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When it comes to making European rail safer, cleaner and more efficient, the EU Space Programme is nothing short of a gamechanger. As a case in point, look no further than the European Railway Traffic Management System (ERTMS). 

ERTMS aims to make rail transport safer and more competitive by replacing Europe’s different national train control and command systems with a single, coordinated and highly digital solution. To do this, it’s using European GNSS.

Not only does GNSS provide precise positioning and localisation, when augmented by EGNOS and possibly fused with other sensors, it has the potential to replace the expensive physical balises used to monitor train speed and streamline rail operations. 

GNSS’ potential becomes even greater when its positioning is complemented by Earth Observation. For example, railway operators can use Earth Observation data to monitor and prevent vegetation encroachment, landsides, and other risks that could endanger the safe operation of trains. 

With the goal of further advancing the safe use of GNSS as a source of positioning for trains, the EU Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) has funded several research and development projects. One of those projects is CLUG, an initiative dedicated to developing a cost-efficient train tracking solution using EU satellite technology in conjunction with other sensors and data. 

Developing future train technology today

The CLUG project brought together experienced rail operators and infrastructure managers to define a set of specifications and operational scenarios capable of meeting the sector’s strict safety needs. The main outcome of this work is an interoperable, failsafe Train Localisation on Board Unit (TLOBU). 

The TLOBU uses measurements from a GNSS receiver and an EGNOS-enabled integrity algorithm, together with other technologies, such as an IMU and a digital map notably, to provide train and railway operators with such critical information as positioning and velocity. 

"It is within EUSPA’s long term strategy to ensure that EGNSS can support fail-safe train localization within ERTMS. CLUG consortium composed by many important railway undertakings and system integrators is contributing to this objective by developing Train Localization onboard unit, combining EGNSS with additional sensors to achieve the required localization performance in difficult railway environment," says Daniel Lopour, Market Development Officer for Rail and Logistics at EUSPA.

Read this: EGNOS and Galileo on the ambitious Digital Rail agenda (europa.eu)

“The idea is to move away from trackside-based train detection systems to onboard safe navigation systems using multi sensor fusion with EGNSS” said CLUG Project Coordinator Valentin Barreau, who made his remarks during the project’s Final Event on 9 June. 

“The absolute safe train positioning solution is oriented towards the needs of the future railway system. It will foster concepts such as intelligent traffic management, automated train operation (GoA2 to GoA4), ERTMS/ETCS Level 3 and it will decrease the cost of the ERTSM signalling system” by reducing the ground equipment used for safe train localisation, including axel counters, track circuits and, to some extent, physical balises.

Although the project itself is now finished, the CLUG team plans to continue developing its solution with the aim to include the necessary elements within the future evolution of the ERTMS technical specifications for interoperability.  

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).

University is out, the weather is warm and the days are long – all signs that summer is finally here. But instead of spending the entire summer on the beach, why not travel to Athens and learn how the EU Space Programme is making the maritime sector smarter, safer and more sustainable?  

The first Pytheas Maritime Space Forum is a three-day summer camp open to EU students, seafarers and young professionals between the ages of 20 and 30 with an interest in the shipping and/or space industries. Happening 15 – 17 July 2022, this is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to get an up-close understanding of how Galileo, Copernicus and EGNOS are redefining the shipping industry. 

The details 

Named after the Greek navigator, geographer, astronomer and explorer, the Pytheas Maritime Space Forum is organised by Isalos.net, a training initiative dedicated to connecting the shipping industry with the next generation of maritime professionals. 

Held within the framework of the 2022 European Year of Youth, the forum will provide students and young professionals from across the European Union with a platform for sharing their vision about the blue economy and the future of the maritime industry. The European Year of the Youth, an initiative of the European Union and the Directorate-General for Education, Youth, Sport and Culture, aims to highlight the important role that young Europeans play in building a greener, digital and more inclusive future.  

The Pytheas Maritime Space Forum is open to all EU citizens between 20 and 30 years old who are either studying or employed in the EU blue economy. To apply, please submit a letter of recommendation, a current CV and two brief essays.  

Students will be evaluated based on academic criteria by professors of the University of Aegean and Piraeus. Selected participants can expect a full three days of networking activities, informational sessions, hands-on workshops and on-site visits. Participation is free. Some students will be offered travel and accommodations costs. 

This forum will be an excellent opportunity to connect with fellow young professionals and underscores the essential roles that space-based technology and EUSPA play in driving a safer and more sustainable maritime industry.

EUSPA is happy to be contributing its expertise and knowledge in the fields of satellite navigation and Earth Observation to the forum’s agenda, which includes such topics as: 

• Transformation of Shipping: emerging technologies in navigation and telecommunication

• Space and the Sea: towards greener maritime operations

• Safety and Security at sea enabled by the EU Space Programme.  

You can learn more about the forum here, or click here to start the application process. The deadline for applying is 24 June 2022.

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).

University is out, the weather is warm and the days are long – all signs that summer is finally here. But instead of spending the entire summer on the beach, why not travel to Athens and learn how the EU Space Programme is making the maritime sector smarter, safer and more sustainable?  

The first Pytheas Maritime Space Forum is a three-day summer camp open to EU students, seafarers and young professional between the ages of 20 and 30 with an interest in the shipping and/or space industries. Happening 15 – 17 July 2022, this is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to get an up-close understanding of how Galileo, Copernicus and EGNOS are redefining the shipping industry. 

The details 

Named after the Greek navigator, geographer, astronomer and explorer, the Pytheas Maritime Space Forum is organised by Isalos.net, a training initiative dedicated to connecting the shipping industry with the next generation of maritime professionals. 

