European GNSS Agency

Wildfires continue to rage across Chile this week. At last count, there were 323 active fires, including at least 90 that officials consider to be out of control. Not only have they burnt an estimated 889,000 acres of forests, they’ve destroyed 1,500 homes and have left thousands homeless. At the time of writing, the wildfires have caused at least 26 deaths and more than 2,000 injuries. 

Unfortunately, these fires are not an isolated incident. Wildfires happen around the world and, because of climate change, with increasing frequency and ferocity. In 2021, fires burned an area nearly two times the size of New York City in Greece, while last summer, 25% of the forests in Portugal’s famed Serra da Estrela range were lost to fire.   

Whether it’s wildfires in Chile or a deadly earthquake in Turkey, natural disasters highlight the importance of having innovative tools and solutions for resilient risk management and response. 

The key to building those tools and solutions? The EU Space Programme.

From GNSS (Galileo, EGNOS) to Earth Observation (Copernicus) and satellite communication (GOVSATCOM and IRIS²) , each component of the EU Space Programme brings added value to different phases of the disaster risk management and mitigation chain. For example, while firefighters and emergency first responders rely on the precise positioning provided by EGNOS and Galileo to safely guide themselves through smoke, fog and flames, Copernicus provides decision makers with critical geospatial information, including continuous observations and forecasting for flood, drought and fire risks.

Detecting and monitoring wildfires with Copernicus 

Copernicus data is currently being used by decision makers in Chile to control the wildfires happening there. Specifically, ARAUCO, the country’s largest commercial forestry company, is using a solution developed by OroraTech, a German thermal-infrared data intelligence company, to track the fires’ evolution and estimate damages.

By combining satellite images provided by Copernicus with thermal infrared data, the OroraTech Wildfire Solution enables stakeholders like ARAUCO to detect and monitor wildfires better. “With space technologies, we can provide real-time data on the location, extent and behaviour of fires – information that can improve fire management and response efforts,” says Liene Lapsevska, Head of PR & Communications at OroraTech. 

According to Lapsevska, the company’s technology significantly reduces fire detection time while also offering substantial cost savings over traditional detection methods like aircraft surveillance. Furthermore, its on-orbit processing capabilities allow customers to receive data from anywhere in the world just three minutes after the satellite passes over the affected area.

OroraTech is participating in CASSINI, a EUSPA-backed initiative organised by the European Commission that supports entrepreneurs, start-ups and SMEs developing innovative applications and services that leverage the EU Space Programme. 

The power of synergy and the strength of Horizon Europe

While GNSS and Earth Observation are powerful tools in their own right, the Emergency Management and Humanitarian Aid sector stands to benefit the most when these solutions are used in synergy. That’s why EUSPA is supporting such initiatives as the OVERWATCH project through Horizon Europe scheme.

The project is a collaboration between several aerospace, technology and innovation companies from across Europe. Using GNSS positioning and Copernicus data, along with such emerging technologies as Artificial Intelligence, drones, 5G connectivity and Augmented Reality, the project is building an integrated holographic management system for the response, recovery and mitigation of emergencies and disasters.

“Our goal is to provide the decision support tools authorities need to quickly deploy and manage air, water and ground assets and personnel, all integrated into an immersive and completely decentralised command platform,” explains Vanina Fissore, a researcher with the project. 

The OVERWATCH system will be fed by geospatial data coming from Copernicus satellites. It will also leverage the Copernicus Emergency Management Service for the rapid mapping of a disaster area. “This data gives authorities a clear picture of the current situation, allowing them to allocate resources more efficiently and effectively,” says Katarina Spasenovic, the OVERWATCH project’s communication lead. 

One of those resources is the use of drones, which are becoming an increasingly important tool in the wildfire fighting arsenal. “Unlike the ground-based systems and manned aircraft traditionally used in firefighting prevention, drones can operate over long distances, at night, in all weather conditions, in remote areas and with little to no infrastructure,” explains Vasilis Kalogirou, Space Downstream Research & Innovation Officer at EUSPA. “Proven to be effective and safe, they have the potential to be a real game-changer in firefighting missions.”

To tap this potential, OVERWATCH drones will use the precise positioning and accuracy offered by Galileo, including the recently launched Galileo High Accuracy Service, to safely navigate through a fire event. Equipped with a payload that includes sensors and cameras, these drones can serve as a valuable eye-in-the-sky during emergency situations, collecting three-dimensional data about the terrain, providing real-time tracking of a firefighter’s location in the field, and monitoring and identifying assets on the ground. 

All this data, whether it be coming from Copernicus, GNSS-enabled drones or another source altogether, is then sent to the central OVERWATCH platform. Here, the data will be analysed using, at least in part, AI algorithms, which can quickly extrapolate important information that will then be presented via an intuitive, augmented reality-based user interface.   

“When companies leverage the synergy of EU Space, they can help improve the speed and accuracy at which wildfires are detected and facilitate the faster, safer and more effective responses we need to contain the damage and save more lives,” concludes Kalogirou.

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).

Wildfires continue to rage across Chile this week. At last count, there were 323 active fires, including at least 90 that officials consider to be out of control. Not only have they burnt an estimated 889,000 acres of forests, they’ve destroyed 1,500 homes and have left thousands homeless. At the time of writing, the wildfires have caused at least 26 deaths and more than 2,000 injuries. 

Unfortunately, these fires are not an isolated incident. Wildfires happen around the world and, because of climate change, with increasing frequency and ferocity. In 2021, fires burned an area nearly two times the size of New York City in Greece, while last summer, 25% of the forests in Portugal’s famed Serra da Estrela range were lost to fire.   

Whether it’s wildfires in Chile or a deadly earthquake in Turkey, natural disasters highlight the importance of having innovative tools and solutions for resilient risk management and response. 

The key to building those tools and solutions? The EU Space Programme.

From GNSS (Galileo, EGNOS) to Earth Observation (Copernicus) and satellite communication (GOVSATCOM and IRIS²) , each component of the EU Space Programme brings added value to different phases of the disaster risk management and mitigation chain. For example, while firefighters and emergency first responders rely on the precise positioning provided by EGNOS and Galileo to safely guide themselves through smoke, fog and flames, Copernicus provides decision makers with critical geospatial information, including continuous observations and forecasting for flood, drought and fire risks.

Detecting and monitoring wildfires with Copernicus 

Copernicus data is currently being used by decision makers in Chile to control the wildfires happening there. Specifically, ARAUCO, the country’s largest commercial forestry company, is using a solution developed by OroraTech, a German thermal-infrared data intelligence company, to track the fires’ evolution and estimate damages.

By combining satellite images provided by Copernicus with thermal infrared data, the OroraTech Wildfire Solution enables stakeholders like ARAUCO to detect and monitor wildfires better. “With space technologies, we can provide real-time data on the location, extent and behaviour of fires – information that can improve fire management and response efforts,” says Liene Lapsevska, Head of PR & Communications at OroraTech. 

According to Lapsevska, the company’s technology significantly reduces fire detection time while also offering substantial cost savings over traditional detection methods like aircraft surveillance. Furthermore, its on-orbit processing capabilities will allow customers to receive data from anywhere in the world just three minutes after the satellite passes over the affected area.

OroraTech is participating in CASSINI, a EUSPA-backed initiative organised by the European Commission that supports entrepreneurs, start-ups and SMEs developing innovative applications and services that leverage the EU Space Programme. 

The power of synergy and the strength of Horizon Europe

While GNSS and Earth Observation are powerful tools in their own right, the Emergency Management and Humanitarian Aid sector stands to benefit the most when these solutions are used in synergy. That’s why EUSPA is supporting such initiatives as the OVERWATCH project through Horizon Europe scheme.

The project is a collaboration between several aerospace, technology and innovation companies from across Europe. Using GNSS positioning and Copernicus data, along with such emerging technologies as Artificial Intelligence, drones, 5G connectivity and Augmented Reality, the project is building an integrated holographic management system for the response, recovery and mitigation of emergencies and disasters.

“Our goal is to provide the decision support tools authorities need to quickly deploy and manage air, water and ground assets and personnel, all integrated into an immersive and completely decentralised command platform,” explains Vanina Fissore, a researcher with the project. 

The OVERWATCH system will be fed by geospatial data coming from Copernicus satellites. It will also leverage the Copernicus Emergency Management Service for the rapid mapping of a disaster area. “This data gives authorities a clear picture of the current situation, allowing them to allocate resources more efficiently and effectively,” says Katarina Spasenovic, the OVERWATCH project’s communication lead. 

One of those resources is the use of drones, which are becoming an increasingly important tool in the wildfire fighting arsenal. “Unlike the ground-based systems and manned aircraft traditionally used in firefighting prevention, drones can operate over long distances, at night, in all weather conditions, in remote areas and with little to no infrastructure,” explains Vasilis Kalogirou, Space Downstream Research & Innovation Officer at EUSPA. “Proven to be effective and safe, they have the potential to be a real game-changer in firefighting missions.”

To tap this potential, OVERWATCH drones will use the precise positioning and accuracy offered by Galileo, including the recently launched Galileo High Accuracy Service, to safely navigate through a fire event. Equipped with a payload that includes sensors and cameras, these drones can serve as a valuable eye-in-the-sky during emergency situations, collecting three-dimensional data about the terrain, providing real-time tracking of a firefighter’s location in the field, and monitoring and identifying assets on the ground. 

All this data, whether it be coming from Copernicus, GNSS-enabled drones or another source altogether, is then sent to the central OVERWATCH platform. Here, the data will be analysed using, at least in part, AI algorithms, which can quickly extrapolate important information that will then be presented via an intuitive, augmented reality-based user interface.   

“When companies leverage the synergy of EU Space, they can help improve the speed and accuracy at which wildfires are detected and facilitate the faster, safer and more effective responses we need to contain the damage and save more lives,” concludes Kalogirou.

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).

Wildfires continue to rage across Chile this week. At last count, there were 323 active fires, including at least 90 that officials consider to be out of control. Not only have they burnt an estimated 889,000 acres of forests, they’ve destroyed 1,500 homes and have left thousands homeless. At the time of writing, the wildfires have caused at least 26 deaths and more than 2,000 injuries. 

Unfortunately, these fires are not an isolated incident. Wildfires happen around the world and, because of climate change, with increasing frequency and ferocity. In 2021, fires burned an area nearly two times the size of New York City in Greece, while last summer, 25% of the forests in Portugal’s famed Serra da Estrela range were lost to fire.   

Whether it’s wildfires in Chile or a deadly earthquake in Turkey, natural disasters highlight the importance of having innovative tools and solutions for resilient risk management and response. 

The key to building those tools and solutions? The EU Space Programme.

From GNSS (Galileo, EGNOS) to Earth Observation (Copernicus) and satellite communication (GOVSATCOM and IRIS²) , each component of the EU Space Programme brings added value to different phases of the disaster risk management and mitigation chain. For example, while firefighters and emergency first responders rely on the precise positioning provided by EGNOS and Galileo to safely guide themselves through smoke, fog and flames, Copernicus provides decision makers with critical geospatial information, including continuous observations and forecasting for flood, drought and fire risks.

Detecting and monitoring wildfires with Copernicus 

Copernicus data is currently being used by decision makers in Chile to control the wildfires happening there. Specifically, ARAUCO, the country’s largest commercial forestry company, is using a solution developed by OroraTech, a German thermal-infrared data intelligence company, to track the fires’ evolution and estimate damages.

By combining satellite images provided by Copernicus with thermal infrared data, the OroraTech Wildfire Solution enables stakeholders like ARAUCO to detect and monitor wildfires better. “With space technologies, we can provide real-time data on the location, extent and behaviour of fires – information that can improve fire management and response efforts,” says Liene Lapsevska, Head of PR & Communications at OroraTech. 

According to Lapsevska, the company’s technology significantly reduces fire detection time while also offering substantial cost savings over traditional detection methods like aircraft surveillance. Furthermore, its on-orbit processing capabilities will allow customers to receive data from anywhere in the world just three minutes after the satellite passes over the affected area.

OroraTech is participating in CASSINI, a EUSPA-backed initiative organised by the European Commission that supports entrepreneurs, start-ups and SMEs developing innovative applications and services that leverage the EU Space Programme. 

The power of synergy and the strength of Horizon Europe

While GNSS and Earth Observation are powerful tools in their own right, the Emergency Management and Humanitarian Aid sector stands to benefit the most when these solutions are used in synergy. That’s why EUSPA is supporting such initiatives as the OVERWATCH project through Horizon Europe scheme.

The project is a collaboration between several aerospace, technology and innovation companies from across Europe. Using GNSS positioning and Copernicus data, along with such emerging technologies as Artificial Intelligence, drones, 5G connectivity and Augmented Reality, the project is building an integrated holographic management system for the response, recovery and mitigation of emergencies and disasters.

“Our goal is to provide the decision support tools authorities need to quickly deploy and manage air, water and ground assets and personnel, all integrated into an immersive and completely decentralised command platform,” explains Vanina Fissore, a researcher with the project. 

The OVERWATCH system will be fed by geospatial data coming from Copernicus satellites. It will also leverage the Copernicus Emergency Management Service for the rapid mapping of a disaster area. “This data gives authorities a clear picture of the current situation, allowing them to allocate resources more efficiently and effectively,” says Katarina Spasenovic, the OVERWATCH project’s communication lead. 

One of those resources is the use of drones, which are becoming an increasingly important tool in the wildfire fighting arsenal. “Unlike the ground-based systems and manned aircraft traditionally used in firefighting prevention, drones can operate over long distances, at night, in all weather conditions, in remote areas and with little to no infrastructure,” explains Vasilis Kalogirou, Space Downstream Research & Innovation Officer at EUSPA. “Proven to be effective and safe, they have the potential to be a real game-changer in firefighting missions.”

To tap this potential, OVERWATCH drones will use the precise positioning and accuracy offered by Galileo, including the recently launched Galileo High Accuracy Service, to safely navigate through a fire event. Equipped with a payload that includes sensors and cameras, these drones can serve as a valuable eye-in-the-sky during emergency situations, collecting three-dimensional data about the terrain, providing real-time tracking of a firefighter’s location in the field, and monitoring and identifying assets on the ground. 

