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Access to space data and services has become an absolute essential for governmental actors ranging from diplomatic missions to maritime authorities. Space capabilities, be it communications, satellite navigation or Earth Observation are a cost-efficient way for the Union to manage security incidents, mitigate the effects of climate change and ensure the wellbeing of its citizens.

During a workshop in Helsinki, organised by the Association of Finnish Defence and Aerospace Industries - AFDA, Rodrigo da Costa, EUSPA Executive Director answered information needs and highlighted the growing importance of using certain services from Galileo, Copernicus and in the future GOVSATCOM and IRIS2.

“One of the cornerstones of Finland’s space policy is the vast participation of new space companies and start-ups. The EUSPA workshop was a valuable opportunity to learn about the relevant leveraging options on the interface between Finnish companies and authorities and the EU,” confirmed Ilona Lundström, Chair of the Finnish Space Committee. 

Resilience and Robustness with Galileo Public Regulated Service 

Galileo's Public Regulated Service (PRS) is an encrypted navigation system designed for authorized governmental users and sensitive applications. PRS ensures a resilient and robust navigation experience, particularly in situations where other services may be unavailable or compromised. Unlike Galileo Open service, PRS features a unique signal and system architecture that enhances its resistance to malicious interference, such as spoofing and jamming. EUSPA is actively involved in developing the PRS user segment to meet user needs and promote its secure and widespread use. In the meantime, EUSPA is continuing the development and maintenance of the Galileo services. After the Galileo High Accuracy Service available since January 2023, the new Open Service with Navigation Message Authentication (OSNMA) is planned to be made available in the first trimester of 2024.

Read this: Successful demonstration of New Emergency Warning Satellite Service takes place in France & Germany

Secure connectivity anywhere, anytime

Satellite communications are a strategic asset for the Union and its Member States. Recent geopolitical tensions at the borders of our continent have only highlighted the need for secure, robust and rapidly deployable satellite communications capabilities.

To respond to this challenge, the European Commission introduced a new flagship programme for secure communications and high throughput connectivity called “IRIS2’’  or Infrastructure for Resilience, Interconnectivity and Security by Satellite. The new multi-orbital constellation will combine the benefits offered by Low Earth (LEO), Geostationary (GEO), and Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) satellites to provide secure communication services and broadband connectivity to European citizens, private companies and governmental authorities anywhere in the world. 

“The navigation, earth observation and secured communications capabilities of the EU Space Programme will unleash an array of opportunities and applications for government use. They can support the management of critical infrastructure, or security operations in remote areas among others’’, says EUSPA Executive Director, Rodrigo da Costa.

Seeing the “full picture’’ with Copernicus 

We often refer to Copernicus as “Europe’s eyes on Earth’’ and there’s a good reason behind this nickname. The EU Earth Observation Programme generates over 16 terabytes of optical and in-situ data which are translated into a wealth of information through its six thematic services.  

While all services are widely used by governmental actors such as CAP paying agencies or ministries of environment (i.e., C3S), the Security Service of Copernicus and its respective components the Maritime and Border Surveillance services have become the preferred security tool at the fingertips of law enforcement authorities. 

EUSPA: Delivering next generation governmental space applications 

Fiammetta Diani, EUSPA Head of Market Downstream and Innovation took the opportunity of the workshop to recall the mission of EUSPA towards entrepreneurs. “From funding to space market intelligence, EUSPA helps entrepreneurs, private and public actors create solutions that combine satellite communications, navigation, and Earth Observation to address challenges or improve the safety and wellbeing of EU citizens.”

EUSPA funds a series of research and innovation projects through Horizon Europe that are promising to deliver some of the most cutting edge, space applications to benefit government users. The next Horizon Europe call will be launched in the last trimester of 2023.

Media note: This feature can be republished without charge provided the European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) is acknowledged as the source at the top or the bottom of the story. You must request permission before you use any of the photographs on the site. If you republish, we would be grateful if you could link back to the EUSPA website (http://www.euspa.europa.eu).

Asthma is a condition which impacts the daily lives of 30 million Europeans and 300 million people globally. People with asthma may experience coughing, wheezing and trouble breathing among other ailments. According to the European Federation of Asthma and Allergy Associations, the global asthma prevalence could increase to 400 million people worldwide by 2025. 

