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We are less than two weeks away from the latest Galileo launch from the European Spaceport in Kourou, French Guyana. The Galileo Launch 11 is the first of a series of 6 launches (with two satellites per launch), and the EUSPA’s tightly-knit LEOP team is ready for a cooperative EU space mission!

The Galileo satellites 27 and 28 will be launched on-board of a Soyuz carrier on 1 December 2021 at 21:31:27, Kourou time – or 2 December at 01:31:27 CET from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana. The 46m tall rocket will bring the Galileo satellites to their new home located 23,222 km above us, in its medium-Earth orbit. 

Role of EUSPA in the launch 11

The EU Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) will be in charge of the satellite operations from separation of the Launch vehicle. It will be overseen by a tightly-knit team of specialists, ranging from spacecraft to ground engineers, from operations to design and manufacturing specialists, and from commanding through mission direction and project management.

Launch and Early Orbit Phase is one of the most exciting and important phases of a space mission, as it handles the launch of the spacecraft, its travel into the correct orbit, gradually switching on the spacecraft platform to test the core satellite elements. 

Let’s rewind to the beginning…

Soon after the spacecraft separates from the launcher, an initialisation sequence will be automatically triggered by the On-Board Data Handling software to bring the satellites to a ‘breathing point’. This is the point at which the satellite’s attitude is stable and pointing towards the sun, and its solar arrays are deployed to provide full charging power to its batteries. At this stage the satellite is thermally stable, ensuring adequate temperature ranges for all units, and a stable link to the ground.

Later on, the spacecraft internal reaction wheels will be tested to ensure that the spacecraft can hold its momentum, and can execute simple rotation manoeuvres without spending its limited fuel in thrusting activities. The teams will proceed to celebrate once the spacecraft uses these wheels to rotate towards the earth to achieve the most stable attitude for its future operations.  After that, and to finish the activities, the satellite couple will part ways and be put into the direction of their own orbital positions, by means of a set of Drift Start manoeuvres.

Altogether, the LEOP will take about 10 days, beginning with a system countdown a few hours before the launch, all the way up to the execution of the drift start manoeuvres (i.e. sending the spacecraft from the injection to its target position in orbit), later followed by complete commissioning and In Orbit Tests, that will eventually lead the spacecraft to entering into Galileo service provision. 

The satellite operations will be conducted and commanded from the Galileo Control Centre in Oberpfaffenhofen, Germany. Working together with SpaceOpal and its GSOp consortium (DLR-GfR mbH, GSOC and Telespazio), in cooperation with CNES CSG and ESA, EUSPA is responsible for the different stages of the LEOP operations, which will eventually allow the new satellites to be inserted into the Galileo constellation.

Endorsed by the EUSPA Security Accreditation Board, responsible for the security approval of the satellite launches, Galileo LEOP operations will constitute one of the most cooperative activities between numerous European entities in the 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).

We are less than two weeks away from the latest Galileo launch from the European Spaceport in Kourou, French Guyana. The Galileo Launch 11 is the first of a series of 6 launches (with two satellites per launch), and the EUSPA’s tightly-knit LEOP team is ready for a cooperative EU space mission!

The Galileo satellites 27 and 28 will be launched on-board of a Soyuz carrier on December 2, 2021 at 21:31:27, Kourou time – or 01:31:27 CET from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana. The 46m tall rocket will bring the Galileo satellites to their new home located 23,222 km above us, in its medium-Earth orbit. 

Role of EUSPA in the launch 11

The EU Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) will be in charge of the satellite operations from separation of the Launch vehicule. It will be overseen by a tightly-knit team of specialists, ranging from spacecraft to ground engineers, from operations to design and manufacturing specialists, and from commanding through mission direction and project management.

Launch and Early Orbit Phase is one of the most exciting and important phases of a space mission, as it handles the launch of the spacecraft, its travel into the correct orbit, gradually switching on the spacecraft platform to test the core satellite elements. 

Let’s rewind to the beginning…

Soon after the spacecraft separates from the launcher, an initialisation sequence will be automatically triggered by the On-Board Data Handling software to bring the satellites to a ‘breathing point’. This is the point at which the satellite’s attitude is stable and pointing towards the sun, and its solar arrays are deployed to provide full charging power to its batteries. At this stage the satellite is thermally stable, ensuring adequate temperature ranges for all units, and a stable link to the ground.