All this data, whether it be coming from Copernicus, GNSS-enabled drones or another source altogether, is then sent to the central OVERWATCH platform. Here, the data will be analysed using, at least in part, AI algorithms, which can quickly extrapolate important information that will then be presented via an intuitive, augmented reality-based user interface.   

“When companies leverage the synergy of EU Space, they can help improve the speed and accuracy at which wildfires are detected and facilitate the faster, safer and more effective responses we need to contain the damage and save more lives,” concludes Kalogirou.

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).

Accurate positioning is what puts the smart into smartphones. Without it, your rideshare drives right past you, your food delivery ends up next door and your date is left thinking they’ve been stood up. 

In other words, without accurate positioning, your smartphone can leave you looking rather dumb.

The good news is that pretty much all smartphones come equipped with a satellite navigation chip, which automatically calculates where your phone is and provides this information to your location-based apps. The bad news is that not all chips are created equal. 

“Your phone determines its position by accessing the GNSS signals that come from satellites,” explains EUSPA Chief Operating Officer, Pascal Claudel. “The more signals it can access, the more accurate the positioning.”

Gaining access 

So, how can your phone access more signals? 

According to Claudel, the key is to have what is called a multi-constellation chip. “Multi-constellation chips collect data coming from more than one GNSS constellation, such as Galileo and GPS,” he explains. 

The advantage of having a phone equipped with a multi-constellation chip is that location can be calculated using all the available satellites from both the Galileo and GPS constellations, amongst others. This is particularly helpful in urban environments where narrow streets and tall buildings can block satellite signals, rendering many mobile services useless.

“By accessing more satellites, Galileo-enabled devices definitely have an advantage – an advantage that translates into more accurate and reliable positioning for users,” adds Claudel.

Thanks to HAS and OSNMA, Galileo potential is unique 

Looking forward, however, the contribution of Galileo is expected to go way beyond. Being the newest GNSS in the arena, Galileo signal’s features bring many unmatched innovations to its users. Among these, the provision of Galileo HAS (High Accuracy Service) and OSNMA (Open Service – Navigation Message Authentication) is set to be of the highest interest to smartphone users. The recently declared operational Galileo HAS, for example, will provide for accuracy below a few decimetres (<25cm horizontal in nominal conditions of use). Galileo OSNMA, a data authentication function that will be soon freely accessible worldwide, will pave the way towards robust Position, Velocity and Time information (PVT) for the Galileo Open Service users. 

In the upcoming years, once chipset receivers able to make use of those innovations will be integrated into smartphones, users will benefit from both those Galileo services for free. This is expected to fuel a massive development of innovative applications. Within consumer apps, indeed, those new Galileo services will enable innovative solutions and/ or functions. The HAS increased accuracy will have a direct impact on the performance of a wide range of consumer application categories such as Gaming, Healthcare, Robotics, AR and Geo-marketing. Mobile payments and enterprise workforce management and tracking solutions are some of the areas that will benefit from OSNMA. 

Overall, the provision of Galileo HAS and OSNMA is expected to further narrow the distance between consumer and enterprise apps, with professional users across several verticals being able to perform directly in their smartphones activities and tasks once possible only with dedicated devices. The enhanced positioning capabilities provided by Galileo will also further consolidate the role of the smartphone as one of the key devices able to establish a bridge between the digital and the physical worlds in the metaverse and digital twin technologies. 

Find out if your smartphone is Galileo enabled  

EUSPA wants everyone to benefit from the enhanced positioning accuracy and reliability that Galileo provides. That’s why we’ve been working tirelessly to ensure that the world’s leading chip manufacturers include Galileo in their products. We’re also supporting the industry’s development of such chips through our Fundamental Elements funding mechanism.  

As a result of this work, over 3.9 billion Galileo-enabled smartphones have been sold worldwide. You can see if yours is one of them by visiting www.useGalileo.eu.  

There are also a number of apps you can use to check where your positioning data is coming from. For example, the GPSTest application, which can be downloaded for free from Google Play, provides users with real-time information about which satellites are providing positioning data to your phone. If the Galileo satellite on the user screen (indicated by the EU flag) has a ‘U’ next to it, then you know your phone is using Galileo to calculate its position at that very moment. 

Similar applications are available for iOS users such as here.

Accuracy matters more than ever

Considering the plethora of location-based services out there, many of which we use on a daily basis, accuracy matters more than ever. 

“Thanks to the added accuracy that Galileo brings to smartphones everywhere, you can rest assured that your food will come before it goes cold, that your rideshare will actually arrive when and where it’s supposed to, and that you won’t miss a potential match the next time you swipe right,” concludes Claudel. 

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) has a key role in the Galileo Programme, the EU Global Navigation Satellite System, ensuring the service provision, implementing, supporting the security of the EU Space Programme, and promoting and developing the markets for EU companies. The GSMC, Galileo Security Monitoring Centre, as part of EUSPA, is being responsible for several major tasks including overall management of the system’s security, management of Galileo Public Regulated Service (PRS) access, command and control of European GNSS, and provision of PRS and GNSS security expertise and analysis. The GSMC ensures the reliability of the Galileo system, which is crucial for its success. The GSMC has its main location in France, with a backup site located in Spain. This site is essential to provide redundancy for the security of Galileo. The Galileo Security Monitoring Centre (GSMC) delivers services 24/7. 

The procurement concerns the provision of guarding services for the Galileo Security Monitoring Center located in Saint-Germain-en-Laye (France), a critical infrastructure requiring 24/7 guarding services. EUSPA is committed to promoting the widest participation possible by economic operators, in particular start-ups, new entrants, and SMEs. 

The Agency is thus organizing an industry day on 20 February 2023 at 14.30 to present the details of the procurement for “Provision of Guarding Services for the GSMC”. 

Potential participants will have the opportunity to learn more about the mission of the European Union Agency for the Space Programme and the procurement documentation and submission process.

To attend this industry day, 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 European Union is investing more and more in its space infrastructure to ensure the operability of the EU Space Programme and that EU citizens make the most of the services offered. 

2022 had a lot in store for #EUSpace; the addition of two Galileo satellites in orbit; the launch of the EGNOS GEO-4 payload; preparations for two new services the OSNMA, the Galileo HAS and many upgrades to the systems’ ground infrastructures.

Last November, the Council of the EU and the European Parliament reached an agreement on the new flagship component of the EU Space Programme, IRIS². This multi-orbital constellation will combine the benefits offered by Low Earth (LEO), Geostationary (GEO) and Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) satellites. It is set to provide secure communication services to the EU and its Member States, as well as broadband connectivity for European citizens, private companies and governmental authorities.

EUSPA will continue to take a central role in the implementation of this growing EU Space Programme. Thus, the agency will grow.  To respond to an additional increase of staff in the coming years, the agency headquarters will be then transferred in 2025 to Centrum Nová Palmovka (the New Palmovka building) in Prague 8.

Visualisations of the new building were made available to the public during a press conference which took place today at the agency’s current headquarters.

The new premises will be located just outside the Palmovka metro station, a transportation hub easily accessible to employees as well as visitors via tram, bus and metro. 

More than a staff increase 

The number of critical services and everyday devices that depend on satellite-based data continues to increase. But, with this increase comes new challenges – including cybersecurity. EUSPA has a central role to play in guaranteeing the operational security of the EU Space Programme both in space and on the ground.

The government of the Czech Republic also offered the agency the possibility to use part of the state datacentre in Zeleneč, Prague. The Data Centre will in particular allow the Agency to strengthen its overall resilience.

Read this: EUSPA: the gatekeeper to a secure EU Space Programme

Larger headquarters generate even larger benefits for the host country 

 ‘’Our agency and its staff not only significantly contribute to the local economy of Prague, but also to the country’s economy overall’’ explains EUSPA Executive Director, Rodrigo da Costa.

Each year until the end of 2022, EUSPA’s headquarters boost Czech GDP by€13.4M on average resulting in almost €140Min total in 2022 prices. This amount includes rent for the headquarters, as well as direct and indirect contributions by EUSPA staff to the Czech economy.

What’s more, the agency activates the economy by supporting conference tourism. In 2022 alone, over 4000 visitors from all across the EU travelled to Prague to attend EU Space Week 2022, the Entrepreneurship Day and other workshops. The presence of our agency has also supported the country’s very vibrant start-up ecosystem and has motivated many new entrepreneurs to venture into space. 

 “Since the Agency moved to Prague more than 10 years ago, the importance of space data and services for our citizens and our economy has been growing continuously - and our Agency with it.  The Czech Republic as our hosting country for the seat of the Agency is embracing this growth. The new building and the data centre will provide us with the necessary infrastructure to continue implementing the EU Space Programme,“ declared Rodrigo da Costa, EUSPA Executive Director.

In addition to its Prague headquarters, EUSPA has control and operations centres in France, Spain, the Netherlands, Germany, Italy, and Belgium. 

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 global security environment is becoming more contested, complex, and interconnected. As armed conflicts and civil wars re-emerge in the EU’s neighbourhood, new and unconventional security threats have emerged or grown stronger, in an increasingly interconnected world.

In the face of increased global instability, the EU needs to take more responsibility for its security and increase its capacity to act autonomously.

In the 5th edition of the CASSINI Hackathons, innovative go-getters are invited to develop new concepts, products, or services that positively impact the European defence and security sector.

Space data, information, and signals can enable novel and unique solutions for cross-terrain mobility and logistics, maritime threat intelligence, and infrastructure network resiliency. We challenge participants to innovate with earth observation data from Copernicus and satellite positioning and navigation services from Galileo & EGNOS. On top of that, we encourage participants to develop solutions with cybersecurity in mind from the start.

#EUSpace to strengthen Europe’s defence and security 

Cross-Terrain mobility 

This challenge is looking for trailblazers to develop innovative concepts or design new products and services that enable cross-terrain mobility for defence forces, emergency response team and humanitarian aid forces in a variety of weather conditions. 

Making the seas more secure

Tomorrow’s innovators are tasked with developing innovative concepts and designing new products or services to strengthen maritime intelligence against direct security threats and organised and environmental crime.

Watch this: EU Space Programme synergies for maritime emergencies

Protecting our critical infrastructure 

This challenge calls on participants to develop novel solutions that assess the risk of disruption to critical infrastructure and plan mitigation and recovery scenarios. 

It’s time to show off your originality by developing viable solutions that will enhance the competencies of the EU’s defence and security. The hackathon is open to anyone interested in entrepreneurship, the defence industry, and EU Space technologies.

The 5th CASSINI Hackathon will take place simultaneously across 10 different locations on 24-26 March 2023.

Click here for more information.

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).

Climate change is one of the biggest challenges facing humanity today. Overcoming it requires a green transformation – one characterised by a drastic reduction in carbon emissions and a significant increase in sustainable best practices. 

Driving this transformation is the European Green Deal, which strives to make Europe the world’s first climate-neutral continent by 2050. But to achieve this goal, companies must take a deep look at their internal operations, as well as their supply chains, to identify opportunities for reducing their own environmental footprint. 

This is where EU Space comes into play.

The EU Space Programme, including Copernicus, Galileo and EGNOS, can play a critical role in supplying the information companies need to monitor environmental indicators, reduce their environmental impact, become more sustainable and drive the green transformation.

“EU Space data and services are an important asset to support the implementation of the Green Deal,” says EUSPA Executive Director Rodrigo da Costa. “Businesses in particular stand to benefit from a myriad of possible applications for EU Space data, which translates into greener practices, cost reductions and increased efficiency.”

EU Space for Green Transformation, a new report by EUSPA, introduces the Green Deal and its implications for companies. It also presents detailed examples of how various industries, including energy, road transport, aviation, agriculture, forestry and mining, are leveraging the power of EU Space to drive their sustainability journeys.

EU Space data supports the shift to renewable energy  

According to the Report, the EU Space Programme is set to support the energy sector’s shift from fossil fuels to renewables – a process that starts with site selection. 

Choosing the right location for renewable energy infrastructure is a key prerequisite to efficient energy production. Connections to the grid, historical weather data (solar irradiance, windspeeds and directions, marine currents, etc.), as well as oro- and topographical characteristics, are all crucial parameters in this process.

EU Space data makes finding the optimal site easier. For example, using information gathered from Copernicus’ satellites and atmospheric models, the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service produces global irradiation models that the renewable energy sector can use to make informed decisions on where to best place solar panels. Considering Copernicus’ ability to monitor wind and marine currents, similar applications can be used to optimise the location of wind turbines and tidal power generation plants. 

EU Space offers substantial environmental benefits

Once the infrastructure is built and operational, it must be maintained – something that becomes all the more challenging when the solar panels and wind turbines are located in difficult-to-reach and remote locations. 

Here too EU Space can help.

The precise positioning services offered by Galileo and EGNOS, together with the latest developments in computer vision-aided navigation, enable the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), or drones, to efficiently, effectively and safely inspect renewable energy infrastructure.  

GNSS-enabled drones are already used to remotely detect solar panel hotspots, which can reduce power generation, and inspect wind turbine structures. With the forthcoming Galileo High Accuracy Service, this capability will become even more efficient and widespread. 

“Whether it be increasing the efficiency of renewable energy infrastructure, enabling more efficient flightpaths or implementing precision agriculture operations, as this Report makes clear, the cumulative environmental benefits enabled by the EU Space Programme are simply substantial,” concludes da Costa. 

To learn how your company’s sustainability journey can benefit from EU Space data and services, download the full EU Space for Green Transformation report here. Or contact us at market@euspa.europa.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).

Galileo, European Union Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), begins the delivery of its High Accuracy Service (HAS) today as officially announced by Thierry Breton, European Commissioner for Internal Market, “feeding a prosperous market for innovative applications – from farming to drone navigation and autonomous driving.”

Galileo is now the first Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) providing free-of-charge, high accuracy Precise Point Positioning (PPP) corrections worldwide both through the Galileo signal in space (E6-B) and via the internet.  

The precise corrections provided by the Galileo HAS will allow users to improve the accuracy associated with the orbit, clocks and biases provided through the Galileo Open Service broadcast navigation messages and the GPS Standard Positioning Service navigation data. These corrections enable the computation of a high accuracy positioning solution in real-time when processed by an appropriate algorithm in the users’ receivers tracking the Galileo E6-B signal.