Held within the framework of the 2022 European Year of Youth, the forum will provide students and young professionals from across the European Union with a platform for sharing their vision about the blue economy and the future of the maritime industry. The European Year of the Youth, an initiative of the European Union and the Directorate-General for Education, Youth, Sport and Culture, aims to highlight the important role that young Europeans play in building a greener, digital and more inclusive future.  

The Pytheas Maritime Space Forum is open to all EU citizens between 20 and 30 years old who are either studying or employed in the EU blue economy. To apply, please submit a letter of recommendation, a current CV and two brief essays.  

Students will be evaluated based on academic criteria by professors of the University of Aegean and Piraeus. Selected participants can expect a full three days of networking activities, informational sessions, hands-on workshops and on-site visits. Participation is free. Some students will be offered travel and accommodations costs. 

This forum will be an excellent opportunity to connect with fellow young professionals and underscores the essential roles that space-based technology and EUSPA play in driving a safer and more sustainable maritime industry.

EUSPA is happy to be contributing its expertise and knowledge in the fields of satellite navigation and Earth Observation to the forum’s agenda, which includes such topics as: 

• Transformation of Shipping: emerging technologies in navigation and telecommunication

• Space and the Sea: towards greener maritime operations

• Safety and Security at sea enabled by the EU Space Programme.  

You can learn more about the forum here, or click here to start the application process. The deadline for applying is 15 June 2022.

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 Galileo OSNMA Public Observation Test Phase is ongoing and has successfully gathered GNSS manufacturers, integrators and application developers to test this new authentication mechanism. Participants have been able to test OSNMA via Signal in Space (SiS) with a free choice of scenarios depending on their target use cases and assess the service’s performance. EUSPA values the feedback of testers and will leverage the knowledge gained during this phase to enhance the functionality in preparation for its service declaration. 

As mentioned during the Galileo OSNMA Public Observation Webinar held on 2nd February 2022, opportunities are designed throughout the testing phase for participants to discuss their test results with EUSPA experts and gain visibility for their OSNMA tested solutions. In this context, the Agency is organising the first Galileo OSNMA Public Observation Workshop to take place online on the 28th June 2022. You can find the agenda here. EUSPA experts will present an overview of the status of the testing phase, selected participants will discuss preliminary test results and market stakeholders will introduce their perspective on OSNMA added value for specific use cases. 

Participants will also have the opportunity to learn more about additional activities involving OSNMA. The European Commission Joint Research Centre (JRC) will present more details on the testing of scenarios not accessible via SiS, while the Institute of Electric and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) will showcase the role of OSNMA in the development of standards for a resilient position, navigation and time (PNT).

To attend this Workshop, please register here.

The registration will be open until June 26th. 

Relevant interested parties can still register for the Public Observation Test Phase by accessing the OSNMA Public Observation Webpage.

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 Galileo OSNMA Public Observation Test Phase is ongoing and has successfully gathered GNSS manufacturers, integrators and application developers to test this new authentication mechanism. Participants have been able to test OSNMA via Signal in Space (SiS) with a free choice of scenarios depending on their target use cases and assess the service’s performance. EUSPA values the feedback of testers and will leverage the knowledge gained during this phase to enhance the functionality in preparation for its service declaration. 

As mentioned during the Galileo OSNMA Public Observation Webinar held on 2nd February 2022, opportunities are designed throughout the testing phase for participants to discuss their test results with EUSPA experts and gain visibility for their OSNMA tested solutions. In this context, the Agency is organising the first Galileo OSNMA Public Observation Workshop to take place online on the 28th June 2022. You can find the agenda here. EUSPA experts will present an overview of the status of the testing phase, selected participants will discuss preliminary test results and market stakeholders will introduce their perspective on OSNMA added value for specific use cases. 

Participants will also have the opportunity to learn more about additional activities involving OSNMA. The European Commission Joint Research Centre (JRC) will present more details on the testing of scenarios not accessible via SiS, while the Institute of Electric and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) will showcase the role of OSNMA in the development of standards for a resilient position, navigation and time (PNT).

To attend this Workshop, please register here.

The registration will be open until June 26th. 

Relevant interested parties can still register for the Public Observation Test Phase by accessing the OSNMA Public Observation Webpage.

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 Galileo OSNMA Public Observation Test Phase is ongoing and has successfully gathered GNSS manufacturers, integrators and application developers to test this new authentication mechanism. Participants have been able to test OSNMA via Signal in Space (SiS) with a free choice of scenarios depending on their target use cases and assess the service’s performance. EUSPA values the feedback of testers and will leverage the knowledge gained during this phase to enhance the functionality in preparation for its service declaration. 

As mentioned during the Galileo OSNMA Public Observation Webinar held on 2nd February 2022, opportunities are designed throughout the testing phase for participants to discuss their test results with EUSPA experts and gain visibility for their OSNMA tested solutions. In this context, the Agency is organising the first Galileo OSNMA Public Observation Workshop to take place online on the 28th June 2022. You can find the agenda here. EUSPA experts will present an overview of the status of the testing phase, selected participants will discuss preliminary test results and market stakeholders will introduce their perspective on OSNMA added value for specific use cases. 

Participants will also have the opportunity to learn more about additional activities involving OSNMA. The European Commission Joint Research Centre (JRC) will present more details on the testing of scenarios not accessible via SiS, while the Institute of Electric and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) will showcase the role of OSNMA in the development of standards for a resilient position, navigation and time (PNT).

To attend this Workshop, please register here.

The registration will be open until June 26th. 

Relevant interested parties can still register for the Public Observation Test Phase by accessing the OSNMA Public Observation Webpage.

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).