Later on, the spacecraft internal reaction wheels will be tested to ensure that the spacecraft can hold its momentum, and can execute simple rotation manoeuvres without spending its limited fuel in thrusting activities. The teams will proceed to celebrate once the spacecraft uses these wheels to rotate towards the earth to achieve the most stable attitude for its future operations.  After that, and to finish the activities, the satellite couple will part ways and be put into the direction of their own orbital positions, by means of a set of Drift Start manoeuvres.

Altogether, the LEOP will take about 10 days, beginning with a system countdown a few hours before the launch, all the way up to the execution of the drift start manoeuvres (i.e. sending the spacecraft from the injection to its target position in orbit), later followed by complete commissioning and In Orbit Tests, that will eventually lead the spacecraft to entering into Galileo service provision. 

The satellite operations will be conducted and commanded from the Galileo Control Centre in Oberpfaffenhofen, Germany. Working together with SpaceOpal and its GSOp consortium (DLR-GfR mbH, GSOC and Telespazio), in cooperation with CNES CSG and ESA, EUSPA is responsible for the different stages of the LEOP operations, which will eventually allow the new satellites to be inserted into the Galileo constellation.

Endorsed by the EUSPA Security Accreditation Board, responsible for the security approval of the satellite launches, Galileo LEOP operations will constitute one of the most cooperative activities between numerous European entities in the 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).

We are less than two weeks away from the latest Galileo launch from the European Spaceport in Kourou, French Guyana. The Galileo Launch 11 is the first of a series of 6 launches (with two satellites per launch), and the EUSPA’s tightly-knit LEOP team is ready for a cooperative EU space mission!

The Galileo satellites 27 and 28 will be launched on-board of a Soyuz carrier on December 1, 2021 at 21:31:27, Kourou time – or 01:31:27 CET from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana. The 46m tall rocket will bring the Galileo satellites to their new home located 23,222 km above us, in its medium-Earth orbit. 

Role of EUSPA in the launch 11

The EU Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) will be in charge of Launch and Early Orbit Phase (LEOP) operations which will be overseen by a tightly-knit team of specialists, ranging from spacecraft to ground engineers, from operations to design and manufacturing specialists, and from commanding through mission direction and project management.

LEOP is one of the most exciting and important phases of a space mission, as it handles the launch of the spacecraft, its travel into the correct orbit, gradually switching on the spacecraft platform to test the core satellite elements. 

Let’s rewind to the beginning…

Soon after the spacecraft separates from the launcher, an initialisation sequence will be automatically triggered by the On-Board Data Handling software to bring the satellites to a ‘breathing point’. This is the point at which the satellite’s attitude is stable and pointing towards the sun, and its solar arrays are deployed to provide full charging power to its batteries. At this stage the satellite is thermally stable, ensuring adequate temperature ranges for all units, and a stable link to the ground.

Later on, the spacecraft internal reaction wheels will be tested to ensure that the spacecraft can hold its momentum, and can execute simple rotation manoeuvres without spending its limited fuel in thrusting activities. The teams will proceed to celebrate once the spacecraft uses these wheels to rotate towards the earth to achieve the most stable attitude for its future operations.  After that, and to finish the activities, the satellite couple will part ways and be put into the direction of their own orbital positions, by means of a set of Drift Start manoeuvres.

Altogether, the LEOP will take about 10 days, beginning with a system countdown a few hours before the launch, all the way up to the execution of the drift start manoeuvres (i.e. sending the spacecraft from the injection to its target position in orbit), later followed by complete commissioning and In Orbit Tests, that will eventually lead the spacecraft to entering into Galileo service provision. 

The LEOP operations will be conducted and commanded from the Galileo Control Centre in Oberpfaffenhofen, Germany. Working together with SpaceOpal and its GSOp consortium (DLR-GfR mbH, GSOC and Telespazio), in cooperation with CNES CSG and ESA, EUSPA is responsible for the different stages of the LEOP operations, which will eventually allow the new satellites to be inserted into the Galileo constellation.