The typical accuracy below a few decimetres (<25cm horizontal) in nominal conditions of use is a revolution where Europe provides this as an integrated service for free, thus allowing the massive development of applications worldwide. 

“This new service has been made possible thanks to the outstanding cooperation and team commitment of all involved partners” declared EUSPA Executive Director, Rodrigo da Costa.

“Galileo HAS will become the pillar of many EU sectorial policies. Currently, high accuracy is primarily used in such professional applications as surveying, precision agriculture and civil engineering, amongst others,” he says. “However, new and emerging applications, including autonomous driving, unmanned vehicles, robotics and a range of location-based services will all welcome high accuracy.” 

Da Costa also notes that, when used in synergy with Copernicus, the Galileo HAS will open up new market possibilities and help design new services. 

All official HAS documentation, including its Service Definition Document (SDD) are available in the European GNSS Service Center (E-GSC), managed by EUSPA. 

The culmination of an ongoing process

In 2021, EUSPA published an Information Note on the Galileo HAS. The note provided an overview of the service’s main characteristics, along with information on such key features as targeted performance and markets, service levels and a roadmap for implementation. 

External stakeholders participated in a testing campaign of the Galileo HAS Signal in Space broadcasting. Thus, relevant feedback has been collected not only on the HAS SiS Interface Control Document structure and implementation at the receiver level, but also on service-related aspects and specifications. 

“The Galileo High Accuracy Service offers new levels of accuracy to everyone who needs it, while the Open Service Navigation Message Authentication allows users to authenticate Galileo signals, and therefore supports spoofing detection. ESA's role is to oversee Galileo system upgrades, working together with Galileo’s service provider, EUSPA, and its owner, the European Union”, remarks Javier Benedicto, ESA Director of Navigation.

“The Galileo programme has been performing a long set of HAS testing activities since 2019 leading to the first-ever HAS signal broadcast in May 2021,” adds Javier de Blas, EUSPA Commercial and HAS manager. “Based on the feedback gained during the joint efforts conducted by EUSPA, the European Commission and ESA, with the key support of the European aerospace industry during the testing phase, we were able to publish the first Galileo High Accuracy Service Signal in Space Interface Control Document and introduce the necessary changes to ensure the HAS Initial Service implements the feedback received from the users.”  

Following the HAS Initial Service Declaration, the Galileo Programme will continue its efforts to incrementally improve its coverage and performance over the next years towards its Full-Service Declaration.

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).

After several months of intensive testing and continuous improvement, the Galileo OSNMA Public Observation Test Phase is coming to an end. During this period, receiver manufacturers and application developers from different market segments were able to design their own OSNMA solutions and validate the service’s performance in various scenarios. The feedback provided by involved stakeholders has been key to fine-tuning the data authentication mechanism throughout the testing phase. An updated version of Galileo OSNMA Receiver Guidelines for the Test Phase has been issued in October 2022 and can be downloaded from GSC electronic library. 

As a conclusion of the Public Observation Test Phase, EUSPA will host a final workshop to gather and get feedback from the community. 

It is taking  place online on 16 February 2023 from 1.00 pm to 5.30 pm. 

A preliminary agenda for the event can be found here. Participants will be able to present how they implemented  OSNMA , learn key aspects of the service tested and discover what is coming for OSNMA in the next months. In preparation for the service provision phase, the Galileo OSNMA Receiver Guidelines for Service Phase have been published in December 2022. 

EUSPA and EC experts will share the main takeaways of this important phase for the Galileo authentication service. In addition, the European Commission Joint Research Centre (JRC) will present an overview of the results obtained using non nominal test vector scenarios. Key E-GNSS actors will discuss their test results, and specific use cases will be presented by selected market stakeholders. The last part of the workshop will present two different approaches for the implementation of OSNMA in smartphones.

To attend this Workshop, 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).

Launched on 15 December 2016, the Galileo Search and Rescue (SAR) service provides aid to people in distress or imminent danger. The Galileo SAR Service relays highly accurate, timely and reliable distress alert data to Cospas-Sarsat. 

Under EUSPA management, the Galileo SAR Service has undergone continuous improvements developing breakthrough features such as the Galileo Return Link Service which was declared operational in January 2020. In February 2022, the Galileo SAR reached new heights with a record-breaking location accuracy performance of 98.12% below 2km. The EU constellation is the biggest contributor to the Cospas-Sarsat MEOSAR system, with experts estimating that Galileo helps to save about 2000 lives annually. 

Read this: La Réunion EU MEOLUT, a corner stone new infrastructure for SAR Galileo delivery in the Indian Ocean

Why CNES?

Prior to the launch of the Galileo Initial Services, to ensure that end-users make the most of the Service, the European Commission established the SAR/Galileo Data Service Provider (SGDSP) a new Entity entrusted to CNES tasked to provide the Galileo SAR Service in a safe, reliable and secure manner 

Given its longstanding history with COSPAS-SARSAT and its expertise in managing space ground infrastructures, in 2015 CNES was assigned to operate the SAR Service from SAR/Galileo Service Centre (SGSC), a Galileo Service Facility hosted in the Toulouse Space Center (CNES premises). The SGSC Facility monitors the overall SAR/Galileo Ground Segment (SGS), coordinates the maintenance activities and computes in near-real-time Service key performance indicators.

"CNES has been present from the foundation of the SAR/Galileo system up to the current exploitation phase building up a unique technical expertise, thus we are proud to be able to continue our work to support the search and Rescue operations", says Philippe Baptiste, President of CNES .  

EUSPA entrusts CNES once again with the responsibility of providing the SAR-Galileo services.

This new Contract will further expand the long-lasting and excellent collaboration between EUSPA and CNES in the SAR activities. It will ensure the continuation of the operations, maintenance and hosting services of the SAR/Galileo and the uninterrupted delivery of SAR signals and SAR data needed to guarantee the SAR/Galileo Service contribution to Cospas-Sarsat to the upmost standards. 

Watch this: Search and Rescue in the Arctic supported by EUSpace 

"We are happy to announce the extension of our collaboration in such an important service that delivers tangible benefits to EU and global citizens. I am also very pleased to see Member States actively participating in the development, support and evolution of the EU Space Programme" —EUSPA Executive Director, Rodrigo da Costa.

The duration of the Framework Contract is 10 years, which is warranted due to the international structure of the Cospas-Sarsat programme and the EUSPA objective to establish a long-term cooperation for the implementation of the current and future SAR/Galileo Services. 

The operations, maintenance and hosting services to be provided will remain a unique and non-competitive market and CNES will be the only entity capable of providing the above service in support of Cospas-Sarsat.

A team of qualified CNES personnel comprised of Navigation, System, Operations and SAR experts will support EUSPA to deliver the Galileo SAR service by seamlessly operating the ground segment, maintaining the infrastructure and offering technical support, among other objectives as well. Detailed information can be found in the Galileo SAR Service Definition Document.

What’s next for Galileo SAR?

The Galileo Full Operational Capability Programme roadmap foresees evolutions in the Galileo Services and Galileo System in the field of Emergency response. Both evolutions have strict links to the SGDSP activities foreseen under the new Framework Contract as their implementation directly affect the hosting, maintenance, operations and/or the Service monitoring tasks.

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 space downstream market is full of opportunities for companies developing GNSS-enabled chipsets, receivers and antennas – many of which are showcased in EUSPA’s first Fundamental Elements Catalogue.  

“This catalogue not only showcases the success of the Fundamental Elements initiative, it also provides an overview of the opportunities for the space downstream industry,” says EUSPA Head of Market, Downstream and Innovation Fiammetta Diani. 

Fundamental Elements is an R&D funding mechanism designed to support the development of innovative chipset, antenna and receiver technologies that industry would not yet invest in on its own initiative. In doing so, the programme helps accelerate the integration of European GNSS (EGNSS) into market-ready devices and solutions.

Now in its second call, the mechanisms has played a key role in positioning Galileo as the leading GNSS constellation we know today and in the development of the many GNSS-based applications that European citizens benefit from on a daily basis. 

Showcasing success 

The Fundamental Elements Catalogue provides an in-depth overview of all the projects that received a combined EUR 70 million in funding during the first call. 

One of those projects is the FANTASTIC project, which helped broaden the scope of professional GNSS applications by making them work in harsher conditions. To do this, the project developed technology for the optimal exploitation of the Precise Point Positioning (PPP) data provided by the Galileo High Accuracy Service (HAS). 

Also showcased in the catalogue is the AMETRINE project, which supported the uptake of the Galileo Search and Rescue (SAR) service. It did this by developing an ultra-compact, market-ready SAR Return Link Service (RLS) beacon that can be incorporated into life-saving equipment.  

An essential resource and a source of inspiration 

These are just two of the 38 projects profiled in the catalogue. In addition to a general overview of each project, the catalogue includes information on the project’s target market, context and motivation, along with insights on the scope and challenges of the technical solution. Each entry also pays particular attention to how the project supports EUSPA’s mission of advancing the development and market uptake of EGNSS-enabled receivers.  

Thanks to its easy-to-navigate, highly visual layout, the Fundamental Elements Catalogue is an essential resource for anyone interested in sourcing the developed technologies, products and services. It also serves as a source of inspiration for any corporation, SME, university, research organisation or public entity interested in participating in the current call, which aims to integrate Galileo’s key differentiators into receiver technologies. 

“Looking at what the future holds, it is clear that Fundamental Elements will allow end-users from all segments to be part of a more competitive and strong EU Space landscape,” concludes Diani.

You can download your free copy here. 

New calls are upcoming, all the relevant information on the open and foreseen for the year calls including details on the application process, can be found 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 space downstream market is full of opportunities for companies developing GNSS-enabled chipsets, receivers and antennas – many of which are showcased in EUSPA’s first Fundamental Elements Catalogue.  

“This catalogue not only showcases the success of the Fundamental Elements initiative, it also provides an overview of the opportunities for the space downstream industry,” says EUSPA Head of Market, Downstream and Innovation Fiammetta Diani. 

Fundamental Elements is an R&D funding mechanism designed to support the development of innovative chipset, antenna and receiver technologies that industry would not yet invest in on its own initiative. In doing so, the programme helps accelerate the integration of European GNSS (EGNSS) into market-ready devices and solutions.

Now in its second call, the mechanisms has played a key role in positioning Galileo as the leading GNSS constellation we know today and in the development of the many GNSS-based applications that European citizens benefit from on a daily basis. 

Showcasing success 

The Fundamental Elements Catalogue provides an in-depth overview of all the projects that received a combined EUR 70 million in funding during the first call. 

One of those projects is the FANTASTIC project, which helped broaden the scope of professional GNSS applications by making them work in harsher conditions. To do this, the project developed technology for the optimal exploitation of the Precise Point Positioning (PPP) data provided by the Galileo High Accuracy Service (HAS). 

Also showcased in the catalogue is the AMETRINE project, which supported the uptake of the Galileo Search and Rescue (SAR) service. It did this by developing an ultra-compact, market-ready SAR Return Link Service (RLS) beacon that can be incorporated into life-saving equipment.  

An essential resource and a source of inspiration 

These are just two of the 38 projects profiled in the catalogue. In addition to a general overview of each project, the catalogue includes information on the project’s target market, context and motivation, along with insights on the scope and challenges of the technical solution. Each entry also pays particular attention to how the project supports EUSPA’s mission of advancing the development and market uptake of EGNSS-enabled receivers.  

Thanks to its easy-to-navigate, highly visual layout, the Fundamental Elements Catalogue is an essential resource for anyone interested in sourcing the developed technologies, products and services. It also serves as a source of inspiration for any corporation, SME, university, research organisation or public entity interested in participating in the current call, which aims to integrate Galileo’s key differentiators into receiver technologies. 

“Looking at what the future holds, it is clear that Fundamental Elements will allow end-users from all segments to be part of a more competitive and strong EU Space landscape,” concludes Diani.

You can download your free copy here. 

New calls are upcoming, all the relevant information on the open and foreseen for the year calls including details on the application process, can be found 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 European Union, its Member States, and Europeans across the continent have joined efforts to support people fleeing the devastating war. EUSPA is mobilizing the EU Space innovation community who can provide solutions to enhance humanitarian support. 

EU Space for humanitarian aid 

Earth observation (EO) and navigation (GNSS) capabilities are used in response to natural and man-made emergency situations. Downstream applications of GNSS and EO are deployed in all phases of emergency management, from preparedness and early warning to rapid mapping and post-event analysis. 

For prevention, risk reduction and recovery phases, EO provides risk assessment and simulation models. For early warning, EO enables continuous observations and forecasts of fires, surface deformation, or terrain deformation. During disasters, EO and GNSS enable search and rescue operations and provide rapid mapping allowing emergency responses to be coordinated efficiently. For post-event analysis, the comparison of recent and archival EO data assists relevant actors with an accurate damage assessment. 

For example, the UN organisation Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) uses Geographic Information Systems (GIS) as a communication tool to evaluate the humanitarian situation, whilst EO data and services provide the means to monitor the displacement of refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs), among other uses such as conducting population counting.

The European Earth observation and navigation programs Copernicus, Galileo and EGNOS provide the full picture needed for context-aware emergency management and delivering accurate and reliable information.

EUSpace4Ukraine demonstrator 

EUSpace4Ukraine is an initiative that unites NGOs, helpers, and innovators in relieving the pain of the Ukrainian people impacted by the Russian invasion. Under this initiative, a technical demonstrator will be developed that will support NGOs in their humanitarian activities connected to Ukraine. 

The objective of the workshop is to gather information from the humanitarian community with respect to the technical challenges they are facing. The output of the workshop will contribute to the development of the demonstrator, which will leverage European space data to address key challenges in the operational environments of NGOs. 

Register today!

If you are an NGO or a helper providing humanitarian support for Ukraine and want to learn how your activities can benefit from EU Space data or want to shape the technical demonstrator, we welcome you to participate in our workshop on 2 February - 10:00 am – 12:00 am CET.

