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The European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service (EGNOS) is Europe’s regional satellite-based augmentation system (SBAS). Used to improve the accuracy and reliability of GNSS positioning information, EGNOS is designed to provide safety of life navigation services to aviation, maritime and land-based users across the EU.

While the exploitation of EGNOS is the responsibility of the EU Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA), its services are delivered by the EGNOS service provider under a contract with EUSPA. Today, EUSPA formally announced that it has signed  its new EGNOS service provider contract with European Satellite Services Provider (ESSP), a company specialising in the operations and provision of satellite-based services for  critical missions such as for aviation and whose shareholders include seven leading European Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs).   

“EGNOS is a very successful part of the EU Space Programme. ESSP has been a strong partner to achieve this result and I look forward to another decade of success,” said EUSPA Executive Director Rodrigo da Costa. 

“As Europe’s first venture into satellite navigation, EGNOS set the precedent for what a successful space programme looks like,” added ESSP CEO Charlotte Neyret. “With this new contract, we look to raise the bar even higher.”

The new 10 years contract sees ESSP continuing its role as the EGNOS service provider for the Open Service and Safety of Life Service (SoL) while EUSPA is in the process of taking over the responsibility of EGNOS Data Access Service (EDAS) service provision. During this time, ESSP will be responsible for EGNOS service provision (including EGNOS operations and part of its maintenance). 

Expanding and evolving

With EGNOS constantly expanding and evolving, the new contract will see ESSP performing some new tasks as well. For example, in addition to bolstering EGNOS’ use in the aviation sector, the company will look to further develop the service for the maritime, rail and drone sectors. It will also help improve the security of EGNOS V2 through the addition of new functions and by upgrading the system.

Then there’s EGNOS V3, the next generation of EGNOS that will augment Galileo signals. With ESSP set to play a major role in this transition, the company has brought on new partners, including Airbus Defence and Space currently in charge of the development of EGNOS V3.    

Under the new contract, ESSP will work to further expand the EGNOS services in European Neighbourhood Policy South countries (ENP-South) and Ukraine. The company is in the process of setting up new RIMS in Nigeria and Chad, the operation of which will be subcontracted to the Agency for Aerial Navigation Safety in Africa and Madagascar (ASECNA). 

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 Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service (EGNOS) is Europe’s regional satellite-based augmentation system (SBAS). Used to improve the accuracy and reliability of GNSS positioning information, EGNOS is designed to provide safety of life navigation services to aviation, maritime and land-based users across the EU.

While the exploitation of EGNOS is the responsibility of the EU Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA), its services are delivered by the EGNOS service provider under a contract with EUSPA. Today, EUSPA formally announced that it has signed  its new EGNOS service provider contract with European Satellite Services Provider (ESSP), a company specialising in the operations and provision of satellite-based services for  critical missions such as for aviation and whose shareholders include seven leading European Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs).   

“EGNOS is a very successful part of the EU Space Programme. ESSP has been a strong partner to achieve this result and I look forward to another decade of success,” said EUSPA Executive Director Rodrigo da Costa. 

“As Europe’s first venture into satellite navigation, EGNOS set the precedent for what a successful space programme looks like,” added ESSP CEO Charlotte Neyret. “With this new contract, we look to raise the bar even higher.”

The new 10 years contract sees ESSP continuing its role as the EGNOS service provider for the Open Service and Safety of Life Service (SoL) while EUSPA is in the process of taking over the responsibility of EGNOS Data Access Service (EDAS) service provision. During this time, ESSP will be responsible for EGNOS service provision (including EGNOS operations and part of its maintenance). 

Expanding and evolving

With EGNOS constantly expanding and evolving, the new contract will see ESSP performing some new tasks as well. For example, in addition to bolstering EGNOS’ use in the aviation sector, the company will look to further develop the service for the maritime, rail and drone sectors. It will also help improve the security of EGNOS V2 through the addition of new functions and by upgrading the system.

Then there’s EGNOS V3, the next generation of EGNOS that will augment Galileo signals. With ESSP set to play a major role in this transition, the company has brought on new partners, including Airbus Defence and Space currently in charge of the development of EGNOS V3 under a contract with EUSPA.    

Under the new contract, ESSP will work to further expand the EGNOS services in European Neighbourhood Policy South countries (ENP-South) and Ukraine. The company is in the process of setting up new RIMS in Nigeria and Chad, the operation of which will be subcontracted to the Agency for Aerial Navigation Safety in Africa and Madagascar (ASECNA). 

