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EGNOS, Europe's regional satellite-based augmentation system (SBAS), is adding a new service to its repertoire: The EGNOS Safety of Life Assisted Service for Maritime Users (ESMAS). 

“Although GNSS is the primary means of obtaining positioning, navigation and timing information while at sea, these signals must be augmented using ground-based signals like DGNSS,” explains EUSPA Executive Director Rodrigo da Costa. “Designed to complement ground-based augmented signals, ESMAS adds another layer of protection against errors while also increasing the accuracy and ensuring the integrity of the GNSS signal.” 

DGNSS, short for Differential Global Navigation Satellite System, is an enhancement to GNSS that was developed to correct errors and inaccuracies in the GNSS system and thus allow for more accurate positioning information. 

“ESMAS takes this one step further, providing an augmentation solution even in areas where DGNSS services are unavailable, not deployed or are out of the maritime user’s range,” adds da Costa.

Because it does not require any additional infrastructure, ESMAS is well-positioned to support navigation in ocean and coastal waters, including harbour approaches and entrances. All that is needed to utilise the service is an SBAS-enabled GNSS receiver developed according to the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standards.  With such a receiver onboard, a vessel can navigate with increased accuracy and can receive alerts signalling errors on  GNSS with the objective to avoid unsafe situation. Furthermore, EGNOS interfaces NAVAREA coordinators, to timely provide Maritime Safety Information (MSI) - the navigational warnings and other urgent safety related messages - that could be broadcast to the ships using conventional channels.

Although the service targets merchant vessels, the ESMAS signal is available free of charge to all SOLAS-conforming vessels from EU Member States, Iceland, Norway and Switzerland. 

The ESMAS offers a service tailored to maritime users to enable marine navigation in harbour entrances, harbour approaches and coastal waters of the European Union Member States and EGNOS contributing countries (Iceland, Norway and Switzerland) in line with the IMO Resolution A.1046.

Expanding the EGNOS service portfolio

Used to improve the performance of global navigation satellite systems like Galileo and GPS, EGNOS provides several navigation services to the aviation, maritime, rail, surveying and agriculture sectors, along with a range of land-based users. 

The new ESMAS is in addition to the already available EGNOS Open Service, which is used by mass-market receivers and common user applications; the EGNOS Data Access Service (EDAS), which offers ground-based access to EGNOS data through the internet; and the Safety of Life Service (SoL), which is used for safety-critical aviation applications that require enhanced, guaranteed performance and an integrity warning system.   

Unlike these other EGNOS services, which are delivered by ESSP under a contract with EUSPA, ESMAS will be delivered directly by EUSPA.

An ESMAS webpage, contains real-time service performance, and information about the service’s historical performance, along with all relevant documentation (e.g., SDD, Service Notices, etc.). Users can also pose questions related to the service via the site’s helpdesk. For urgent issues, a 24/7 hotline is available.  

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).

Following successful sessions gathering over 600 registered users, the EU Space Academy Learning Platform is back – and it’s better than ever.

The free online training programme will continue to provide entrepreneurs, start-ups and SMEs with the tools and skills they need to build ground-breaking new apps and disruptive business solutions using the power of the EU Space Programme. 

But now this training comes with even more EU Space!

The revamped EU Space Academy Learning Platform covers the entire EU Space Programme, including EGNOS, Galileo, Copernicus, GOVSATCOM and Space Situational Awareness (SSA). We’ve also refreshed all our course materials and even added an entirely new course on EU Space for Security. 

Participants can now choose from 12 learning modules and 44 lessons. They are designed to serve as building blocks for turning your innovative idea into a successful space business. These not only cover such hot topics as enabling technologies, New Space and cybersecurity, they also cover the technical components of the EU Space Programme and such ‘nuts and bolts’ business skills as:

• Customer support and sales
• Building a successful team
• Resource allocation
• Business plans and models
• Access to finance and funding
• Investment readiness
• Intellectual Property, copyrights and data policy

You can pick and choose which modules to follow and tailor your training to your own unique learning needs. All modules can be accessed online by using your own device – meaning you can complete them when and where you want. An online mobile app is currently being developed and should be available soon. The modules are taught by top academics, industry leaders and EUSPA experts, all of whom bring real-world experience to your learning journey. 

