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The visit was an opportunity for EUSPA to highlight the many synergies between EGNSS and Copernicus, and how these synergies benefit EU businesses and citizens.

On 23 February, the European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) welcomed representatives from the European Parliament’s Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) to its Prague headquarters. The committee representatives were also joined by European Commission representatives for a full schedule of presentations, demonstrations and discussions.

The visit, the first since the new regulation on the EU Space Programme came into effect, was an opportunity for committee members and representatives to get a close-up look at how Galileo, EGNOS and Copernicus support many of the activities and services that fall within the committee’s portfolio of responsibilities.   

“As custodians of the EU space policy, it’s crucial that the ITRE Committee continues to foster a strong partnership and collaboration with EUSPA’s team, who enable the policy to excel both here on earth and in space. We’re looking forward to hearing more about EUSPA’s management and protection of EU space infrastructure and how space-based innovation is increasingly brought in the daily lives of the EU citizens” declared ITRE Chair, Cristian Bușoi.

 A key topic of discussion was how best to leverage the EU Space Programme’s many synergies.

“The EU Space Programme benefits our society at many levels. For example, with EGNOS we improve the accessibility of our EU airports, whereas with certain Galileo features such as the OSNMA we can better protect critical infrastructures. Generating daily over 16TB of data, Copernicus is a helping hand in understanding climate change. With GOVSATCOM, Europe will be benefitting from a first of its kind secure and resilient satcom infrastructure for governmental users.” said EUSPA Executive Director Rodrigo da Costa. 

Security was also a key theme of the visit. EUSPA’s position as the gatekeeper of security for the EU Space Programme was emphasised, especially as it relates to the safeguarding of space-related assets, both in space and on the ground. The contribution of the EU Space Programme to the safety of European citizens was showcased through concrete applications, such as Galileo’s support to international Search and Rescue (SAR) satellite services, eCall technology and the Public Regulated Service (PRS).

EUSPA’s GOVSATCOM responsibilities were also highlighted. As the entity entrusted with the procurement of the secure operational ground segment (GOVSATCOM Hubs), its operations and the coordination of the user-related aspects of GOVSATCOM, EUSPA is focused on expanding infrastructure development and fostering technological innovation within the service.

In line with the recent report commissioned by the ITRE committee, which examined how to facilitate access and create an open and competitive space market, a presentation on the downstream market and its innovation was given. The presentation focused on the benefits of space products made within the EU, and included a hands-on demonstration of various space technologies and applications. Attendees were able to test out smartphone applications, drones and even a motorbike, all enabled by the EU Space Programme’s technology. 

Concluding the visit, the ITRE Committee and EUSPA agreed that maintaining alignment on the activities within the remit of the committee which are supported by EU space infrastructure will be key to further establishing a strong and competitive EU space sector. 

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 visit was an opportunity for EUSPA to highlight the many synergies between EGNSS and Copernicus, and how these synergies benefit EU businesses and citizens.

On 23 February, the European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) welcomed representatives from the European Parliament’s Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) to its Prague headquarters. The committee representatives were also joined by European Commission representatives for a full schedule of presentations, demonstrations and discussions.

The visit, the first since the new regulation on the EU Space Programme came into effect, was an opportunity for committee members and representatives to get a close-up look at how Galileo, EGNOS and Copernicus support many of the activities and services that fall within the committee’s portfolio of responsibilities.   

“As custodians of the EU space policy, it’s crucial that the ITRE Committee continues to foster a strong partnership and collaboration with EUSPA’s team, who enable the policy to excel both here on earth and in space. We’re looking forward to hearing more about EUSPA’s management and protection of EU space infrastructure and how space-based innovation is increasingly brought in the daily lives of the EU citizens” declared ITRE Chair, Cristian Bușoi.

 A key topic of discussion was how best to leverage the EU Space Programme’s many synergies.