The event took place at the occasion of AEOLUS working group meeting where EUSPA is gathering the European ANSPs (Air Navigation Service Providers), EUROCONTROL, EASA and ESA.

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).

Today, the EU Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) headquarters celebrates 10 years of calling Prague, Czech Republic home. The Agency, then called the European GNSS Agency (GSA), moved to the ‘Golden City’ in 2012, following an open call held by the European Commission in which the Czech Republic won.  

"Prague offers a high quality of living, access to a skilled talent pool and great connections to the rest of Europe, making it a truly European city fit to host an EU agency", says EUSPA Executive Director Rodrigo da Costa. 

Understanding the importance of hosting an EU agency, EUSPA maintains close ties with its host countries, which, in addition to the Czech Republic, include Spain, where the GNSS Service Centre (GSC) is based; France, which co-host the Galileo Security Monitoring Centre (GSMC) with Spain; the Netherlands, home of the Galileo Reference Centre (GRC); Belgium, where the Galileo Integrated Logistic Support (ILS) Centre is located; and Germany and Italy, each of which host a Galileo Control Centre (GCC). 

"We are an EU agency dedicated to serving the space needs of citizens, businesses and other stakeholders from all Member States," adds da Costa. "By engaging with the entire EU Space community, we contribute to achieving such European goals as the Green Deal and digital transformation – all while reinforcing the EU’s autonomy and resilience."

A decade of growth and development

In the decade since the move, both the EU Space Programme and the Czech Republic’s space sector have enjoyed continuous growth and development. Through various grants, Horizon calls and other funding mechanisms, EUSPA has provided significant funding to start-ups, SMEs, enterprises and research across all EU Member States – including EUR 2.2 million to Czech-based initiatives, many of which are making substantial contributions to the EU’s robust space economy. 

EUSPA has also seen its mandate expand since it first landed in Prague. Not only is the Agency now responsible for overseeing the security, services and market uptake of Galileo and EGNOS, but also Copernicus, Europe’s Earth Observation (EO) service. 

This list of responsibilities is by no means stagnant. As part of its expanded mandate, EUSPA has been entrusted with additional responsibilities relating to GOVSATCOM, a user-centric programme designed to meet the unique requirements of governmental applications, including those used for crisis management, surveillance and the management of key infrastructures. In 2023, EUSPA will take responsibility for the Space Surveillance and Tracking (SST) Front Desk operations service, part of the Space Situational Awareness (SSA) component of the EU Space Programme. 

A future in Prague 

Earlier this year, EUSPA signed an amended host agreement with the Czech Republic, cementing Prague’s place at the heart of the EU Space Programme for years to come. 

“I look forward to continuing to call this vibrant city home and, together with our Czech partners, further grow the EU Space Programme and develop the European space economy, ” notes da Costa.

In October, the city is set to welcome EU Space Week 2022, Europe’s premiere space event. We are organising this event jointly with the European Commission, the city of Prague under the auspices of the Czech Presidency of the Council of the EU.

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).

Just as EU Space Week is back, so too is the annual User Consultation Platform. A highlight on the EU Space Week agenda, the User Consultation Platform (UCP) invites users from a range of market segments to present their needs and requirements. 

“The UCP is an exciting opportunity for business and industry leaders, entrepreneurs, service providers, innovators and space user communities to express their needs, share best practices and present case studies,” says Fiammetta Diani, Head of Market, Downstream and Innovation at the EU Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA). “By creating an engaged network of innovators, the User Consultation Platform plays a key role in shaping the evolution of the EU Space Programme and its services.”

The UCP consists of breakout sessions and a summary plenary and covers not only Galileo and EGNOS, but also Copernicus and GOVSATCOM. “The Platform’s unique format allows all space stakeholders to share their experiences and expertise and learn from each other, helping them grow stronger and become more innovative and competitive,” adds Diani.   

