised learning, un-supervised learning and reinforcement learning.

The Commercial Operations modules will provide an introduction to commercial skills aimed at space industry professionals. They will cover an overview of developing a Product and Service Strategy, Product and Service Launch and Access to Finance aimed at the space industry.

Online Training Dates

The Cross Cutting Theme online sessions are planned for delivery from Monday 30 September to Friday 4 October, with 90-minute online sessions being held at 1100-1230 BST and 1300-1430 BST throughout the week.

The PNT course online sessions are planned for delivery from 1100-1230 BST (GMT after 27 Oct) every Monday from 7 October to 25 November.

The EO course online sessions are planned for delivery from 1100-1230 BST (GMT after 27 Oct) every Wednesday from 9 October to 27 November.

The SatComms course online sessions are planned for delivery from 1100-1230 BST (GMT after 27 Oct) every Friday from 11 October to 6 December.

Course Registration

The final touches are currently being made to the courses before we make them live to book online – if you’d like to be among the first to hear about it when registration becomes available then please register your interest at: https://rin.org.uk/page/SALHUBTraining

Tags: Earth Observation EO Geographical Information Systems GIS PNT Positioning Navigation and Timing SatComms Satellite Communications Space Skills Training

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New technologies present new challenges to PNT - the RIN PNT Advisory Group Executive Committee meeting had a lot to cover at its 23rd May meeting.

Posted By Andy Proctor and Guy Buesnel, 26 June 2023

New technologies present new challenges to PNT - the RIN PNT Advisory Group Executive Committee meeting had a lot to cover at its 23rd May meeting.

UK PNT Advisory Group (PAG) Chair Andy Proctor and PAG Secretary Guy Buesnel report on the committees wide-ranging discussions.

The PNT Advisory Group Executive Committee met last month online; the topics discussed include:
• Advances in Quantum technologies for PNT
• The rise of Artificial Intelligence
• PNT in Automation/autonomous systems
• The role of PNT Standards or Guidance in improving systems or equipment resilience
• Developing a communications strategy for the committee
• Improving committee participation and International Reach
• Forthcoming RIN Defence Seminar at Aerospace Bristol
• Following up the recent LEO event
• A review of PNT Advisory Group Activities

Defence PNT

An area focussed on was the forthcoming RIN Defence Seminar at Aerospace Bristol on 03 July. The MoD wants to reconnect with companies and individuals in the Defence Sector on PNT matters. RIN and the Advisory Group has developed a one-day programme of talks and discussion to enable discussions and networking. The event is especially important given the recent news stories detailing how an inertial navigation sensor has undergone trials on a Royal Navy warship.

The Seminar’s focus will be on
• What is meant by "resilient PNT" and "assured PNT"?
• How should threats and hazards be considered?
• Development of requirements for defence PNT systems
• Approaches to assessing risks at different levels from modules to integrated systems
• Mitigation approaches and their relative/absolute effectiveness
• Research and development challenges
• Latest developments in PNT for defence applications

The programme will have presentations from MoD and DSTL personnel in the morning and two panel discussions in the afternoon session. The event moderator is the RIN PNT Advisory Group Chair, Andy Proctor

The talks will include: -
• Keynote: Wing Cdr Mark Brammer, MOD
• Briefing from Strategic Command, Space Capability Planning (SATCOM & PNT) - Al Harris, PNT Desk Officer
• Briefing from DSTL on their activities - Rob Handley, Acting Chief PNT Scientist
• Briefing from DE&S - Jonathan Wilson
• Briefing from DSC on their activity - Stuart Snedden, Space Team, UK Defence Solutions Centre

The afternoon panel discussions will concentrate on “Threats and Disruptions” and “Systems Thinking/Infrastructure protection”.

The last few places for this event are available here: https://rin.org.uk/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=1748439

Low Earth Orbit (LEO) PNT

The Advisory Group discussed how best to follow up the recent RIN LEO PNT Seminar. RIN hosted the event in March 2023 to encourage a discussion and debate, under “Chatham House rules”, to discuss the technical, value chain, resilience, and business model challenges of providing PNT services from large satellite constellations. The event centred around open discussion, independence, and the objective of bringing the challenges forward for debate.
These challenges include frequency selection, orbit determination and prediction accuracy (noted by a few attendees as “hard for LEO”); concept of operation (doppler or time-of-arrival), and the integration with other, linked services (independence and interoperability).
Of greater concern in the room was the lack of clear business models from most of the LEO PNT providers. That is understandable as companies are reluctant to expose their models in front of their competitors. But there was less clarity in the room about why someone would pay for additional PNT services from space.

Approximately 100 people attended in person from over 40 organisations, UK and beyond, spanning users, service providers, equipment manufacturers and government officials.

The Advisory Group noted that a follow up by RIN is needed as the one-day seminar attracted some very lively debate and argument and succeeded in highlighting several key areas where significant challenges remain.

“Standards damn Standards”

The role of standards or guidance in increasing the resilience of systems or equipment is being discussed with the PAG preparing a white paper in this area. Its author Ramsey Farragher had opened the paper up to contributions from the rest of the executive committee.

RIN PAG Chair Andy Proctor outlined the evolving US IEEE P1952 standard and its focus on resilience levels. He speculated as to whether this approach would succeed in adding value to the PNT community but also stated that there was a need for intervention, be it a standard, guidance or even a code of conduct. An analysis of the US Resilience Conformance Framework would be part of developing the correct intervention.

The meeting noted it is necessary to help users assess their current levels of resilience – there is nothing available to support presently. This links to the other PAG activity on if there is a need for a UK PNT test bed, which is being consulted upon. The “standards” report is nearly completed and the executive committee discussed whether an RIN event on standards to coincide with the release of the document, would be worth considering.

This blog invites recipients to feedback to the RIN on if a seminar on PNT standards/guidance/best practice would be welcomed. Please contact RIN Communications and Events Manager Clare Stead at comms@rin.org.uk with any feedback

Ensuring better communications

The group Secretary Guy Buesnel also presented plans to develop a coherent communications strategy for the RIN PAG which could be widely used to achieve consistency and greater reach for the group, including keeping members on the mailing list up to date.

The Committee also unanimously decided to issue approve the admission of Mitch Narins FRIN to the PNT Advisory Committee Exec team. Mitch has been a prolific contributor to the work of the RIN and to developing Systems thinking for achieving PNT resilience and in developing usable standards to improve PNT Resilience. Mitch was employed with the FAA for more than 26 years, becoming Chief Systems Engineer for Navigation Services. He is also an Adjunct Professor at George Washington University, a member of the editorial advisory board for GPS World, magazine, a member of the Corporate Faculty at Harrisburg University of Science and Technology, is a Fellow of the RIN and is now the Principal Consultant and owner of Strategic Synergies, LLC. Mitch will bring a wealth of industrial and academic expertise to the committee as well as a US perspective on Resilient PNT affairs.
The PNT Advisory Group always welcomes suggestions and inputs on PNT matters, large or small. Feel free to get in touch.

Andy and Guy.

Tags: LEO Low Earth Orbit Satellites PNT Positioning Navigation and Timing resilient pnt RIN PNT Advisory Group RIN Special Interest Group