“The EU Space Programme benefits our society at many levels. For example, with EGNOS we improve the accessibility of our EU airports, whereas with certain Galileo features such as the OSNMA we can better protect critical infrastructures. Generating daily over 16TB of data, Copernicus is a helping hand in understanding climate change. With GOVSATCOM, Europe will be benefitting from a first of its kind secure and resilient satcom infrastructure for governmental users.” said EUSPA Executive Director Rodrigo da Costa. 

Security was also a key theme of the visit. EUSPA’s position as the gatekeeper of security for the EU Space Programme was emphasised, especially as it relates to the safeguarding of space-related assets, both in space and on the ground. The contribution of the EU Space Programme to the safety of European citizens was showcased through concrete applications, such as Galileo’s support to international Search and Rescue (SAR) satellite services, eCall technology and the Public Regulated Service (PRS).

EUSPA’s GOVSATCOM responsibilities were also highlighted. As the entity entrusted with the procurement of the secure operational ground segment (GOVSATCOM Hubs), its operations and the coordination of the user-related aspects of GOVSATCOM, EUSPA is focused on expanding infrastructure development and fostering technological innovation within the service.

In line with the recent report commissioned by the ITRE committee, which examined how to facilitate access and create an open and competitive space market, a presentation on the downstream market and its innovation was given. The presentation focused on the benefits of space products made within the EU, and included a hands-on demonstration of various space technologies and applications. Attendees were able to test out smartphone applications, drones and even a motorbike, all enabled by the EU Space Programme’s technology. 

Concluding the visit, the ITRE Committee and EUSPA agreed that maintaining alignment on the activities within the remit of the committee which are supported by EU space infrastructure will be key to further establishing a strong and competitive EU space sector. 

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).

Speaking at last week’s Copernicus Horizon 2035 conference, EUSPA Executive Director Rodrigo da Costa outlined how European businesses can benefit from Copernicus’ Earth observation services, data, and information.  

If you’ve ever watched a news story about a natural disaster, chances are, the satellite images shown in the story came from Copernicus, Europe’s Earth Observation programme. 

Why?

“Because Copernicus is the best Earth Observation system in the world,” said Thierry Breton, European Commissioner for the Internal Market, who made his remarks at Copernicus Horizon 2035. 

Organised by the French Presidency of the Council of the European Union and the European Commission, the conference, which was held 16 – 17 February, put the spotlight on Copernicus, its achievements, goals and opportunities.      

“By providing unique insights into the Earth and its environment, Copernicus helps governments, national agencies, institutions and researchers and of protect our planet for future generations,” said Rodrigo da Costa, Executive Director, European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA). ‘’But Copernicus is also of strategic importance to European SMEs, and we must ensure they make the most of the available date,’’ he concluded. Under the auspices of the European Commission, EUSPA is charged with promoting Copernicus’ services, data and market uptake.   

The commercial potential of Copernicus 

Beyond its use by governments and in emergency situations, Earth Observation also has significant commercial potential. For example, according to the latest edition of the EUSPA EO and GNSS Market Report, SMEs and start-ups account for more than 93% of European Earth Observation companies. 

“Europe is seeing a vibrant Copernicus start-up scene unfolding, with hundreds of new ventures being created using Copernicus data and information,” noted Fiammetta Diani, EUSPA Head of Market, Downstream and Innovation, who also spoke at the conference.

With revenues set to double from approximately EUR 2.8 billion to over EUR 5.5 billion within the next decade, the market for Earth observation applications is boosted by a large pool of value-added services. This is especially the case within the climate services, urban development, energy, insurance, finance and agriculture segments.   

“Farmers can use Copernicus-derived information to monitor the health of their crops and study the quality of their soil,” explained da Costa. “And urban planners can use Earth Observation data to design sustainable smart cities and build infrastructure that is more resilient against the impact of climate change.”    

Copernicus also complements the other components of the EU Space Programmes, including Galileo and EGNOS. For example, construction companies can use European GNSS (EGNSS), together with Earth Observation, to first select locations with the best conditions and then monitor the building or infrastructure asset over its entire lifespan.   