In addition to the training modules, the EU Space Academy Learning Platform also comes with ample opportunities for Q&A, one-on-one sessions, additional workshops, networking and matchmaking, personalised follow-ups and mentoring. Once you finish the training, you’ll receive an official certificate of completion from EUSPA.  

Ready to get started? Then head over here to enrol in the all-new EU Space Academy Learning Platform! 

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).

Following successful sessions gathering over 1100 registered users, the EU Space Academy Learning Platform is back – and it’s better than ever.

The free online training programme will continue to provide entrepreneurs, start-ups and SMEs with the tools and skills they need to build ground-breaking new apps and disruptive business solutions using the power of the EU Space Programme. 

But now this training comes with even more EU Space!

The revamped EU Space Academy Learning Platform covers the entire EU Space Programme, including EGNOS, Galileo, Copernicus, GOVSATCOM and Space Situational Awareness (SSA). We’ve also refreshed all our course materials and even added an entirely new course on EU Space for Security. 

Participants can now choose from 12 learning modules and 44 lessons. They are designed to serve as building blocks for turning your innovative idea into a successful space business. These not only cover such hot topics as enabling technologies, New Space and cybersecurity, they also cover the technical components of the EU Space Programme and such ‘nuts and bolts’ business skills as:

• Customer support and sales
• Building a successful team
• Resource allocation
• Business plans and models
• Access to finance and funding
• Investment readiness
• Intellectual Property, copyrights and data policy

You can pick and choose which modules to follow and tailor your training to your own unique learning needs. All modules can be accessed online by using your own device – meaning you can complete them when and where you want. An online mobile app is currently being developed and should be available soon. The modules are taught by top academics, industry leaders and EUSPA experts, all of whom bring real-world experience to your learning journey. 

In addition to the training modules, the EU Space Academy Learning Platform also comes with ample opportunities for Q&A, one-on-one sessions, additional workshops, networking and matchmaking, personalised follow-ups and mentoring. Once you finish the training, you’ll receive an official certificate of completion from EUSPA.  

Ready to get started? Then head over here to enrol in the all-new EU Space Academy Learning Platform! 

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 Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) plays a pivotal role in implementing the EU Space Programme. EUSPA requires therefore robust support services to effectively execute its responsibilities and mission. 

Furthermore, as co-contracting authorities, EUSPA and the European Commission are jointly committed to leveraging these support services to drive innovation, enhance security, and promote the sustainable development of space-related initiatives within the European Union.

The total estimated value of the procedure, excluding VAT, is 297,418,000.00 EUR.

The time limit for receipt of tenders has been set out for Thursday, 25 April 2024 at 23:59 (Prague time)

The tender documents are available here

Precisely, the procedure is split into five distinctive lots, as follows, covering EUSPA’s and EC’s needs transversally, as well as covering all sites, EU space components and corporate activities: 

Lot 1 – Mission, Services Engineering and Uptake Support;

Lot 2 – Ground and Space Segments Engineering Support;

Lot 3 – Security- Cyber and Risk Analysis Support;

Lot 4 – Project Management & Quality Support;

Lot 5 – Operations and Service Provision and Management Support. 

The objective is to conclude two Multiple Framework Contracts per each lot in cascade. All lots are envisaged as interinstitutional contracts whereby EUSPA and EC will be co-contracting authorities. 

The tasks are meant to support contracting authorities in fulfilling their respective roles in the implementation of the EU Space Programme Components and for the execution of future tasks that may be entrusted in relation to other EU Space Programmes, such as the IRIS².

To ensure broad participation in the call, a dedicated webinar on the call will be held on Friday, 15 March 2024 from 09:30 to 12:00 (Prague local time). This informative webinar aims to provide clarity, address questions, and encourage engagement from all interested parties. The participation is encouraged to ensure a transparent and inclusive process.

You can participate by following this link.

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).