Positioning, Navigation And Timing (PNT)


Definition

Three distinct capabilities enabled by space systems which can be used separately or jointly. They are commonly used together to enable services such as GNSS.

  • Positioning refers to the ability to accurately and precisely determine location and orientation. It is mostly done in two-dimensions, but can be done three-dimensionally as well.
  • Navigation refers to the ability to determine the current and desired position of an object or person and determine corrections to course, orientation, and speed to attain a desired position anywhere around the world, from sub-surface to surface and from surface to space.
  • Timing refers to the ability to acquire and maintain accurate and precise time from a standard (Coordinated Universal Time, or UTC), anywhere in the world and within user-defined timeliness parameters.
Space Services and Activities

Space Services and Activities

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A Lexicon for Outer Space Securit
A Lexicon for Outer Space Securit
A Lexicon for Outer Space SecurityUnited Nations Institute for 
Disarmament ResearchPalais des Nations
1211 Geneva 10
Switzerland