Maximising Copernicus’ benefits

However, to truly maximise Copernicus’ economic and societal benefits, European companies must fully embrace the power of Earth Observation.

To help, EUSPA is in constant communication with European companies, helping them on how they can best leverage Copernicus data, information and services. 

“SMEs and start-ups are in the spotlight since they are key to enlarging the use of Copernicus. They are more agile, able to adjust new business models and technologies more swiftly. Besides, they can be closer to end-users and local authorities permitting them to innovate affordably,” said Diani.

EUSPA has also launched several Earth Observation focused funding opportunities for companies, including Horizon Calls and innovation competitions as part of the CASSINI programme focussing on entrepreneurs. 

“Our intent is to position EUSPA as the go-to-source for all things related to Earth Observation and EGNSS,” concluded da Costa. “That means to be the single point of information, expertise and market intelligence that companies from across Europe can depend on when integrating European space solutions into their start-ups, enterprises, innovations and research.”

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).

Speaking at last week’s Copernicus Horizon 2035 conference, EUSPA Executive Director Rodrigo da Costa outlined how European businesses can benefit from Copernicus’ Earth observation services, data, and information.  

If you’ve ever watched a news story about a natural disaster, chances are, the satellite images shown in the story came from Copernicus, Europe’s Earth Observation programme. 

Why?

“Because Copernicus is the best Earth Observation system in the world,” said Thierry Breton, European Commissioner for the Internal Market, who made his remarks at Copernicus Horizon 2035. 

Organised by the French Presidency of the Council of the European Union and the European Commission, the conference, which was held 16 – 17 February, put the spotlight on Copernicus, its achievements, goals and opportunities.      

“By providing unique insights into the Earth and its environment, Copernicus helps governments, national agencies, institutions and researchers and of protect our planet for future generations,” said Rodrigo da Costa, Executive Director, European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA). ‘’But Copernicus is also of strategic importance to European SMEs, and we must ensure they make the most of the available date,’’ he concluded. Under the auspices of the European Commission, EUSPA is charged with promoting Copernicus’ services, data and market uptake.   

The commercial potential of Copernicus 

Beyond its use by governments and in emergency situations, Earth Observation also has significant commercial potential. For example, according to the latest edition of the EUSPA EO and GNSS Market Report, SMEs and start-ups account for more than 93% of European Earth Observation companies. 

“Europe is seeing a vibrant Copernicus start-up scene unfolding, with hundreds of new ventures being created using Copernicus data and information,” noted Fiammetta Diani, EUSPA Head of Market, Downstream and Innovation, who also spoke at the conference.

With revenues set to double from approximately EUR 2.8 billion to over EUR 5.5 billion within the next decade, the market for Earth observation applications is boosted by a large pool of value-added services. This is especially the case within the climate services, urban development, energy, insurance, finance and agriculture segments.   

“Farmers can use Copernicus-derived information to monitor the health of their crops and study the quality of their soil,” explained da Costa. “And urban planners can use Earth Observation data to design sustainable smart cities and build infrastructure that is more resilient against the impact of climate change.”    

Copernicus also complements the other components of the EU Space Programmes, including Galileo and EGNOS. For example, construction companies can use European GNSS (EGNSS), together with Earth Observation, to first select locations with the best conditions and then monitor the building or infrastructure asset over its entire lifespan.   

Maximising Copernicus’ benefits

However, to truly maximise Copernicus’ economic and societal benefits, European companies must fully embrace the power of Earth Observation.

To help, EUSPA is in constant communication with European companies, helping them on how they can best leverage Copernicus data, information and services. 

“SMEs and start-ups are in the spotlight since they are key to enlarging the use of Copernicus. They are more agile, able to adjust new business models and technologies more swiftly. Besides, they can be closer to end-users and local authorities permitting them to innovate affordably,” said Diani.

EUSPA has also launched several Earth Observation focused funding opportunities for companies, including Horizon Calls and innovation competitions as part of the CASSINI programme focussing on entrepreneurs. 