A 2021 Eurostat report on asthma rates found Finland on the top of the list, with 9% of people reporting to have asthma, followed by Germany and France (both at 8%). In contrast, only 2% of people in both Romania and Bulgaria reported having this disease. In addition to the burden of asthma on the lives of individuals and their families, it is asthma exacerbations that also impact health care systems and society due to their impact on work/school productivity and health care utilisation and costs.

Climate change triggering or worsening Asthma  

Climate change highly affects the air we breathe by increasing the risk that air pollution, including ozone and particle pollution, will worsen. Increasing temperatures, causes warm air to form ground-level ozone, which can be one of the main components of smog, a powerful air pollutant. In turn, as ozone irritates the lungs, it is likely to trigger an asthma attack.  

Likewise, hotter temperatures and drought are found to be important contributors to more frequent and intense wildfires as well as longer wildfire seasons. Wildfires generate smoke that deteriorates air quality, allowing tiny particles to reach far into the lungs and enter the bloodstream, causing asthma attacks. 

PODCAST: Can Copernicus help you with your seasonal allergies?

Space data to the rescue

As climate change continues to pose the greatest challenge for the Union, the scientific community and healthcare industry are looking for novel ways to understand the complex interactions between air quality and respiratory health. Approaches include the use of Earth Observation data – both in-situ and optical by Copernicus.

The global pharmaceutical company Teva is investigating the correlation between wildfire air pollution and asthma outcomes with the aid of the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS).

CAMS provides consistent information on the atmosphere anywhere in the world, which allows users to assess the past and predict the next few days. CAMS adds value to air quality and atmospheric composition observations which are taken from satellites as well as from sensors on the ground, in the oceans and in the air (known as in-situ). The work of CAMS scientists focuses on the main areas of air quality and atmospheric composition: solar radiation, the ozone layer and ultraviolet radiation, emissions and surface fluxes of pollutants and greenhouse gases, and climate forcing.

Teva pharmaceuticals is studying global data on wildfires provided by the Global Fire Assimilation System (GFAS) of CAMS, as well as relevant air pollution parameters to better understand how Asthma patients are affected. The global pharmaceutical is correlating real-world data from its digital inhaler with Copernicus information in order to validate current known and hypothesized relationships between environment and patient outcome, as well as discover new ones. The studies have the potential to provide novel insights into our current understanding of asthma, offering the possibility to significantly advance patient care and well-being. 

CAMS uses near-real-time observations of the location and intensity of active wildfires to estimate the emissions of pollutants. This is done through its Global Fire Assimilation System (GFAS).

“EUSPA is in charge of promoting the use of Copernicus data and services to new commercial and business users and helping create value-adding applications that benefit end users” says Justyna Redelkiewicz, the Head of Section Consumer and Environment at EUSPA. “‘By leveraging Copernicus’ comprehensive data on air quality, healthcare stakeholders can collaboratively engage in targeted efforts to address this critical issue and proactively promote public well-being.” concludes Redelkiewicz.

As Copernicus takes a pivotal step into the healthcare sector, the cooperation between EUSPA and Teva Pharmaceutics indicates a significant advancement in addressing the complex challenges posed by respiratory diseases, in particular in the context of Climate Change. With the potential to unlock breakthrough insights into asthma triggers through the analysis of Copernicus data on wildfires and air quality, this collaboration holds promise for the development of innovative healthcare solutions. As the healthcare industry embraces the wealth of information Copernicus offers, a new era of understanding and tackling health-related challenges is set to unfold.

To maximise knowledge about the EU Space Programme and its growing potential in the healthcare sector EUSPA participated in AUTOMA+ 2023, in Zurich, Switzerland between 25-26 September.

Media note: This feature can be republished without charge provided the European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) is acknowledged as the source at the top or the bottom of the story. You must request permission before you use any of the photographs on the site. If you republish, we would be grateful if you could link back to the EUSPA website (http://www.euspa.europa.eu).

While many of us may dream of flying to space, everyone can fly with space. 