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, its Member States, and Europeans across the continent have joined efforts to support people fleeing the devastating war. EUSPA is mobilizing the EU Space innovation community who can provide solutions to enhance humanitarian support. 

EU Space for humanitarian aid 

Earth observation (EO) and navigation (GNSS) capabilities are used in response to natural and man-made emergency situations. Downstream applications of GNSS and EO are deployed in all phases of emergency management, from preparedness and early warning to rapid mapping and post-event analysis. 

For prevention, risk reduction and recovery phases, EO provides risk assessment and simulation models. For early warning, EO enables continuous observations and forecasts of fires, surface deformation, or terrain deformation. During disasters, EO and GNSS enable search and rescue operations and provide rapid mapping allowing emergency responses to be coordinated efficiently. For post-event analysis, the comparison of recent and archival EO data assists relevant actors with an accurate damage assessment. 

For example, the UN organisation Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) uses Geographic Information Systems (GIS) as a communication tool to evaluate the humanitarian situation, whilst EO data and services provide the means to monitor the displacement of refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs), among other uses such as conducting population counting.

The European Earth observation and navigation programs Copernicus, Galileo and EGNOS provide the full picture needed for context-aware emergency management and delivering accurate and reliable information.

EUSpace4Ukraine demonstrator 

EUSpace4Ukraine is an initiative that unites NGOs, helpers, and innovators in relieving the pain of the Ukrainian people impacted by the Russian invasion. Under this initiative, a technical demonstrator will be developed that will support NGOs in their humanitarian activities connected to Ukraine. 

The objective of the workshop is to gather information from the humanitarian community with respect to the technical challenges they are facing. The output of the workshop will contribute to the development of the demonstrator, which will leverage European space data to address key challenges in the operational environments of NGOs. 

Register today!

If you are an NGO or a helper providing humanitarian support for Ukraine and want to learn how your activities can benefit from EU Space data or want to shape the technical demonstrator, we welcome you to participate in our workshop on 2 February - 10:00 am – 12:00 am CET.

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, its Member States, and Europeans across the continent have joined efforts to support people fleeing the devastating war. EUSPA is mobilizing the EU Space innovation community who can provide solutions to enhance humanitarian support. 

EU Space for humanitarian aid 

Earth observation (EO) and navigation (GNSS) capabilities are used in response to natural and man-made emergency situations. Downstream applications of GNSS and EO are deployed in all phases of emergency management, from preparedness and early warning to rapid mapping and post-event analysis. 

For prevention, risk reduction and recovery phases, EO provides risk assessment and simulation models. For early warning, EO enables continuous observations and forecasts of fires, surface deformation, or terrain deformation. During disasters, EO and GNSS enable search and rescue operations and provide rapid mapping allowing emergency responses to be coordinated efficiently. For post-event analysis, the comparison of recent and archival EO data assists relevant actors with an accurate damage assessment. 

For example, the UN organisation Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) uses Geographic Information Systems (GIS) as a communication tool to evaluate the humanitarian situation, whilst EO data and services provide the means to monitor the displacement of refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs), among other uses such as conducting population counting.

The European Earth observation and navigation programs Copernicus, Galileo and EGNOS provide the full picture needed for context-aware emergency management and delivering accurate and reliable information.

EUSpace4Ukraine demonstrator 

EUSpace4Ukraine is an initiative that unites NGOs, helpers, and innovators in relieving the pain of the Ukrainian people impacted by the Russian invasion. Under this initiative, a technical demonstrator will be developed that will support NGOs in their humanitarian activities connected to Ukraine. 

The objective of the workshop is to gather information from the humanitarian community with respect to the technical challenges they are facing. The output of the workshop will contribute to the development of the demonstrator, which will leverage European space data to address key challenges in the operational environments of NGOs. 

Register today!

If you are an NGO or a helper providing humanitarian support for Ukraine and want to learn how your activities can benefit from EU Space data or want to shape the technical demonstrator, we welcome you to participate in our workshop on 2 February - 10:00 am – 12:00 am CET.

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, its Member States, and Europeans across the continent have joined efforts to support people fleeing the devastating war. EUSPA is mobilizing the EU Space innovation community who can provide solutions to enhance humanitarian support. 

EU Space for humanitarian aid 

Earth observation (EO) and navigation (GNSS) capabilities are used in response to natural and man-made emergency situations. Downstream applications of GNSS and EO are deployed in all phases of emergency management, from preparedness and early warning to rapid mapping and post-event analysis. 

For prevention, risk reduction and recovery phases, EO provides risk assessment and simulation models. For early warning, EO enables continuous observations and forecasts of fires, surface deformation, or terrain deformation. During disasters, EO and GNSS enable search and rescue operations and provide rapid mapping allowing emergency responses to be coordinated efficiently. For post-event analysis, the comparison of recent and archival EO data assists relevant actors with an accurate damage assessment. 

For example, the UN organisation Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) uses Geographic Information Systems (GIS) as a communication tool to evaluate the humanitarian situation, whilst EO data and services provide the means to monitor the displacement of refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs), among other uses such as conducting population counting.

The European Earth observation and navigation programs Copernicus, Galileo and EGNOS provide the full picture needed for context-aware emergency management and delivering accurate and reliable information.

EUSpace4Ukraine demonstrator 

EUSpace4Ukraine is an initiative that unites NGOs, helpers, and innovators in relieving the pain of the Ukrainian people impacted by the Russian invasion. Under this initiative, a technical demonstrator will be developed that will support NGOs in their humanitarian activities connected to Ukraine. 

The objective of the workshop is to gather information from the humanitarian community with respect to the technical challenges they are facing. The output of the workshop will contribute to the development of the demonstrator, which will leverage European space data to address key challenges in the operational environments of NGOs. 

Register today!

If you are an NGO or a helper providing humanitarian support for Ukraine and want to learn how your activities can benefit from EU Space data or want to shape the technical demonstrator, we welcome you to participate in our workshop on 2 February - 10:00 am – 12:00 am CET.

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).

A skilled workforce is the key to sustainable growth, innovation and competitiveness. Unfortunately, when it comes to talent, demand outpaces supply. In fact, according to the European Commission, more than three quarters of companies in the EU report having difficulty finding workers with the necessary skill set.  

With the goal of boosting competitiveness and supporting skill development, the EU has named 2023 the ‘European Year of Skills’ – an initiative that EUSPA is ready to support.

Europe’s knowledge hub for all things related to EU Space

According to EUSPA research, the global GNSS downstream market is forecasted to see revenues reach up to EUR 510 billion by 2032. It also forecasts that the Earth Observation sector will double its revenues, from approximately EUR 2.8 billion to over EUR 5.5 billion within the next decade. 

Add these figures up and what you get is a clear opportunity for European companies to compete in the global market. But to take advantage of this opportunity, businesses need the right information and the right market intelligence.

“EUSPA has a well-earned reputation as being the go-to-source for all things related to the utilization of European GNSS - and more and more for Earth Observation” says EUSPA Executive Director Rodrigo da Costa. “That means being the central point of information, expertise and market intelligence that companies from across Europe depend on when integrating European space solutions into their start-ups, enterprises, innovations and research.”

In addition to publishing such flagship reports as the EO and GNSS Market Report and the GNSS Investment Report, the latter of which was co-authored with the European Investment Bank (EIB), EUSPA regularly participates in events, webinars, congresses, competitions and tradeshows across Europe – and beyond. It also hosts and co-host several in-house events, including Entrepreneurship Day and the EU Space Week.

“Knowledge sharing is a two-way street,” adds da Costa. “Every event is a chance to not only share our knowledge with businesses, but to learn what they need and how we, as an agency, can better address those needs.” 

An investment in our future  

One of the most often heard needs is access to talent. In response, EUSPA has launched several initiatives aimed at skill development. 

Take for example the EUSPA Space Academy, a free online training opened to all individuals, start-ups, entrepreneurs and SMEs who want to learn the ins and outs of building a space application business. The training is taught by top academics, industry leaders and EUSPA experts, with each module covering a specific skill, such as customer support, business planning, accessing funding and intellectual property, to name only a few. 

Many of these skills can be further honed via various EUSPA-supported competitions and hackathons, some of which include mentoring and incubation opportunities. 

But skill development is by no means restricted to entrepreneurs and companies, EU agencies and governmental organisations can benefit too. Thus, we will continue and reinforce our collaborations. For example, we are organising together with Mercator a workshop on EU Space for Plastic Detection in Ocean and Waterways.  

Together with EURISY, we will also organise information sessions in several locations in Europe on Satellite-based Services for Disaster Risk Management.

EUSPA also offers paid traineeships to university students and graduates. Available across the Agency’s various departments, including engineering, finance, legal, and communications, these traineeships are a unique opportunity for individuals to get first-hand experience on the workings of EUSPA and to acquire the skills they need to enter the labour market with confidence.

“Harnessing the immense potential of the European workforce starts with effective and inclusive training and skill development,” concludes da Costa. “At EUSPA, we strongly believe that offering such opportunities isn’t just an investment in individuals and companies, it’s an investment in our collective future.”

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).

January 1^st not only marks the start of a New Year, it’s also the start of the Swedish Presidency of the Council of the European Union. “Sweden is taking over the Presidency at a time when the European Union is facing unprecedented challenges,” says Prime Minister of Sweden Ulf Kristersson. “A greener, more secure and freer Europe is the foundation of our priorities.”

Those priorities include security, competitiveness, the green and energy transitions, democratic values and the rule of law – each of which stand to benefit from the EU Space Programme.

Priority 1: security 

Access to space is vital for the autonomy and sovereignty of the European Union. Since its first venture into satellite navigation with EGNOS in 2011, the Union’s space programme has been growing stronger with the addition of Copernicus in 2014 and Galileo in 2016. Soon, the EU will expand into satellite communications with GOVSATCOM and IRIS².

Each of these components contributes to– or will do so in the near future– the security of our continent’s citizens. 

For instance, unique features of Galileo will give an extra layer of security to governmental authorised users and sensitive applications that require high signal continuity like police operations.

Thanks to the Copernicus service for Security, national authorities can improve crisis prevention, preparedness and response in areas like border and maritime surveillance. Coupled with the Emergency Management of Copernicus, the Union can better address the management of natural disasters, man-made emergency situations and humanitarian crises with timely and accurate geo-spatial information derived from satellite remote sensing and completed by available in situ or open data sources.

GOVSATCOM will ensure the long-term availability of reliable, secured and cost-effective satellite communication (satcom) services for governmental users. The initiative will benefit a broad range of EU and national entities in their day-to-day operations and contribute to the security and safety of all EU citizens. Likewise, the newly announced IRIS2 constellation will provide secure communication services to the EU and its Member States as well as broadband connectivity for European citizens and private companies.

Priority 2: competitiveness 

EU Space is a key enabler of European competitiveness. According to the EUSPA EO and GNSS Market Report 2022, the global GNSS downstream market is forecasted to see revenues reach EUR 510 billion by 2032. The downstream market also includes an Earth Observation sector expected to double its revenues, from approximately EUR 2.8 billion to over EUR 5.5 billion within the next decade. Add these figures up and what you get is a clear opportunity for European companies to compete in the global market.

To help businesses leverage this opportunity, EUSPA serves as the go-to-source for all things EU Space, providing the information, expertise and market intelligence companies need in order to successfully integrate European space solutions into the applications, devices and services we all use on a daily basis.

Priority 3: the green and energy transitions  

The EU Space Programme is set to play a key role in Europe’s green and energy transitions, which requires that companies take a deep look at their internal operations and surrounding supply chain to understand where and how pollution and waste occur. 

From renewable energy generation and distribution to industrial waste management, wildlife monitoring, urban planning and fleet management, Copernicus and Galileo offer a host of independent, as well as synergistic, services to aid companies along their sustainability journeys and support them in greening their operations.

The Copernicus Climate Service (C3S) for instance has developed applications that demonstrate how climate data can be used. Such applications provide information for the renewable energy sector to understand information such as future supply and demand or wind speeds. They also help coastal areas understand and prepare for future storm surges.

Likewise, the use of GNSS data by Galileo/EGNOS are key to minimizing the environmental footprint of the agriculture sector by helping farmers cut down their emissions thanks to more precise and optimised tractor routes.

Priority 4: democratic values and the rule of law

EU Space supports European autonomy and independence – both of which are critical for ensuring our democratic values are upheld and the protection of the rule of law. For example, prior to the launch of Galileo, Europeans had to depend on foreign operated GNSS systems. With Galileo, users now have a reliable alternative that, unlike other programmes, remains under civil control.

Satellite positioning is an important and essential service that we often take for granted. Just think what would happen if GNSS signals were suddenly switched off. Truck and taxi drivers, ship and aircraft crews and people across Europe would suddenly be lost. Furthermore, governments, democratic institutions, financial and communication activities, public utilities, security and humanitarian operations, and emergency services would all come to a standstill. With the addition of Galileo, we have significantly minimised these risks.

The EU Space Programme was conceived with the core aim to benefit end users be it citizens, governments or businesses. Therefore, the vast majority of data and information delivered by Copernicus, Galileo and EGNOS is made available and accessible on a free, full and open basis.

EUSPA to support Swedish Presidency to deliver on its priorities

Sweden takes over the rotating Council Presidency from the Czech Republic and over the course of the next six months will chair meetings at every level in the Council, helping ensure the continuity of the EU's work in the Council.

“EUSPA looks forward to supporting the Swedish Presidency deliver on its priorities,” says EUSPA Executive Director Rodrigo da Costa. “By fostering the development of an innovative, competitive and independent space sector, EU Space contributes to such key priorities as the green and energy transformation and provides for the safety and security of the Union and its citizens – all while reinforcing the EU’s autonomy, resilience and democratic principles.”    

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 Commission have published new documents:

1. Galileo Open Service Navigation Message Authentication (OSNMA) Signal-in-Space (SIS) Interface Control Document (ICD)

This document contains, together with the Galileo Open Service Signal-In-Space Interface Control Document (OS SIS ICD), all information on the OSNMA SIS and specifies the interface between the Galileo Space Segment and the Galileo User Segment.