“Our intent is to position EUSPA as the go-to-source for all things related to Earth Observation and EGNSS,” concluded da Costa. “That means to be the single point of information, expertise and market intelligence that companies from across Europe can depend on when integrating European space solutions into their start-ups, enterprises, innovations and research.”

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).

Speaking at last week’s Copernicus Horizon 2035 conference, EUSPA Executive Director Rodrigo da Costa outlined how European businesses can benefit from Copernicus’ Earth observation services, data, and information.  

If you’ve ever watched a news story about a natural disaster, chances are, the satellite images shown in the story came from Copernicus, Europe’s Earth Observation programme. 

Why?

“Because Copernicus is the best Earth Observation system in the world,” said Thierry Breton, European Commissioner for the Internal Market, who made his remarks at Copernicus Horizon 2035. 

Organised by the French Presidency of the Council of the European Union and the European Commission, the conference, which was held 16 – 17 February, put the spotlight on Copernicus, its achievements, goals and opportunities.      

“By providing unique insights into the Earth and its environment, Copernicus helps governments, national agencies, institutions and researchers and of protect our planet for future generations,” said Rodrigo da Costa, Executive Director, European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA). ‘’But Copernicus is also of strategic importance to European SMEs, and we must ensure they make the most of the available date,’’ he concluded. Under the auspices of the European Commission, EUSPA is charged with promoting Copernicus’ services, data and market uptake.   

The commercial potential of Copernicus 

Beyond its use by governments and in emergency situations, Earth Observation also has significant commercial potential. For example, according to the latest edition of the EUSPA EO and GNSS Market Report, SMEs and start-ups account for more than 93% of European Earth Observation companies. 

“Europe is seeing a vibrant Copernicus start-up scene unfolding, with hundreds of new ventures being created using Copernicus data and information,” noted Fiammetta Diani, EUSPA Head of Market, Downstream and Innovation, who also spoke at the conference.

With revenues set to double from approximately EUR 2.8 billion to over EUR 5.5 billion within the next decade, the market for Earth observation applications is boosted by a large pool of value-added services. This is especially the case within the climate services, urban development, energy, insurance, finance and agriculture segments.   

“Farmers can use Copernicus-derived information to monitor the health of their crops and study the quality of their soil,” explained da Costa. “And urban planners can use Earth Observation data to design sustainable smart cities and build infrastructure that is more resilient against the impact of climate change.”    

Copernicus also complements the other components of the EU Space Programmes, including Galileo and EGNOS. For example, construction companies can use European GNSS (EGNSS), together with Earth Observation, to first select locations with the best conditions and then monitor the building or infrastructure asset over its entire lifespan.   

Maximising Copernicus’ benefits

However, to truly maximise Copernicus’ economic and societal benefits, European companies must fully embrace the power of Earth Observation.

To help, EUSPA is in constant communication with European companies, helping them on how they can best leverage Copernicus data, information and services. 

“SMEs and start-ups are in the spotlight since they are key to enlarging the use of Copernicus. They are more agile, able to adjust new business models and technologies more swiftly. Besides, they can be closer to end-users and local authorities permitting them to innovate affordably,” said Diani.

EUSPA has also launched several Earth Observation focused funding opportunities for companies, including Horizon Calls and innovation competitions as part of the CASSINI programme focussing on entrepreneurs. 

“Our intent is to position EUSPA as the go-to-source for all things related to Earth Observation and EGNSS,” concluded da Costa. “That means to be the single point of information, expertise and market intelligence that companies from across Europe can depend on when integrating European space solutions into their start-ups, enterprises, innovations and research.”

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 EU Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) publishes procurement on “GRC Infrastructure evolution, nominal operations support, and maintenance”. To encourage the widest participation possible, the Agency is organizing an industry day to present the details of the call on 10 March 2022 at 10.00 CET

The EU Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) published a procurement on the “GRC Nominal Operations Support, Infrastructure Development, Evolution, and Maintenance”. To encourage large participation, EUSPA is organising an industry day to present the details of the call on 10 March 2022 at 10.00 CET. 