That’s because whenever you catch a flight, your aircraft is likely using a range of space-based technologies for everything from positioning to enabling the most fuel-efficient routes and navigating poor visibility conditions at low altitudes.

In fact, the EU Space Programme has its roots in aviation. EGNOS, the European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service, was designed for flying. Since its launch in 2010, the programme has been increasing accuracy and integrity and improving accessibility, efficiency, sustainability and safety for operators and pilots at over 420 airports across Europe. 

“From the commercial, regional, general and business aviation sectors to OEMs, airports and the end user – everyone benefits from EGNOS,” says Carmen Aguilera, Head of Section Operational Market Development & Safety Critical Applications at EUSPA. 

Aguilera will be a featured speaker during Airspace Integration Week Madrid, of which EUSPA is also a partner, speaking about STM, ATM and UTM.

In light of an increasingly congested space, there is a compelling need to act in order to maintain space as a resource for future generations. Space Traffic Management therefore aims at keeping space operations safe, space orbits usable, and space accessible for decades to come while ensuring and further fostering the competitiveness of the EU industry. Dedicated panels on STM took place also including the presentation of EUSPA new responsibility on Space Surveillance and Tracking (SST) Front Desk.

Read more: EGNOS makes flying sustainably ‘easy’

Moreover, as Aguilera is quick to note, EGNOS is by no means the only component of the EU Space Programme that benefits aviation. “Galileo, the EU's global navigation satellite system, will soon provide advanced navigation capabilities to the aviation sector, greatly improving the availability and reliability of services,” she explains. 

EGNOS, Galileo and Copernicus open the door to a safe and efficient drone ecosystem 

EGNOS and Galileo differentiators (Authentication and High Accuracy) support efficient and safe drone operations. Commercial receivers with these capabilities are already in the market ready to be used. The integration in a drone platform and the mission, either in the autopilot or payload, may not be evident. Therefore, EUSPA is holding the first ‘Hands on workshop on the integration of EGNOS and Galileo for drone operators’. We will work with real receivers and drone models to show you how to use them in operations. No promotional material, just practical tools!

Join us on 26th September at 15h00 at the Spotlight theatre 

While Galileo and EGNOS enable the determination of a precise position anywhere, Copernicus, Europe’s Earth Observation programme, provides information on the Earth’s surface, atmosphere and oceans. For the aviation sector, this means being able to monitor volcanic ash clouds, emissions, terrain, flight procedure development and flight planning.

But where Copernicus really shines is its role in enabling safe drone operations. 

For instance, maps that integrate Earth Observation data can provide drone operators and regulators with insights on population density, allowing them to plan routes that avoid crowded areas. In Europe, regulators can use Copernicus data to help harmonise the way these ground risks are assessed, while developers can use this same data to strategically plan the building of such drone infrastructure as cargo drops, vertiports and charging stations.

 “Copernicus data, working in synergy with the accurate and secure positioning provided by Galileo and EGNOS, will enable an integrated, efficient and well-regulated drone ecosystem that allows operators and businesses to thrive while also ensuring the safety of those on the ground,” concludes Aguilera.   

Read more: EU Space key to enabling a harmonised drone ecosystem

Recognising its immense potential for enabling a harmonised drone ecosystem and complex drone operations, the European Commission’s Drone Strategy 2.0 puts EU Space front and centre. Responsible for the operational management of the EU Space Programme and for ensuring the continuous provision of its services, EUSPA plays a key role in the strategy’s implementation. You can learn more about the strategy and EUSPA’s role here.

Media note: This feature can be republished without charge provided the European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) is acknowledged as the source at the top or the bottom of the story. You must request permission before you use any of the photographs on the site. If you republish, we would be grateful if you could link back to the EUSPA website (http://www.euspa.europa.eu).

This procurement aims to provide support to EUSPA in maintaining its ISO 9001:2015 – certified Integrated Management System, implementing the oversight of the EU Space Programme components and exploring the adoption of the ISO 27000 standard for its information security.