Extensive exchanges and in-depth discussions

This year’s UCP kicks off 3 October with a full day of extensive exchanges happening during eight parallel sessions, each of which focuses on a specific market segment:

• Infrastructure: the role of EU Space in infrastructure development, with a focus on key user requirements, trends and representative use cases.
• Renewable Energy: how Earth Observation (EO) and GNSS-based solutions can support the rapid transition towards renewable energies.
• EO-Platforms and Consumer Applications: a discussion on both improving access to space data and how to leverage that data for use in consumer, tourism and health applications.
• Aviation and Drones: how GNSS and EO can enable emerging operational concepts in the air, increase business opportunities and identify priorities for R&D and innovation.
• Maritime and Fisheries: discuss the needs of applications relying on GNSS and EO, which will be instrumental in defining potential new space data-based services.
• Emergency Management and Humanitarian Aid: applications for monitoring geohazards, post-crisis damage assessment and building inspection, with a special focus on supporting Ukraine.
• Insurance and Finance: an in-depth discussion on how to leverage the full potential of space data in fintech.
• Raw Materials: why EO and GNSS data and services are key for raw material resource exploration, operations and post-closure environmental management.

In addition to in-depth discussions on user needs, each session will also provide updates on testing campaigns, market trends, the evolution of the various programmes and new opportunities in R&D. “These sessions are a one-of-a-kind networking opportunity that gives the entire space ecosystem a chance to explore new synergies and keep abreast of the latest developments in this fast-paced sector,” says Diani.

The results of the individual sessions will be presented to the entire EU Space community during a dedicated plenary session on 4 October.

“As the EU Space Programme evolves, so too do the needs of its users,” notes Diani. “Leveraging the central role users play in shaping EU Space applications, the outcomes of this year’s UCP will help define the service provision and ensure that EU Space works for everyone.” 

The User Consultation Platform will take place 3 – 4 October. More information and registration can be found here.

EU Space Week, Europe’s premiere space event, is happening 3 – 6 October. As a hybrid event, you can join either online or physically in Prague, the heart of the EU Space Programme.

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).

Just as EU Space Week is back, so too is the annual User Consultation Platform. A highlight on the EU Space Week agenda, the User Consultation Platform (UCP) invites users from a range of market segments to present their needs and requirements. 

“The UCP is an exciting opportunity for business and industry leaders, entrepreneurs, service providers, innovators and space user communities to express their needs, share best practices and present case studies,” says Fiammetta Diani, Head of Market, Downstream and Innovation at the EU Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA). “By creating an engaged network of innovators, the User Consultation Platform plays a key role in shaping the evolution of the EU Space Programme and its services.”

The UCP consists of breakout sessions and a summary plenary and covers not only Galileo and EGNOS, but also Copernicus and GOVSATCOM. “The Platform’s unique format allows all space stakeholders to share their experiences and expertise and learn from each other, helping them grow stronger and become more innovative and competitive,” adds Diani.   

Extensive exchanges and in-depth discussions

This year’s UCP kicks off 3 October with a full day of extensive exchanges happening during eight parallel sessions, each of which focuses on a specific market segment:

• Infrastructure: the role of EU Space in infrastructure development, with a focus on key user requirements, trends and representative use cases.
• Renewable Energy: how Earth Observation (EO) and GNSS-based solutions can support the rapid transition towards renewable energies.
• EO-Platforms and Consumer Applications: a discussion on both improving access to space data and how to leverage that data for use in consumer, tourism and health applications.
• Aviation and Drones: how GNSS and EO can enable emerging operational concepts in the air, increase business opportunities and identify priorities for R&D and innovation.
• Maritime and Fisheries: discuss the needs of applications relying on GNSS and EO, which will be instrumental in defining potential new space data-based services.
• Emergency Management and Humanitarian Aid: applications for monitoring geohazards, post-crisis damage assessment and building inspection, with a special focus on supporting Ukraine.
• Insurance and Finance: an in-depth discussion on how to leverage the full potential of space data in fintech.
• Raw Materials: why EO and GNSS data and services are key for raw material resource exploration, operations and post-closure environmental management.

In addition to in-depth discussions on user needs, each session will also provide updates on testing campaigns, market trends, the evolution of the various programmes and new opportunities in R&D. “These sessions are a one-of-a-kind networking opportunity that gives the entire space ecosystem a chance to explore new synergies and keep abreast of the latest developments in this fast-paced sector,” says Diani.

“As the EU Space Programme evolves, so too do the needs of its users,” notes Diani. “Leveraging the central role users play in shaping EU Space applications, the outcomes of this year’s UCP will help define the service provision and ensure that EU Space works for everyone.” 

The User Consultation Platform will take place 3 – 4 October. More information and registration can be found here.

EU Space Week, Europe’s premiere space event, is happening 3 – 6 October. As a hybrid event, you can join either online or physically in Prague, the heart of the EU Space Programme.

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).