A service facility, located in Noordwijk, the Netherlands, the GRC performs independent service performance monitoring and reporting, service performance investigation and support, and campaign-based monitoring and experimentation, by itself and through cooperation with the EU Member States, Norway, and Switzerland. The GRC monitors not only Galileo but also other GNSSs and reports to various stakeholders.

The scope of the GRC Infrastructure Evolution, Nominal Operations Support, and Maintenance Framework Contract is to provide a turn-key service for GRC infrastructure releases (including operational validation activities), support the nominal operations, and follow up with the maintenance of the release in operation. It will include the design and implement an innovative solution for the next generation of the GRC. This will also include implementing a real-time solution into the GRC that will be capable of providing real-time monitoring of all Galileo services, precise reference time, and PRS navigation monitoring functionalities.

The GRC has a variety of tools developed for use within the facility as well as a strong operational team with a broad professional knowledge of GNSS systems and for these reasons greater functionalities are currently identified to be developed within the next generation of the GRC. 

With this important procurement, EUSPA is looking for one or more partners to provide services and supplies to support the agency in shaping the future versions of the GRC infrastructure to support the evolutions of several GNSS services. 

EUSPA is committed to promoting the widest participation possible by economic operators, including new entrants, in particular start-ups and SMEs. The agency is thus organising an industry day on 10 March 2022 at 10.00 to detail the procurement on “GRC Nominal Operations Support, Infrastructure Development, Evolution, and Maintenance”. 

Participants will also have the opportunity to learn more about the mission of the GRC, the procurement documentation, and the submission process.

To attend the event, please register 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 EU Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) publishes procurement on “GRC Infrastructure evolution, nominal operations support, and maintenance”. To encourage the widest participation possible, the Agency is organizing an industry day to present the details of the call on 10 March 2022 at 10.00 CET

The EU Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) published a procurement on the “GRC Nominal Operations Support, Infrastructure Development, Evolution, and Maintenance”. To encourage large participation, EUSPA is organising an industry day to present the details of the call on 10 March 2022 at 10.00 CET. 

A service facility, located in Noordwijk, the Netherlands, the GRC performs independent service performance monitoring and reporting, service performance investigation and support, and campaign-based monitoring and experimentation, by itself and through cooperation with the EU Member States, Norway, and Switzerland. The GRC monitors not only Galileo but also other GNSSs and reports to various stakeholders.

The scope of the GRC Infrastructure Evolution, Nominal Operations Support, and Maintenance Framework Contract is to provide a turn-key service for GRC infrastructure releases (including operational validation activities), support the nominal operations, and follow up with the maintenance of the release in operation. It will include the design and implement an innovative solution for the next generation of the GRC. This will also include implementing a real-time solution into the GRC that will be capable of providing real-time monitoring of all Galileo services, precise reference time, and PRS navigation monitoring functionalities.

The GRC has a variety of tools developed for use within the facility as well as a strong operational team with a broad professional knowledge of GNSS systems and for these reasons greater functionalities are currently identified to be developed within the next generation of the GRC. 

With this important procurement, EUSPA is looking for one or more partners to provide services and supplies to support the agency in shaping the future versions of the GRC infrastructure to support the evolutions of several GNSS services. 

EUSPA is committed to promoting the widest participation possible by economic operators, including new entrants, in particular start-ups and SMEs. The agency is thus organising an industry day on 10 March 2022 at 10.00 to detail the procurement on “GRC Nominal Operations Support, Infrastructure Development, Evolution, and Maintenance”. 

Participants will also have the opportunity to learn more about the mission of the GRC, the procurement documentation, and the submission process.

To attend the event, please register 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).

With a robust and secure ground and space segment, EUSPA ensures that Galileo’s 2.5 billion users benefit from the world’s most precise positioning system

Not only is the European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) charged with the development and provision of Galileo’s range of services, it also serves as the gatekeeper for the programme’s security. 

