satellite navigation

Most modern vehicles are internet-enabled in some way – to allow satellite navigation, for example – and drivers' phones are often connected to car systems.

Afterwards the "wreck was essentially lost, obviously you're dealing in a period with no satellite navigation," said Dr Bennett.

Estonia and Finland have also raised concerns, accusing Russia of deploying technology to jam satellite navigation signals near Nato's eastern flank – though the country has denied that.

GPS and other satellite navigation systems reset their own clocks by touching base with these more accurate clocks on the ground.

The 32-year-old added: "It's amazing to think that the work they did back then is still completely relevant today, even in the age of satellite navigation."