Endorsed by the EUSPA Security Accreditation Board, responsible for the security approval of the satellite launches, Galileo LEOP operations will constitute one of the most cooperative activities between numerous European entities in the 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 European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) together with the European Business Angel Network (EBAN) are teaming up to boost space-tech start-ups! “Funding Space Forum” is a joint online panel session and fundraising event, where start-ups working with space data will pitch in front of Business Angels, receive feedback and raise interest for funding.

The EU Space Programme has created a dearth of opportunities for a broad range of businesses. Earth Observation data and new, more accurate, and secure GNSS services are emerging that enable start-ups to add value to their products and upscale their solutions or services. The EU is committed to helping businesses at their nascent stage to make the best use of space technology through private and public partnerships. 

EUSPA and EBAN teamed up to further assist small businesses to secure early investments. EUSPA also became a member of EBAN Space board to create synergies between space start-ups and business angels. 

Funding Space Forum will bring #MyGalileoSolution and #MyGalileoDrone participants Allerayde, Krattworks, LESS Industries, Lympik, Traxit together with the EU early-stage investor community. All the participating space-tech companies will have the opportunity to present their business plans in front of a panel of Business Angels, receive feedback and attract investments.

The event will also feature panel discussions on “Space Technology in Europe, what is next? Synergies between EU and angel investors hosted by Fiammetta Diani, Head of Market Development at EUSPA; Tomas S. Jonsson, Team Leader CASSINI initiative, European Commission, DG Defence Industry and Space; Uli Fricke, CEO Triangle Venture Capital Group, CEO FunderNation; Rob Desborough, Managing Partner Seraphim Space Fund, CEO Seraphim Space Camp moderated by Fabrice Testa, Co-chairman Luxembourg Space Tech Angels and EBAN Space Chairman. During this virtual panel session, seasoned space-tech investors and policymakers will discuss trends and challenges in the New Space ecosystem of Europe.

The forum will take place on November 22nd at 17:00 CET. Click here to register.  A matchmaking event with industry is also schedule for the first quarter of 2022.

About EBAN

EBAN is the pan-European representative for the early stage investor community gathering over 150-member organizations in more than 50 countries today. Established in 1999 by a group of pioneer angel networks in Europe with the collaboration of the European Commission and EURADA, EBAN represents a sector estimated to invest 11.4 billion Euros a year and playing a vital role in Europe’s future, notably in the funding of SMEs. EBAN fuels Europe’s growth through the creation of wealth and jobs.

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) together with the European Business Angel Network (EBAN) are teaming up to boost space-tech start-ups! “Funding Space Forum” is a joint online panel session and fundraising event, where start-ups working with space data will pitch in front of Business Angels, receive feedback and raise interest for funding.

The EU Space Programme has created a dearth of opportunities for a broad range of businesses. Earth Observation data and new, more accurate, and secure GNSS services are emerging that enable start-ups to add value to their products and upscale their solutions or services. The EU is committed to helping businesses at their nascent stage to make the best use of space technology through private and public partnerships. 

EUSPA and EBAN teamed up to further assist small businesses to secure early investments. EUSPA also became a member of EBAN Space board to create synergies between space start-ups and business angels. 

Funding Space Forum will bring #MyGalileoSolution and #MyGalileoDrone participants Alleryade, Krattworks, LESS Industries, Lympik, Traxit together with the EU early-stage investor community. All the participating space-tech companies will have the opportunity to present their business plans in front of a panel of Business Angels, receive feedback and attract investments.

The event will also feature panel discussions on “Space Technology in Europe, what is next? Synergies between EU and angel investors hosted by Fiammetta Diani, Head of Market Development at EUSPA; Tomas S. Jonsson, Team Leader CASSINI initiative, European Commission, DG Defence Industry and Space; Uli Fricke, CEO Triangle Venture Capital Group, CEO FunderNation; Rob Desborough, Managing Partner Seraphim Space Fund, CEO Seraphim Space Camp moderated by Fabrice Testa, Co-chairman Luxembourg Space Tech Angels and EBAN Space Chairman. During this virtual panel session, seasoned space-tech investors and policymakers will discuss trends and challenges in the New Space ecosystem of Europe.

The forum will take place on November 22nd at 17:00 CET. Click here to register.  A matchmaking event with industry is also schedule for the first quarter of 2022.