2. Galileo Open Service Navigation Message Authentication (OSNMA) Receiver Guidelines

This document provides the guidelines for the user segment implementation of the OSNMA functionality and should be considered as a complement to the OSNMA SIS ICD. It specifies the user capabilities and steps to be implemented to verify the authenticity of the Galileo navigation message. These guidelines are drafted in a generic way and are not tailored for any specific platform or application.

These documents are applicable to the coming OSNMA service provision phase and have been developed as an evolution of the Galileo OSNMA User ICD for test phase (v1.0) and the Galileo OSNMA Receiver Guidelines for Test Phase (v1.1). The publication of these two documents is an important milestone in the OSNMA service roll-out logic. As a next step the format of the SIS being broadcast as part of the OSNMA Public Observation Test Phase will transition from its current format (as per Galileo OSNMA User ICD for test phase) to its final format (as per Galileo OSNMA SIS ICD). This transition will be announced in advance to the OSNMA user community.

You can find the new versions of both documents in the Electronic Library of the GSC website.

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 new satellites in orbit, payload launches, system upgrades, and more opportunities for EO and GNSS users, “EUSPA can proudly look back at key achievements in 2022  in all its domains of activities: satellite-based service provision, security, and uptake of space data and services” declared EUSPA Executive Director, Rodrigo da Costa. 

Join us as we countdown to 2023 by highlighting some of this year’s milestones in EU Space. 

10

2022 was marked by the excellent provision of Galileo and EGNOS services, with state-of-the-art precision and availability of the signals from space, enabling billion of users in Europe and around the world to fully reap the benefits of space data and services.

9

The EU Space Programme’s various satellite constellations were upgraded at several occasions, kicking off with new Galileo satellites! Following extended in-orbit testing and rigorous validation, two new satellites joined the Galileo family in 2022. ‘Nikolina’ (GSAT0223) entered into service in May, followed by ‘Shriya’ (GSAT0224) in August. Together, these satellites offer greater precision, faster positioning, better accuracy and enhanced capabilities to several billion people using Galileo worldwide.    

The Galileo Open Service is set to become faster and more robust after an upgrade that added new features to the I/NAV message. EGNOS also received an upgrade, with the launch of the GEO4 payload that will increase the robustness and availability of the EGNOS services.   

8

While the satellites in space tend to get all the attention, both Galileo and EGNOS also depend on a robust – and secure – infrastructure here on Earth. For Galileo, part of that infrastructure is Medium Earth Orbit Local User Terminals (MEOLUTs). A component of the Galileo Search and Rescue (SAR) service, these dedicated ground stations play the critical role of generating an independent location of the distress beacon transmissions and relaying this information to first responders. To continue to save lives and better support the Cospas-Sarsat system used by international SAR efforts, this year, EUSPA announced that a fourth MEOLUT has been deployed on the Indian Ocean Island of Réunion. 

7

In its role as the security gatekeeper of the EU Space Programme, EUSPA continues to take steps to ensure the security of Europe’s GNSS signals and the confidentiality, integrity and availability of the data these programmes provide. Central to this role is the Security Accreditation Board (SAB), the security accreditation authority for all of the EU Space Programme’s components, where Member States take decisions in a strictly independent manner from the Programme and that this year elected Philippe Bertrand as its new Chair. 

While the SAB is in charge of security accreditation, security monitoring is done by the Galileo Security Monitoring Centre (GSMC). In September, EUSPA inaugurated a new GSMC facility in Saint Martin de la Vega, Spain, which serves as a backup to the site in Saint-Germain-en-Laye, France – where we also started moving to a new building.

6

EUSPA also celebrated its first anniversary this year - and the Agency’s 10th anniversary in Prague - along with its expanded mandate that includes not only overseeing the security, services and market uptake of Galileo and EGNOS, but also Copernicus and GOVSATCOM. 

On the GOVSATCOM side, EUSPA is entrusted with the procurement of the secure operational ground segment, its operations and the coordination of the programme’s user-related aspects. As to Copernicus, EUSPA continues to work with European companies, helping them fully embrace the power of Earth Observation through funding opportunities and market intelligence. 

5

Did someone say market intelligence? As the go-to source for all things EGNSS and Earth Observation, EUSPA is well-positioned as the single point of information, expertise and support that companies from across Europe depend on when integrating European space technology into their business solutions. This year, our staff of market uptake and innovation professionals published the first-ever EUSPA EO and GNSS Market Report,  downloaded over 100,000 times since then! 

4

Part of our mission is to support the development of innovative European products and applications and a competitive space industry based on Galileo, EGNOS and Copernicus services. To do this, we offer numerous funding opportunities, including the flagship Horizon Europe and Fundamental Elements mechanisms. We also host a wide range of competitions and awards, such as the #myEUspace competition, and this year we launched our new Space Academy. These interactions led to the creation of a large network of start-ups, innovators and SMEs.

3

It was another active year for EUSPA. In 2022, our staff spoke and presented in more than 100 events, webinars, congresses, competitions and tradeshows across Europe – and beyond. We also hosted several in-house events, including Entrepreneurship Day and Open Days. Together with the European Commission and the Czech Presidency of the Council, we also organised the EU Space Week, the latter of which welcomed over 3,000 participants.  

2

To maximise the uptake and benefits of EU Space, EUSPA continues its drive to partner and collaborate with various organisations. Together with the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOSSA), we’re working to foster a space economy that best supports the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Thanks to a partnership with the European Fisheries Control Agency (EFCA), Galileo and Copernicus are now being used to further the goals of the Common Fisheries Policy.  

1

With space being a key enabler of such EU policy initiatives as the European Green Deal, this year EUSPA put a particular focus on how EU Space is being used to fight the effects of climate change. On World Water Day, we put the spotlight on how Earth Observation and GNSS are monitoring the health of our oceans and rivers. We even launched a dedicated CASSINI Prize to facilitate the creation of innovative commercial solutions that leverage the EU Space Programme to detect, monitor and remove plastics, microplastics and other litter from our oceans and waterways.    

We also highlighted how the EU Space Programme helps address such environmental challenges as a changing Arctic, climate-related natural disasters, extreme heatwaves and the loss of biodiversity along our coastal regions. 

Happy New Year!

2023 is shaping up to be another busy and productive year. Once again, EUSPA will see its role expand as we take on responsibility for the Space Situational Awareness (SSA) Programme’s Space Surveillance and Tracking (SST) Front Desk operations. Furthermore, we will become fully responsible for the EGNOS Data Access Service (EDAS) and will play a role in the newly announced IRIS² satellite constellation. 

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 new satellites in orbit, payload launches, system upgrades, and more opportunities for EO and GNSS users, “EUSPA can proudly look back at key achievements in 2022  in all its domains of activities: satellite-based service provision, security, and uptake of space data and services” declared EUSPA Executive Director, Rodrigo da Costa. 

Join us as we countdown to 2023 by highlighting some of this year’s milestones in EU Space. 

10

2022 was marked by the excellent provision of Galileo and EGNOS services, with state-of-the-art precision and availability of the signals from space, enabling billion of users in Europe and around the world to fully reap the benefits of space data and services.

9

The EU Space Programme’s various satellite constellations were upgraded at several occasions, kicking off with new Galileo satellites! Following extended in-orbit testing and rigorous validation, two new satellites joined the Galileo family in 2022. ‘Nikolina’ (GSAT0223) entered into service in May, followed by ‘Shriya’ (GSAT0224) in August. Together, these satellites offer greater precision, faster positioning, better accuracy and enhanced capabilities to several billion people using Galileo worldwide.    

The Galileo Open Service is set to become faster and more robust after an upgrade that added new features to the I/NAV message. EGNOS also received an upgrade, with the launch of the GEO4 payload that will increase the robustness and availability of the EGNOS services.   

8

While the satellites in space tend to get all the attention, both Galileo and EGNOS also depend on a robust – and secure – infrastructure here on Earth. For Galileo, part of that infrastructure is Medium Earth Orbit Local User Terminals (MEOLUTs). A component of the Galileo Search and Rescue (SAR) service, these dedicated ground stations play the critical role of generating an independent location of the distress beacon transmissions and relaying this information to first responders. To continue to save lives and better support the Cospas-Sarsat system used by international SAR efforts, this year, EUSPA announced that a fourth MEOLUT has been deployed on the Indian Ocean Island of Réunion. 

7

In its role as the security gatekeeper of the EU Space Programme, EUSPA continues to take steps to ensure the security of Europe’s GNSS signals and the confidentiality, integrity and availability of the data these programmes provide. Central to this role is the Security Accreditation Board (SAB), the security accreditation authority for all of the EU Space Programme’s components, where Member States take decisions in a strictly independent manner from the Programme and that this year elected Philippe Bertrand as its new Chair. 

While the SAB is in charge of security accreditation, security monitoring is done by the Galileo Security Monitoring Centre (GSMC). In September, EUSPA inaugurated a new GSMC facility in Saint Martin de la Vega, Spain, which serves as a backup to the site in Saint-Germain-en-Laye, France – where we also started moving to a new building.

6

EUSPA also celebrated its first anniversary this year - and the Agency’s 10th anniversary in Prague - along with its expanded mandate that includes not only overseeing the security, services and market uptake of Galileo and EGNOS, but also Copernicus and GOVSATCOM. 

On the GOVSATCOM side, EUSPA is entrusted with the procurement of the secure operational ground segment, its operations and the coordination of the programme’s user-related aspects. As to Copernicus, EUSPA continues to work with European companies, helping them fully embrace the power of Earth Observation through funding opportunities and market intelligence. 

5

Did someone say market intelligence? As the go-to source for all things EGNSS and Earth Observation, EUSPA is well-positioned as the single point of information, expertise and support that companies from across Europe depend on when integrating European space technology into their business solutions. This year, our staff of market uptake and innovation professionals published the first-ever EUSPA EO and GNSS Market Report,  downloaded over 100,000 times since then! 

4

Part of our mission is to support the development of innovative European products and applications and a competitive space industry based on Galileo, EGNOS and Copernicus services. To do this, we offer numerous funding opportunities, including the flagship Horizon Europe and Fundamental Elements mechanisms. We also host a wide range of competitions and awards, such as the #myEUspace competition, and this year we launched our new Space Academy. These interactions led to the creation of a large network of start-ups, innovators and SMEs.

3

It was another active year for EUSPA. In 2022, our staff spoke and presented in more than 100 events, webinars, congresses, competitions and tradeshows across Europe – and beyond. We also hosted several in-house events, including Entrepreneurship Day and Open Days. Together with the European Commission and the Czech Presidency of the Council, we also organised the EU Space Week, the latter of which welcomed over 3,000 participants.  

2

To maximise the uptake and benefits of EU Space, EUSPA continues its drive to partner and collaborate with various organisations. Together with the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA), we’re working to foster a space economy that best supports the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Thanks to a partnership with the European Fisheries Control Agency (EFCA), Galileo and Copernicus are now being used to further the goals of the Common Fisheries Policy.  

1

With space being a key enabler of such EU policy initiatives as the European Green Deal, this year EUSPA put a particular focus on how EU Space is being used to fight the effects of climate change. On World Water Day, we put the spotlight on how Earth Observation and GNSS are monitoring the health of our oceans and rivers. We even launched a dedicated CASSINI Prize to facilitate the creation of innovative commercial solutions that leverage the EU Space Programme to detect, monitor and remove plastics, microplastics and other litter from our oceans and waterways.    

We also highlighted how the EU Space Programme helps address such environmental challenges as a changing Arctic, climate-related natural disasters, extreme heatwaves and the loss of biodiversity along our coastal regions. 

Happy New Year!

2023 is shaping up to be another busy and productive year. Once again, EUSPA will see its role expand as we take on responsibility for the Space Situational Awareness (SSA) Programme’s Space Surveillance and Tracking (SST) Front Desk operations. Furthermore, we will become fully responsible for the EGNOS Data Access Service (EDAS) and will play a role in the newly announced IRIS² satellite constellation. 

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).

From inspecting powerlines and construction sites to delivering packages and even blood samples and vaccines, drones are already being used for a wide-range of applications. With major technology and transportation companies now testing various Innovative Air Mobility (IAM) use cases, we could see drones transporting cargo from Point A to Point B more often and even people later on onboard manned electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft. With new capabilities come new challenges. According to the EU Drone Strategy 2.0, the rapid increase in drone operations is testing air traffic management’s capacity to safely integrate unmanned aircraft into airspace, so actions are being taken towards achieving such integration inside and outside U-space airspace, including drones flying beyond visual line-of-sight (BVLOS) even over urban areas. 

Addressing many of these challenges is EU Space’s purpose.

“Space services and data, such as those offered by EGNOS, Galileo, Copernicus and Secure Connectivity, are well-placed to support this growing yet complex market,” says EUSPA Executive Director Rodrigo da Costa.  

You can’t have U-space without EU Space

According to da Costa, the positioning and navigation data and services that Galileo and EGNOS –provide will help enable U-space, Europe’s UAS Traffic Management (UTM) system. “The accurate, reliable and robust positioning that EGNSS offers will be crucial to ensuring that U-space knows the location of every aircraft, both manned and unmanned,” he explains. “Having access to this information is an absolute prerequisite to autonomous and BVLOS drone operations.” 

Similar to Air Traffic Management (ATM), U-space is a drone ecosystem designed to control, manage and integrate all UAS flying within the Very Low Level (VLL) airspace. Complementing ATM, it will ensure the safety, security and efficiency of drone operations. 

GNSS positioning further allows airspace regulators to create and enforce geofences around events, critical infrastructure or densely populated areas where flight is either regulated, restricted or prohibited. According to FutureFlight, when using a properly equipped drone, an operator will receive a real-time alert whenever they approach or cross into geofenced airspace, allowing them to correct course. 

Earth Observation is also set to play a role in UAS operations, particularly as to supporting safe route planning. For instance, maps that integrate Earth Observation data can provide operators with insights on population density, allowing them to plan routes that avoid crowded areas. “Here, Copernicus can help harmonise the way ground risks are assessed across Europe,” adds da Costa.   

Developers can use these same data to strategically plan the building of such UAS infrastructure as cargo drops, vertiports and charging stations. 