To execute the Framework Contract, the Agency may request the contractors through specific contract(s), to provide the following services:

Service 1: Corporate Quality Management

This service is dedicated to the ongoing maintenance and improvement of EUSPA's Integrated Management System (IMS) that conforms to ISO 9001 standards, as proven by the associated certificate the Agency has held for nearly 10 years. The work will be executed under the direct supervision of EUSPA’s Corporate Quality Manager.

Service 2: Space Programmes' Oversight

Focused on the oversight of the implementation of the service provision management system (also called quality framework) for the EU Space Programme components managed by EUSPA, such as EGNOS and Galileo. The work will be directly managed by EUSPA’s Oversight Manager.

Service 3: ISO 27000 Preparation

This service, which can be optionally activated, aims to prepare EUSPA for ISO 27000 certification, including an initial assessment, gap analysis, and planning for the effort required to get the relevant certification.

Submission Deadline: Monday, October 16, 2023 - 23:59 (Brussels time)

A dedicated webinar for further clarification on the procurement will be hosted on the 2nd of October 2023, at 15h00 CET.

You can join the webinar here.

Media note: This feature can be republished without charge provided the European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) is acknowledged as the source at the top or the bottom of the story. You must request permission before you use any of the photographs on the site. If you republish, we would be grateful if you could link back to the EUSPA website (http://www.euspa.europa.eu).

The European Union Space Programme is  a pivotal pillar in advancing security applications, propelling research, and fostering innovation across Europe's space endeavours. The Programme serves as a cornerstone for various security applications thanks to its various components. The Copernicus Security Service delivers vital intelligence for external action, as well as border and maritime surveillance. The use of Galileo-protected services, including but not limited to its Public Regulated Service (PRS) which provides encrypted positioning and timing data, ensures secure and reliable operation of critical infrastructure and sensitive missions and applications. GOVSATCOM will enhance secure satellite communication for government authorised users, while the upcoming IRIS² programme will further elevate satellite communication's resilience. Together, these initiatives will reinforce Europe's security capabilities and readiness, enabling more efficient operations for security actors.

The European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) supports the possibilities brought by the different components through a comprehensive array of initiatives to fortify security capabilities in diverse dimensions.  

Within the Agency, the Security Accreditation Board (SAB) operates as a distinct body responsible for accrediting security in the EU Space Programme's components. It takes its decisions in an independent manner including with regard to the Commission and the other bodies responsible for the implementation of the components and provision of service. EUSPA's proactive approach is vividly evident in its outreach to user communities, actively refining services based on their nuanced requirements. A prime example is the ENTRUSTED project, a collaborative venture that meticulously consolidates governmental user needs, subsequently tailoring services for enhanced effectiveness. The agency's interactions with security users, exemplified by the organisation of events like the first SatCom downstream event, underscore its dedication to comprehending and addressing user demands. Further showcasing this dedication is the EUSpace4Ukraine initiative, which lends support to crisis management actors and NGOs in a pivotal geopolitical region.

Anticipation builds around the recurrent User Consultation Platform (UCP) meetings, to take place in Spain in the framework of the EU Space Week in November 2023. Set to convene stakeholders, the UCP furnishes a platform for insightful deliberations, particularly emphasizing Resilient Societies. Here, stakeholders will converge to deliberate emerging challenges and chart strategies for heightening societal resilience. This undertaking mirrors EUSPA's commitment to bolstering security applications capable of countering evolving threats.

EUSPA's alignment with Horizon Europe adds a potent layer to its approach, fostering security application development. With the evaluation of the second Horizon Europe call concluded, expectations mount for upcoming projects geared toward addressing security use cases. This synergy exemplifies the agency's resolve to stimulate innovation and collaboration, spanning a wide gamut of security realms.

As the European Union Agency for the Space Programme perpetually evolves, its steadfast commitment to propelling security applications, nurturing research, and fostering innovation emerge as a guiding force, shaping a safer and more robust future. The stage is set for ground-breaking developments that promise to revolutionize security capabilities, fortifying Europe's readiness against intricate challenges.

Media note: This feature can be republished without charge provided the European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) is acknowledged as the source at the top or the bottom of the story. You must request permission before you use any of the photographs on the site. If you republish, we would be grateful if you could link back to the EUSPA website (http://www.euspa.europa.eu).