About EBAN

EBAN is the pan-European representative for the early stage investor community gathering over 150-member organizations in more than 50 countries today. Established in 1999 by a group of pioneer angel networks in Europe with the collaboration of the European Commission and EURADA, EBAN represents a sector estimated to invest 11.4 billion Euros a year and playing a vital role in Europe’s future, notably in the funding of SMEs. EBAN fuels Europe’s growth through the creation of wealth and jobs.

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 new pioneering service of Galileo will pave the way towards robust Position, Velocity and Time information (PVT) for the Galileo Open Service users. An OSNMA Public Observation Test Phase will follow the publication of the Info Note. 

Robustness is part of the design of Galileo services. The evolution is bringing the need to provide the European Union secure and safe satellite navigation services one step further.

Spoofing is a sophisticated form of interfering and falsifying satellite navigation signals (GNSS). During a spoofing attack, a ‘’spoofer’’ uses a radio transmitter to generate fake GNSS signals and fool a receiver into showing its current location, for example, in the middle of the ocean while the smartphone user is climbing a mountain.

GNSS jamming incidents are reported in very large numbers, the vast majority of them caused by so-called “privacy protection devices” (illegal in most countries). GNSS spoofing (including meaconing) incidents are less frequently reported, but they are increasing in number. A possible explanation for the lower numbers is that successful spoofing attacks are not detected or not reported by their victims for security reasons.

GNSS signal falsification can have disastrous impacts on applications and market sectors that rely on precise navigation such as aviation, maritime, or drones. For instance, erroneous data of a vessel’s position, speed, and direction poses real threats to its operations but also surrounding ships, especially those carrying dangerous goods.

To contribute to the detection of GNSS attacks, EUSPA together with the European Commission is currently testing the Galileo Open Service – Navigation Message Authentication (OSNMA). This forthcoming service is an authentication mechanism that allows Open Service users to verify the authenticity of GNSS information, making sure that the data they receive is indeed from Galileo and has not been modified in any way. 

OSNMA is authenticating data for geolocation information from the Open Service through the Navigation Message (I/NAV) broadcast on the E1-B signal component. This is realised by transmitting authentication-specific data in previously reserved fields of the E1 I/NAV message. By using these previously reserved fields, OSNMA does not introduce any overlay to the system, thus the OS navigation performance remains untouched.

Authentication is set to further strengthen service robustness by increasing the capability of detecting spoofing events. However, it should be kept in mind that authentication does not prevent the occurrence of such an event, and does not protect against jamming. Nonetheless, this added layer of protection proposes to be one step ahead of evolving technological trends by amplifying the service’s overall robustness and resilience.

Analytical information can be found in the Info Note that was recently published.

You can download it here or visit the European GNSS Service Centre. 

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).

#myEUspace competition is on a mission to bring disruptive, space-based commercial solutions and applications to the European market. The contest invites the participants to innovate not only with Copernicus and Galileo but also with quantum technology. We have great news for all the late birds - the competition deadline has been extended to 3 December 2021, 23:59 GMT+2! 

With more than two weeks left until the deadline, let’s take a look at how you can make the most out of this additional time.

Choose from six challenges

#myEUspace is one of the biggest competitions ever organized by the European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA). The winning prize pool is nearly €1million, 54 teams will receive awards ranging from €10.000 to €50.000.

The contest has two independent tracks and six different thematic areas:

• Track 1 - From Idea to Prototype/customer validation – aims to turn a theoretical idea into a product prototype/beta version.
• Track 2 - From Prototype to Product /Market entry – encourages to develop a prototype or beta idea into a Minimum Viable Product (MVP). 

Your space-tech based idea/product should address one of these six challenges: Move Me Smart, Space Up My Life, Our Green Planet, Map My World, Farming by Satellite, and Dive in Quantum. You can learn more about each challenge here. 

Use your time wisely

#myEUspace competition page is packed with valuable material that you can rely on to fine-tune your application. We have prepared a list of resources, including GNSS Raw Measurements White Paper and GNSS Market Report, for you to get a better overview of how to make the most out of EU Space technology. If you have any doubts regarding the eligibility criteria or the overall process of the contest, take a look at the competition’s Terms of Reference.

Have you already submitted your project? Do not forget that the competition platform allows you to edit your entry up until the deadline.  

Still got any questions? Applicants may send their questions via email to prizes@euspa.europa.eu. The answers and clarifications are published weekly on #myEUspace page.

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).