Workshop to put EU Space front and centre 

Recognising its immense potential for enabling a harmonised drone ecosystem and complex drone operations, the European Commission’s Drone Strategy 2.0 puts EU Space front and centre. “The strategy aims to maximise the use of space services and data and leverage its unique features to increase business opportunities across the EU drone value chain,” says da Costa. 

Responsible for the operational management of the EU Space Programme and for ensuring the continuous provision of its services, EUSPA is playing a key role in the strategy’s implementation. As part of this role, the EUSPA Administrative Board is organising a dedicated workshop on space for drones. The group discussed a strategy for the uptake of EU space services and data for drones and identify and agreed on common lines of action. 

The workshop brought together Member States, the European Commission and other relevant EU agencies and stakeholders. “By facilitating the exchange of information on the strategy and actions of EUSPA, Member States and other EU bodies and international organisations, we can foster the use of EU Space services and data for drones, increase awareness and boost economic development in this important market segment,” says EUSPA Administrative Board Chair Václav Kobera.    

In addition to sessions by EUSPA on the market uptake strategy, by DG DEFIS on the roadmap for EGNSS services for drones,  and DG MOVE on Drone Strategy 2.0, the workshop agenda also included presentations by:

• European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) on new aviation safety rules and regulations and their application to drones and Urban Air Mobility
• European Fisheries Control Agency (EFCA) and European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) on their experiences in operating drones for surveillance 

And counts with the contribution of EUROCONTROL, the JRC and ESA, as well as experts and representatives from all member states..

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).

Forests are a resource that keeps on giving. Not only do they provide shade on a hot sunny day, they’re home to a wide range of flora and fauna. Trees are also a crucial raw material for a number of the products that we use every day, such as the packages made by the pulp and paper industry. And who of us hasn’t enjoyed a walk in the woods?  

Today, trees play another role, that of climate ally. Acting as a carbon sink, they can remove vast amounts of CO2 from the atmosphere, up to 328 million tonnes per year according to some estimates. This CO2 is then stored, with the Forest Information System for Europe calculating that, as of 2020, forests hold a total carbon stock of 92.1 gigatonnes. 

Unfortunately, without drastic action, all these benefits could soon become a thing of the past. Whether due to human activity, climate change, forest fires, extreme weather events or disease, our forests are rapidly disappearing – by as much as 4.7 million hectares a year! 

But all is not lost; with EU Space tools we can protect – even restore – our forests. 

From promoting reforestation to preventing deforestation, degradation and fires, the EU Space Programme is an essential tool for sustainable forest management. Read on to learn how Copernicus, EGNOS and Galileo are working to ensure that we can all benefit from resilient, sustainable forests for generations to come. 

Earth Observation offers an unprecedented opportunity

According to the 2022 EUSPA EO and GNSS Market Report, Earth Observation offers an unprecedented opportunity to monitor forest ecosystems from space. One of those opportunities is keeping an eye on carbon stocks. Using Earth Observation land monitoring systems, climate scientists can map and monitor forest biomass and estimate its potential to serve as a carbon sink. 

EO will also play a big part in helping the EU achieve its goal of planting 3 billion new trees by 2030. With the forest biochemical indicators, climate data provided by Copernicus, authorities can better understand how different tree species will adapt to droughts, heatwaves and other climate-induced extreme weather events. EO can also provide decision makers with the data on soil composition they need to ensure that these new trees are planted in the right conditions. 

Moreover, the European Commission currently proposes a Regulation to minimise EU-driven deforestation and forest degradation. Combining geolocation with key information on deforestation based on analyses of EO data including the Copernicus Sentinels is expected to boost the effectiveness of the Regulation. By promoting the consumption of ‘deforestation-free' products and reducing the EU's impact on global deforestation and forest degradation, the new rules are expected to bring down greenhouse gas emissions and biodiversity loss.

Copernicus even has a role to play in preventing illegal logging. By flagging potential development and road construction happening within forests, EO data helps authorities look for illegal activity and predict where such activity is most likely to occur. 

GNSS for best practices in sustainable forestry 

GNSS enables the use of precision forestry operations, including the guidance of machinery and the variable rate application of fertilisers and irrigation – all of which allow the timber industry to implement best practices in sustainable forest management. Thanks to its more robust signals, Galileo performs better under tree canopies, enabling machine guidance in forest environments. Moreover, Galileo is used to guide drones, which are increasingly being utilised in forest management operations.

Like Earth Observation, GNSS plays an important role in the fight against illegal logging. With the World Bank estimating that 15 – 30% of timber is harvested and exported illegally, authorities use GNSS to track timber movements. This can help increase the transparency and traceability of the timber supply chain, reducing the likelihood of illegal exportation going unnoticed. 

Authorities also rely on GNSS when conducting forest inventories, a process that involves quantifying and describing forest resources and health. For example, when inventorying forests in Italy, surveyors relied on EGNOS for accurate positioning in real time. 

The power of synergy 

While each component of the EU Space Programme brings added value to the forestry sector, they are at their most powerful when used together. That’s why, from carbon monitoring to sustainable logging, Copernicus, together with Galileo and EGNOS, are becoming indispensable tools in sustainable forest management. 

But why stop there? When EU Space is paired with emerging technologies like drones, robots and artificial intelligence, the potential for evidence-based forest management becomes endless. To learn more about this potential, be sure to check out the dedicated chapter in the latest edition of our EO and GNSS Market Report and get in touch with EUSPA at market@euspa.europa.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).

Taking place in Prague, from 28 to 30 November 2022, the 2022 SME Assembly is the most significant event for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Europe. The conference is held once a year during the European SME Week. Together with the network of SME envoys, the assembly creates the governance structure of the Small Business Act.

This year’s SME Assembly included discussions and workshops about how the EU Space Programme enables companies to improve their operations, level-up and increase their return on investment.

The delegates of the Assembly enjoyed an exciting visit to our EUSPA headquarters where they were welcomed by the Executive Director, Rodrigo da Costa. Market Development and Innovation professionals familiarised themselves with the funding opportunities that the agency offers.

"The true impact of space data and services is felt with downstream, and SMEs and start-ups are at the heart of the EU economy. At EUSPA, our role is to provide to non-traditionally space companies the means to innovate by using Galileo/EGNOS, Copernicus and in the future satellite communications’’ says Fiammetta Diani, Head of MDI at EUSPA.

EUSPA’s support of the European SMES’ ecosystem goes beyond funding to include GNSS and Earth Observation market intelligence, mentoring and knowledge sharing through the CASSINI activities for instance and other platforms like the EUSPA Space Academy.

With the promotion of Copernicus on board since 2021, the agency’s efforts also focus on engaging with new commercial and private bodies, research, and education organisations charities. SMEs are central part of this new strategy for Earth Observation which is why over the past EUSPA launched a call for new Copernicus demonstrators for Mobility, Emergency and Infrastructures, among others.

SMEs to clean up the ocean using space!

Of the 300 million tonnes of plastic produced every year, an estimated 26 million eventually ends up in the ocean. As a result, some estimates suggest there are now 5.25 trillion pieces of plastic in our oceans and seas.

The Maritime CASSINI Prize for Digital Space Apps is looking for innovative commercial solutions that leverage the EU Space Programme to detect, monitor and remove plastics, microplastics and other litter from our oceans and waterways. With a total prize purse of EUR 2.85 million, the top three proposals are eligible to win EUR 0.95 million each, which can be used to help further develop and commercialise your solution.  

Because the contest aims to create a new ecosystem of entrepreneurs, applications are only open to SMEs. All proposed solutions must be close-to-market and be able to prove their effectiveness in a real-world demonstration.

The prize is foreseen as part of the Horizon Europe Work Programme.

More information can be found 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).

Taking place in Prague, from 28 to 30 November 2022, the 2022 SME Assembly is the most significant event for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Europe. The conference is held once a year during the European SME Week. Together with the network of SME envoys, the assembly creates the governance structure of the Small Business Act.

This year’s SME Assembly included discussions and workshops about how the EU Space Programme enables companies to improve their operations, level-up and increase their return on investment.

The delegates of the Assembly enjoyed an exciting visit to our EUSPA headquarters where they were welcomed by the Executive Director, Rodrigo da Costa. Market Development and Innovation professionals familiarised themselves with the funding opportunities that the agency offers.

"The true impact of space data and services is felt with downstream, and SMEs and start-ups are at the heart of the EU economy. At EUSPA, our role is to provide to non-traditionally space companies the means to innovate by using Galileo/EGNOS, Copernicus and in the future satellite communications’’ says Fiammetta Diani, Head of MDI at EUSPA.

EUSPA’s support of the European SMES’ ecosystem goes beyond funding to include GNSS and Earth Observation market intelligence, mentoring and knowledge sharing through the CASSINI activities for instance and other platforms like the EUSPA Space Academy.

With the promotion of Copernicus on board since 2021, the agency’s efforts also focus on engaging with new commercial and private bodies, research, and education organisations charities. SMEs are central part of this new strategy for Earth Observation which is why over the past EUSPA launched a call for new Copernicus demonstrators for Mobility, Emergency and Infrastructures, among others.

SMEs to clean up the ocean using space!

Of the 300 million tonnes of plastic produced every year, an estimated 26 million eventually ends up in the ocean. As a result, some estimates suggest there are now 5.25 trillion pieces of plastic in our oceans and seas.

The Maritime CASSINI Prize for Digital Space Apps is looking for innovative commercial solutions that leverage the EU Space Programme to detect, monitor and remove plastics, microplastics and other litter from our oceans and waterways. With a total prize purse of EUR 2.85 million, the top three proposals are eligible to win EUR 0.95 million each, which can be used to help further develop and commercialise your solution.  

Because the contest aims to create a new ecosystem of entrepreneurs, applications are only open to SMEs. All proposed solutions must be close-to-market and be able to prove their effectiveness in a real-world demonstration.

The prize is foreseen as part of the Horizon Europe Work Programme.

More information can be found 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 days are getting shorter, the temperatures colder – making it the perfect time to come inside and learn about the EU Space Programme. So, on 9 – 10 December, take one of Prague’s Galileo-enabled trams and make your way over to EUSPA Headquarters for our annual Open Days! 

“After two years of virtual and outdoor events, we are thrilled to be able to once again open our doors to the public,” says EUSPA Executive Director Rodrigo da Costa. “A highlight on our agenda, the Open Days event is a unique opportunity for EU citizens to explore the Agency, learn about our mission and discover the many benefits of the EU Space Programme.”

With the theme ‘See, Navigate, Communicate’, this year’s edition shines the spotlight on how Galileo, EGNOS, Copernicus, GOVSATCOM and Space Situational Awareness all bring added value to our everyday lives. “Put these programmes together as one EU Space Programme and you unleash an array of synergies and possibilities, all of which have a powerful impact on society and the planet,” adds da Costa. 

Coming on the heels of the United Nations Climate Change Conference, Open Days will have a particular focus on how EU Space contributes to fighting climate change and achieving such European goals as the Green Deal. During the event visitors can learn how EGNSS and Earth Observation support everything from selecting the best location for building renewable energy infrastructure, implementing the most fuel-efficient flight paths, monitoring CO2 emissions, designing efficient and autonomous transportation networks and increasing agricultural yields to sustainably feed a growing population.

Immersive experiences and virtual reality games

As EUSPA works to reduce its own footprint by limiting paper use and waste, the event will present information largely through digital exhibits. Our immersive Copernicus experience invites visitors to walk through a collage of colourful Earth Observation images taken from around the world. 

The two-day event will also feature fun learning opportunities, exciting seminars, a hands-on space workshop and special activities for children, along with a number of competitions and prizes. And did we mention space simulators and virtual reality games? 

“Whether it be determining how to achieve the world’s climate goals, respond to natural disasters, or build the smart cities and mobility systems of tomorrow, as these exhibits and presentations make clear, the answer can often be found in space,” says da Costa.

For those interested in learning about a possible career in space or about EUSPA’s various funding and support initiatives for entrepreneurs and businesses, be sure mark your calendar for 9-10 December. EUSPA experts will be giving talks and be available to answer your questions throughout the day.  

A lot to celebrate! 

This year’s event coincides with the Czech Presidency of the Council of the European Union and the 10th anniversary of EUSPA headquarters calling Prague home. In the decade since its move to Prague, EUSPA has provided significant funding to start-ups, SMEs, enterprises and research projects, many of which are making substantial contributions to the EU’s robust space economy.

Open Days 2022 will take place Friday and Saturday, 9 – 10 December, from 09:00 to 18:00 at EUSPA Headquarters, located at Janovského 438/2, 170 00 Praha 7-Holešovice. 

Schools and universities interested in organising class visits on 9 December can still reserve a timeslot here. 

Learn more at: https://www.euspa.europa.eu/euspa-open-days-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).

From 1982 to 2022, 40 years of lives saved by Cospas-Sarsat

Amidst the celebration of the 40th anniversary of the first use of satellite technologies by Search and Rescue (SAR) forces earmarked on 10 September 1982 as well as the 40th anniversary of uninterrupted SAR operations of the French Mission Control Center (FMCC), the SAR/Galileo is enlarging its contribution to the Cospas-Sarsat (C/S) system of international SAR efforts cooperation with a fourth MEOLUT (Medium Earth Orbit Local User Terminals) facility deployed in the Indian ocean La Reunion island.

SAR/Galileo Services were designed to support the Cospas-Sarsat (C/S) in the context of the MEOSAR system (Medium Earth Orbit Search And Rescue) providing uninterrupted Search and Rescue services globally which account for more than 2,000 lives saved a year. 

Galileo is already the largest ground (in terms of MEOLUTs) and space segment (L-band SAR payloads) provider within C/S in addition to being the only offering exclusively the Return Link Service (RLS).

Galileo SAR MEOLUTs Key Components of the SAR Ground Segment 

La Reunion/ EU MEOLUT facility has been installed in an Orange Site at Rivière-Des-Pluies in the French La Reunion island in close vicinity of a combined Uplink Station (ULS) and Ground Sensor Station (GSS) existing Galileo remote site. The new MEOLUT successfully passed the required C/s commissioning tests and started providing operational alert data to the French Mission Control Center (FMCC) in a coverage area equivalent to a circle of a radius of 2,500 km for the first-generation C/S beacons and ELT(DT) detection coverage area of a radius of 6,000 km.