This means protecting Galileo’s space and ground operations against threats such as cyber-attacks, interference and damage by space debris – a job EUSPA does in collaboration with its industry partners.    

One of those partners is Spaceopal, a joint venture between Telespazio in Italy and DLR-GfR mbH in Germany. 

Under EUSPA’s leadership, Spaceopal serves as the Galileo Service Operator, a role that involves operating and maintaining Galileo’s ground and space segments, along with ensuring that all of Galileo’s 2.5 billion users continue to benefit from the world’s most precise positioning system. The company’s role as Galileo Service Operator has just been confirmed for the next 5 years.

High performance services worldwide 

Launched in 2016, Galileo is Europe’s Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS). In addition to providing positioning information with greater precision than other GNSS systems, Galileo also offers a Search and Rescue (SAR) service. This important service allows emergency first responders to quickly locate and help people in distress while giving them feedback that the call has been received by its unique … etc.

EUSPA is also developing new Galileo services, including a High Accuracy Service (HAS) for high accuracy corrections, and the a authentication service Open Service Navigation Message Authentication service (OSNMA), which will provide receivers with a first level of protection against manipulation and spoofing. 

A robust and secure ground and space segment 

All these services depend on having a robust and secure ground and space segment, which is exactly what EUSPA’s contract with Spaceopal guarantees. For example, as the Galileo Service Operator, Spaceopal will run EUSPA’s Galileo Control Centres (GCC) in Fucino, Italy and Oberpfaffenhofen, Germany. 

Backed by a network of ground stations and facilities spread around the globe, the GCCs allow EUSPA to monitor and control Galileo’s current constellation of satellites, along with the addition of new ones (such as Galileo Launch 12 expected later this year, which – like every additional satellite added to the constellation - will bring an additional layer of accuracy to Galileo services).  

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).

With a robust and secure ground and space segment, EUSPA ensures that Galileo’s 2.5 billion users benefit from the world’s most precise positioning system

Not only is the European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) charged with the development and provision of Galileo’s range of services, it also serves as the gatekeeper for the programme’s security. 

This means protecting Galileo’s space and ground operations against threats such as cyber-attacks, interference and damage by space debris – a job EUSPA does in collaboration with its industry partners.    

One of those partners is Spaceopal, a joint venture between Telespazio in Italy and DLR-GfR mbH in Germany. 

Under EUSPA’s leadership, Spaceopal serves as the Galileo Service Operator, a role that involves operating and maintaining Galileo’s ground and space segments, along with ensuring that all of Galileo’s 2.5 billion users continue to benefit from the world’s most precise positioning system. The company’s role as Galileo Service Operator has just been confirmed for the next 5 years.

High performance services worldwide 

Launched in 2016, Galileo is Europe’s Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS). In addition to providing positioning information with greater precision than other GNSS systems, Galileo also offers a Search and Rescue (SAR) service. This important service allows emergency first responders to quickly locate and help people in distress while giving them feedback that the call has been received by its unique Return Link Service.

EUSPA is also developing new Galileo services, including a High Accuracy Service (HAS) for high accuracy corrections, and the authentication service Open Service Navigation Message Authentication service (OSNMA), which will provide receivers with a first level of protection against manipulation and spoofing. 

A robust and secure ground and space segment 

All these services depend on having a robust and secure ground and space segment, which is exactly what EUSPA’s contract with Spaceopal guarantees. For example, as the Galileo Service Operator, Spaceopal will run EUSPA’s Galileo Control Centres (GCC) in Fucino, Italy and Oberpfaffenhofen, Germany. 

Backed by a network of ground stations and facilities spread around the globe, the GCCs allow EUSPA to monitor and control Galileo’s current constellation of satellites, along with the addition of new ones (such as Galileo Launch 12 expected later this year, which – like every additional satellite added to the constellation - will bring an additional layer of accuracy to Galileo services).  

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).