Further to the commissioning activities already performed, the MEOLUT is soon to undergo a dedicated SAR/Galileo service validation phase before fully being an integral part of the SAR/Galileo Ground Segment and becoming the fourth EU MEOLUT joining the three already operational located in Larnaca (Cyprus), Maspalomas (Spain) and Spitsbergen (Norway).

Galileo instrumental to achieve Cospas-Sarsat global Coverage including ELT(DT) beacon detection and distribution. 

The Galileo SAR Programme continue to strive in providing world-class Search and Rescue services, the addition of the fourth MEOLUT facility in the Indian Ocean will underpin the efforts to achieve the Cospas-Sarsat MEOSAR global coverage but also ensure that C/S meets the ICAO deadline for the provision of a Global Aviation Distress and Safety System (GADSS) Automatic Distress Tracking capabilities in aircraft through ELT(DT) beacons.

The following figure illustrates the contribution of the SAR/Galileo la Réunion MEOLUT, represented in a yellow dot while the blue colour represents detection compliance status.

La Réunion EU MEOLUT Service Coverage Area

The case in point: First Return Link Distress Alert under the Coverage of the new SAR Galileo MEOLUT

As we commemorate the anniversaries of C/S, FMCC and the new SAR/Galileo MEOLUT, the 1st Return Link Service distress alert was recorded by Galileo coincidentally within the area of coverage of the newly inaugurated SAR/Galileo MEOLUT.

On 18 November, the Asteria, an 11m sailing boat captained by Helsinki life-long skipper Tapio Lehtinen, competing in the Golden Globerace noticed a strong unidentified water intake from astern. Tapio had only time to put on his survival suit, grab the grab-bag and jump into open seas with the liferaft, where at 8h 44min 44sec activated his SAR/Galileo Return Link PLB and saluted the Asteria for the last time as she was sinking.

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).

From 1982 to 2022, 40 years of lives saved by Cospas-Sarsat

Amidst the celebration of the 40th anniversary of the first use of satellite technologies by Search and Rescue (SAR) forces earmarked on 10 September 1982 as well as the 40th anniversary of uninterrupted SAR operations of the French Mission Control Center (FMCC), the SAR/Galileo is enlarging its contribution to the Cospas-Sarsat (C/S) system of international SAR efforts cooperation with a fourth MEOLUT (Medium Earth Orbit Local User Terminals) facility deployed in the Indian ocean La Reunion island.

SAR/Galileo Services were designed to support the Cospas-Sarsat (C/S) in the context of the MEOSAR system (Medium Earth Orbit Search And Rescue) providing uninterrupted Search and Rescue services globally which account for more than 2,000 lives saved a year. 

Galileo is already the largest ground (in terms of MEOLUTs) and space segment (L-band SAR payloads) provider within C/S in addition to being the only offering exclusively the Return Link Service (RLS).

Galileo SAR MEOLUTs Key Components of the SAR Ground Segment 

La Reunion/ EU MEOLUT facility has been installed in an Orange Site at Rivière-Des-Pluies in the French La Reunion island in close vicinity of a combined Uplink Station (ULS) and Ground Sensor Station (GSS) existing Galileo remote site. The new MEOLUT successfully passed the required C/s commissioning tests and started providing operational alert data to the French Mission Control Center (FMCC) in a coverage area equivalent to a circle of a radius of 2,500 km for the first-generation C/S beacons and ELT(DT) detection coverage area of a radius of 6,000 km.

Further to the commissioning activities already performed, the MEOLUT is soon to undergo a dedicated SAR/Galileo service validation phase before fully being an integral part of the SAR/Galileo Ground Segment and becoming the fourth EU MEOLUT joining the three already operational located in Larnaca (Cyprus), Maspalomas (Spain) and Spitsbergen (Norway).

Galileo instrumental to achieve Cospas-Sarsat global Coverage including ELT(DT) beacon detection and distribution. 

The Galileo SAR Programme continue to strive in providing world-class Search and Rescue services, the addition of the fourth MEOLUT facility in the Indian Ocean will underpin the efforts to achieve the Cospas-Sarsat MEOSAR global coverage but also ensure that C/S meets the ICAO deadline for the provision of a Global Aviation Distress and Safety System (GADSS) Automatic Distress Tracking capabilities in aircraft through ELT(DT) beacons.

The following figure illustrates the contribution of the SAR/Galileo la Réunion MEOLUT, represented in a yellow dot while the blue colour represents detection compliance status.

La Réunion EU MEOLUT Service Coverage Area

The case in point: First Return Link Distress Alert under the Coverage of the new SAR Galileo MEOLUT

As we commemorate the anniversaries of C/S, FMCC and the new SAR/Galileo MEOLUT, the 1st Return Link Service distress alert was recorded by Galileo coincidentally within the area of coverage of the newly inaugurated SAR/Galileo MEOLUT.

On 18 November, the Asteria, an 11m sailing boat captained by Helsinki life-long skipper Tapio Lehtinen, competing in the Golden Globerace noticed a strong unidentified water intake from astern. Tapio had only time to put on his survival suit, grab the grab-bag and jump into open seas with the liferaft, where at 8h 44min 44sec activated his SAR/Galileo Return Link PLB and saluted the Asteria for the last time as she was sinking.

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).

Acknowledging the changing nature of the space ecosystem, the European Commission tabled a proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and the Council establishing the Union Secure Connectivity Programme for the period 2023-2027. On Thursday the 17th after nine months of negotiations–a record time in EU policy-making history–the co-legislators reached an agreement on this new critical infrastructure for the EU.

This multi-orbital constellation will combine the benefits offered by Low Earth (LEO), Geostationary (GEO), and Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) satellites. It is set to provide secure communication services to the EU and its Member States as well as broadband connectivity for European citizens, private companies and governmental authorities. This new component of the EU Space Programme will put an end to dead zones in Europe as well as the whole of Africa using the constellation's North-South orbits through a resilient and ultra-secure space and ground-based system. It may include the development and launch of up to 170 LEO satellites between 2025 and 2027.

Here's what we can expect from this new flagship programme:

1. Cutting-edge EU communications services: By developing and operating a multi-orbital connectivity infrastructure the Union will be able to continuously adapt to the evolving user needs and develop new tailor-made applications and services. Fusing MEO and LEO satellite capabilities allows for solutions that vary in coverage, throughput and latency. 

2. Resilience against cyberthreats: IRIS² will integrate the space and related ground segment of the European Quantum Communication Infrastructure to enable secure transmission of cryptographic keys.

3. Synergies with other EU Space Programme components: Complementing Copernicus, Galileo and EGNOS the system will also open more opportunities for synergies between already existing components of the EU Space Programme. For instance, the synergies between Earth Observation, SatNav and SatCom can be useful among others for addressing maritime emergencies and supporting natural disasters management.

4. New disruptive technologies: Our continent is gifted with a satellite communications industry that has the capacity to make the necessary technological leap and bring Europe to the forefront. New Space actors are able to think outside the box and create new services that can benefit users. 

5. High-speed broadband everywhere: With the addition of the Secure Connectivity Programme, the European Union is ramping up digitisation of European society and its economy while looking to make space data more accessible and scalable to all interested entities. The combination of MEO and LEO capabilities will enable the provision seamless internet connectivity throughout the Union, removing communication dead zones and increasing cohesion across Member State territories. 

The EU Agency for the Space Programme is already actively involved in building secure satellite communication infrastructure for Europe through the coordination of the first phase of GOVSATCOM on which IRIS² will be based.

And EUSPA will continue to contribute to the Programme. Certain tasks linked to the operational management of the governmental infrastructure of the Programme, provision of governmental services, through the GOVSATCOM hub and the coordination of user-related aspects of these services will therefore be entrusted to the Agency. The Security Accreditation Board established within the Agency, where Members States take accreditation decisions, shall become the IRIS² security accreditation authority. It will enlarge SAB areas of responsibilities currently covering today all components of the EU space programme, providing security assurance to the users with regards to IRIS² service and infrastructure.

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).

Whether it be paying the bills, making investments or insuring our cars and homes, the vast majority of our financial transactions are now carried out digitally.  But what does this have to do with space?

Don’t worry, making a deposit or filing an insurance claim won’t require any rocket ships or intergalactic travel (at least any time soon). But they do require satellites – including those of the EU Space Programme.

In fact, GNSS and Earth Observation already play a critical role in the financial and insurance sectors. For example, the timing and positioning information provided by Galileo is used in banking to time-stamp financial transactions, while Copernicus data is used for everything from conducting risk assessments to computing indices, assessing damage and managing claims.

And that’s just the tip of the iceberg! From helping financial institutions make more sustainable investment decisions to evaluating insurance claims, EU Space is set to have a big impact on the Insurance and Finance market segment. 

Here are six ways that this is already happening:

1. Claims Assessment

When an insurance company receives a claim, it must compare the loss listed in the claim with the actual damages that occurred. Based on this information, called the event footprint, they can determine the amount of compensation that should be paid out.  

Claims examiners can use Earth Observation (EO) data to evaluate damage remotely, especially when the damage is caused by a natural disaster like floods or fires. Examiners can also use EO data to better plan for in-field assessments and manage resources, making the process both more efficient and safer. Some are even using GNSS-enabled drones for pre and post-event analysis and data gathering.  

2. Index-based Insurance

This is an innovative and quite new way of delivering insurance – mainly for the agriculture sector - which links claims to “indices” representing observable and quantifiable phenomena. Insurance companies utilise Earth Observation images to measure such parameters, such as soil moisture and vegetation growth and compute relevant indices. When a natural disaster causes damage, they use these indexes to make a pre-specified pay-out.  

3. Risk Modelling

Insurance companies have historically relied on risk modelling for everything from developing products to determining premiums. But this practice is becoming increasingly difficult due to the unpredictability brought about by climate change. To help, some companies are turning to Earth Observation.

EO can contribute to many aspects of risk modelling by including historical data providing imagery of natural events and damages hitting certain geographical areas in the past and supporting the creation of risk maps. These time series of imagery and data on parameters influencing future risks provide insurers with foresight on the future trends – and risks – created by climate change.  

4. Commodities Trading

To make better and quicker decisions and to have an advantage over their competition, commodity traders must have transparency and knowledge about current and future availability versus current and future demand. With EO, commodity traders can observe the filling status of storage tanks, check the level of oil extraction activity happening at a production site, monitor the loading and transport of goods, predict crop yields and even measure pollution and other factors that could impact a particular commodity.  

5. Financial Risk Assessment

In finance, risk assessment is the process of analysing potential events that may result in the loss of value of an asset, loan or investment. For instance, before the start of a new infrastructure project, such as building a wind farm or bridge, investors will assess risks like location, environmental threats and regulatory issues.  

While investors have long used Earth Observation data to assess immediate physical risks to a financial asset, they are now using this data to also better understand future risks related to climate change and sustainability-related issues. 

6. Timing and Synchronisation 

Financial services like banks and stock exchanges rely on powerful IT systems and networks that require a high level of availability, security and reliability. As such, the availability of accurate and secure timing information is very important – which is where GNSS comes in. 

Today, banks use GNSS equipment for time stamping functions and to log events in a chronological manner, and individual stock exchange servers apply time stamps to the trades they execute and to the quotes they establish.

Want to discover more ways the EU Space Programme supports the insurance and finance sectors? Be sure to check out the dedicated chapter in the latest edition of our EO and GNSS Market Report and get in touch with EUSPA at market@euspa.europa.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).

Whether it be paying the bills, making investments or insuring our cars and homes, the vast majority of our financial transactions are now carried out digitally.  But what does this have to do with space?

Don’t worry, making a deposit or filing an insurance claim won’t require any rocket ships or intergalactic travel (at least any time soon). But they do require satellites – including those of the EU Space Programme.

In fact, GNSS and Earth Observation already play a critical role in the financial and insurance sectors. For example, the timing and positioning information provided by Galileo is used in banking to time-stamp financial transactions, while Copernicus data is used for everything from conducting risk assessments to computing indices, assessing damage and managing claims.

And that’s just the tip of the iceberg! From helping financial institutions make more sustainable investment decisions to evaluating insurance claims, EU Space is set to have a big impact on the Insurance and Finance market segment. 

Here are six ways that this is already happening:

1. Claims Assessment

When an insurance company receives a claim, it must compare the loss listed in the claim with the actual damages that occurred. Based on this information, called the event footprint, they can determine the amount of compensation that should be paid out.  

Claims examiners can use Earth Observation (EO) data to evaluate damage remotely, especially when the damage is caused by a natural disaster like floods or fires. Examiners can also use EO data to better plan for in-field assessments and manage resources, making the process both more efficient and safer. Some are even using GNSS-enabled drones for pre and post-event analysis and data gathering.  

2. Index-based Insurance

This is an innovative and quite new way of delivering insurance – mainly for the agriculture sector - which links claims to “indices” representing observable and quantifiable phenomena. Insurance companies utilise Earth Observation images to measure such parameters, such as soil moisture and vegetation growth and compute relevant indices. When a natural disaster causes damage, they use these indexes to make a pre-specified pay-out.  

3. Risk Modelling

Insurance companies have historically relied on risk modelling for everything from developing products to determining premiums. But this practice is becoming increasingly difficult due to the unpredictability brought about by climate change. To help, some companies are turning to Earth Observation.

EO can contribute to many aspects of risk modelling by including historical data providing imagery of natural events and damages hitting certain geographical areas in the past and supporting the creation of risk maps. These time series of imagery and data on parameters influencing future risks provide insurers with foresight on the future trends – and risks – created by climate change.  

4. Commodities Trading

To make better and quicker decisions and to have an advantage over their competition, commodity traders must have transparency and knowledge about current and future availability versus current and future demand. With EO, commodity traders can observe the filling status of storage tanks, check the level of oil extraction activity happening at a production site, monitor the loading and transport of goods, predict crop yields and even measure pollution and other factors that could impact a particular commodity.  

5. Financial Risk Assessment

In finance, risk assessment is the process of analysing potential events that may result in the loss of value of an asset, loan or investment. For instance, before the start of a new infrastructure project, such as building a wind farm or bridge, investors will assess risks like location, environmental threats and regulatory issues.  

While investors have long used Earth Observation data to assess immediate physical risks to a financial asset, they are now using this data to also better understand future risks related to climate change and sustainability-related issues. 

6. Timing and Synchronisation 

Financial services like banks and stock exchanges rely on powerful IT systems and networks that require a high level of availability, security and reliability. As such, the availability of accurate and secure timing information is very important – which is where GNSS comes in. 

Today, banks use GNSS equipment for time stamping functions and to log events in a chronological manner, and individual stock exchange servers apply time stamps to the trades they execute and to the quotes they establish.

Want to discover more ways the EU Space Programme supports the insurance and finance sectors? Be sure to check out the dedicated chapter in the latest edition of our EO and GNSS Market Report and get in touch with EUSPA at market@euspa.europa.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).

On 7 October 2022 at 7:32 UTC, an Inmarsat 4F2 geostationary satellite orbiting some 35.000 km above Earth began broadcasting EGNOS V242B test messages that will ultimately improve EGNOS performance and elevate the user experience.

EGNOS, Europe’s regional satellite-based augmentation system (SBAS), is used to improve the accuracy and reliability of GNSS positioning information. It was originally designed to mainly benefit aviation, which continues to be one of the programme’s key market segments. 

EUSPA is responsible for the exploitation of EGNOS and for delivering safe, secure and uninterrupted satnav services via a contract with the EGNOS service provider.

Extended service area, advanced functionalities 

Since its launch in 2010, EGNOS has been constantly expanding and evolving, providing safety of life navigation services to not only aviation users, but also to maritime, rail and land-based users across the EU. The V242B system release is the latest upgrade to EGNOS and extends both its service area and availability. By extending the service area to the far reaches of northern Europe, even more, aviation users have safe and secure access to such critical services as LPV-200.    

LPV-200 (Localiser Performance with Vertical guidance) delivers accurate information on an aircraft's approach to a runway with the use of GNSS positioning technology. The result is lateral and angular vertical guidance without the need for visual contact with the ground until an aircraft is 200 feet above the runway.

The V242B upgrade also incorporates such advanced data processing functionalities as increased resilience to peak solar activity and ionosphere phenomena, the latter of which can interfere with the transmission of EGNOS signals and, thus, services. 

Read more: EGNOS makes flying sustainably ‘easy’

As Jean-Marc Piéplu, EGNOS Exploitation Programme Manager at EUSPA, explains, although signals from GNSS satellites typically make their way to Earth unhindered, sometimes they become refracted, or even diffracted, in the Earth’s atmosphere, causing delays and distortions. “As the name suggests, the ionosphere contains particles that have become charged, or ionised, as a result of interactions with high-energy particles from the sun,” he says. “However, when these ionised particles are smoothly or homogeneously distributed, GNSS receivers can use models to take into account the effect they have on the signals.”  

These advanced functionalities and extended service are the results of enhanced algorithmic data processing functionalities and the addition of a Ranging Integrity Monitoring Stations (RIMS) station in Kuusamo, Finland. RIMS are used to collect measurements from GPS satellites and transmit this raw data to the Mission Control Centres every second. 

Towards EGNOS dual-frequency and multi-constellation services

While the latest system upgrade helps improve the robustness of EGNOS Version 2, it also reinforces the EGNOS services before starting the exploitation of EGNOS Version 3 (V3). 

By delivering a second frequency and augmenting Galileo signals (enabling a multi-constellation capability), this next generation of EGNOS will introduce new services and will also offer enhanced security protection against cyberattacks. “EGNOS V3 is designed to improve the accuracy and reliability of positioning, navigation and timing information for Safety-critical applications across Europe,” adds Piéplu.

Expected to be completed in 2027, the preparations for EGNOS V3 are underway and the first Critical Design Review, conducted by ESA, is ongoing. 

EUSPA is also currently working to update all the EGNOS ground segment site infrastructure (for instance, EUSPA has recently signed a contract to upgrade the site hosting capabilities of the EGNOS V3 RIMS in Athens, Greece). 

For what concerns the EGNOS Space Segment, most recently, the EGNOS GEO-4 payload was successfully launched via the  EUTELSAT HOTBIRD 13G satellite. 

“This launch marks an important milestone in EUSPA’s mission of delivering continuous, reliable and secure space-based services,” concludes Piéplu. “By delivering innovation and thus benefits, satellite navigation in general and EGNOS dual-frequency and multi-constellation services, in particular, will profoundly change how we manage the mobility, safety and security of people and goods in Europe and beyond.” 

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).

This year we invite our guests to see, navigate and communicate with the help of the EU Space Programme.

Can we reverse climate change by looking in on earth from space? Are autonomous driving cars fact or fiction? Would we still be able to communicate if ground networks become unavailable? Well thanks to Galileo, Copernicus and GOVSATCOM everything is possible!

This year’s event will also shine a light on the importance of keeping our precious satellite infrastructure safe and secure as they orbit in outer space thanks to the Space Situational Awareness component of the EU Space Programme.

‘’EUSPA Open Days give anyone wanting to visit our Headquarters in Prague, Czech Republic, a better chance to understand the crucial role of EUSPA and the added value of the EU’s investment in space but also the positive impact that EU Space technologies have in our daily lives’’ says EUSPA Executive Director, Rodrigo da Costa.

What's in it for me?

• An immersive Copernicus exhibition which will make your social media feed blow up
• Fun learning opportunities for youngsters or adults wanting to experience childlike playfulness 
• Exciting seminars, space workshop, competitions, and prizes
• Discussions with EUSPA experts about career or space entrepreneurship opportunities 

Registrations for schools and universities are open as of today and will remain open until all available slots are filed. 

Stay tuned for more information and keep an eye on our EUSPA Open Days 2022 page.

We are looking forward to welcoming you onboard!

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).

Signal simulators play a critical role within the GNSS product pipeline. Chipset and receiver manufacturers depend on them to provide the relevant scenarios necessary to accurately test and certify their products. Laboratories also rely on GNSS simulators to run specific tests and to develop new standards.

The challenge, however, is that chipset and receiver manufacturers have rapidly evolving needs.  In order to keep up, GNSS signal simulators must be regularly updated. But to do this, simulator manufacturers must know what those needs are.

To bridge the gap between chipset and receiver manufacturers and GNSS simulator manufacturers, EUSPA, together with the European Commission and the Joint Research Centre (JRC), is organising a GNSS Signal Simulator Manufacturers Forum on 13 December 2022. 

Helping signal simulator manufacturers keep their products up to date

The online forum aims to help signal simulator manufacturers keep their products up to date by presenting the latest service interface control documents (ICDs), including those for the Galileo Open Service Navigation Message Authentication, the Galileo High Accuracy Service and for the I/NAV improvements. 

Manufacturers use ICDs to access information provided from a GNSS satellite’s Signal in Space (SiS) or from such terrestrial means as the internet. However, before a manufacturer can turn this information into a new product or service, they must first test it – which is where GNSS simulators come into play.

“Whether it be a personal navigation system or smart watch, before a device or application that relies on GNSS signals hits the market manufacturers first need to ensure it works,” explains Fiammetta Diani, Head of Market, Downstream and Innovation at EUSPA. “GNSS simulators allow manufacturers to test the accuracy of their receivers by simulating such real-world factors as vehicle and satellite motion, signal characteristics and atmospheric effects.” 

Addressing manufacturer needs

The forum will also serve as a channel for addressing GNSS signal simulator manufacturers’ needs, questions, and concerns. “As part of our mission to link space to user needs, EUSPA maintains close ties with the downstream industry and supports its development of new services, including Galileo-enabled chipsets and receivers,” says EUSPA Executive Director Rodrigo da Costa. 

In addition to being a source of market intelligence, EUSPA offers the downstream market a range of funding opportunities, including the Fundamental Elements scheme. Part of EUSPA’s market uptake strategy, Fundamental Elements is an EU R&D funding mechanism supporting the development of EGNSS-enabled chipsets, receivers and antennas. 

To register about the GNSS Signal Simulator Manufacturers Forum, contact us at market@euspa.europa.eu. The deadline for registering is 8 December.

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).

Signal simulators play a critical role within the GNSS product pipeline. Chipset and receiver manufacturers depend on them to provide the relevant scenarios necessary to accurately test and certify their products. Laboratories also rely on GNSS simulators to run specific tests and to develop new standards.

The challenge, however, is that chipset and receiver manufacturers have rapidly evolving needs.  In order to keep up, GNSS signal simulators must be regularly updated. But to do this, simulator manufacturers must know what those needs are.

To bridge the gap between chipset and receiver manufacturers and GNSS simulator manufacturers, EUSPA, together with the European Commission and the Joint Research Centre (JRC), is organising a GNSS Signal Simulator Manufacturers Forum on 13 December 2022. 

Helping signal simulator manufacturers keep their products up to date

The online forum aims to help signal simulator manufacturers keep their products up to date by presenting the latest service interface control documents (ICDs), including those for the Galileo Open Service Navigation Message Authentication, the Galileo High Accuracy Service and for the I/NAV improvements. 

Manufacturers use ICDs to access information provided from a GNSS satellite’s Signal in Space (SiS) or from such terrestrial means as the internet. However, before a manufacturer can turn this information into a new product or service, they must first test it – which is where GNSS simulators come into play.

“Whether it be a personal navigation system or smart watch, before a device or application that relies on GNSS signals hits the market manufacturers first need to ensure it works,” explains Fiammetta Diani, Head of Market, Downstream and Innovation at EUSPA. “GNSS simulators allow manufacturers to test the accuracy of their receivers by simulating such real-world factors as vehicle and satellite motion, signal characteristics and atmospheric effects.” 

Addressing manufacturer needs

The forum will also serve as a channel for addressing GNSS signal simulator manufacturers’ needs, questions, and concerns. “As part of our mission to link space to user needs, EUSPA maintains close ties with the downstream industry and supports its development of new services, including Galileo-enabled chipsets and receivers,” says EUSPA Executive Director Rodrigo da Costa. 

In addition to being a source of market intelligence, EUSPA offers the downstream market a range of funding opportunities, including the Fundamental Elements scheme. Part of EUSPA’s market uptake strategy, Fundamental Elements is an EU R&D funding mechanism supporting the development of EGNSS-enabled chipsets, receivers and antennas. 

To register about the GNSS Signal Simulator Manufacturers Forum, contact us at market@euspa.europa.eu. The deadline for registering is 8 December.

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The second Horizon Europe call is officially open for submissions. With an overall budget of EUR 48.1 million, the EUSPA-managed call aims to support the development of innovative downstream applications that leverage the data and services offered by the EU Space Programme. 

The deadline for applications is 2 March 2023.

This is the first Horizon Europe call to include GOVSATCOM, which provides secure, cost-efficient communication capabilities to security and safety-critical missions, operations and infrastructure. In addition to promoting the development of secure satellite use cases for GOVSATCOM, the call focuses on increasing the uptake of European GNSS within the smart mobility sector and boosting the European data economy with downstream applications based on both Copernicus data and Artificial Intelligence. The call also supports space-based solutions that can help modernise the EU public sector.

“The second Horizon Europe call is a unique opportunity for the European space downstream industry, including SMEs, along with academia and public actors, to develop space-based applications that can deliver real benefits to EU citizens, industry and society,” says EUSPA Executive Director Rodrigo da Costa. 

Horizon Europe is the EU’s key funding mechanism that facilitates collaboration and strengthens the impact of research and innovation in developing, supporting and implementing EU policies while also tackling global challenges. “Linking space to user needs starts with research and innovation,” adds da Costa. “By facilitating research that leverages the EU Space Programme, Horizon Europe supports the development of game-changing solutions to some of today’s most pressing challenges.”

More information about the second Horizon Europe call, including instructions for applying and details on available topics, can be found here.

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Secure and robust satellite communications that can be rapidly deployed are key for governmental actors, especially when terrestrial network is compromised, there is lack of service coverage (e.g. in open-seas or Arctic regions) as well as to support humanitarian missions in hostile territories. To address this kind of challenges and shield its space autonomy, the European Union is ramping up preparations for the GOVSATCOM component. It is set to provide authorised governmental users with secure and cost-efficient communications capabilities.

‘’GOVSATCOM is a crucial pillar of the EU Space Programme. While Copernicus and EGNSS provide the necessary data, services and products, growing security threats require means of communication that is robustly protected against interference, interception, intrusion, and other risks,’’ adds EUSPA Executive Director, Rodrigo da Costa. ‘’With GOVSATCOM the European Union will make another step into securing its strategic autonomy in space’’ he concludes.

In late 2020, the H2020-funded ENTRUSTED project was established to provide, inter alia, a concrete set of governmental user requirements for the upcoming GOVSATCOM services. With over 25 participating entities including EU Member States and agencies, the consortium's partners joined forces to also assess the currently available state-of-the-art for SatCom technologies, analyse the future trends and identify key technological gaps and opportunities, including aspects such as standardisation and interoperability. Given its vast expertise in user-related aspects and market intelligence, EUSPA acts as the project coordinator of ENTRUSTED.

Check this out: GOVSATCOM adds secure governmental communications to the EU Space Programme

‘’EU Member State representatives and agencies met at the EUSPA headquarters for the first time after the pandemic to reflect on the progress made since the establishment of ENTRUSTED and to plan the steps necessary to conclude this strategic undertaking. As the project is slowly reaching the end of its lifecycle, I can say with confidence that we have successfully reached our main goal which is to define a solid user perspective baseline to be now translated into actual services’’ highlights Flavio Sbardellati, project manager for ENTRUSTED at EUSPA.

Throughout its lifetime, ENTRUSTED yielded excellent results. It is currently being used by DG DEFIS and EUSPA to shape the mission and the services offered by the fourth component of the EU Space Programme, GOVSATCOM. The outcomes generated helped EUSPA qualify and quantify the forecasted capacity demand by governmental users. Areas of great interest where secure communications capabilities will be key include critical infrastructures, land border and maritime surveillance as well as crisis management operations, including within the Common Security and Defence Policy.  

A live demonstration is scheduled for the first quarter of 2023, which will take place in the Italian Space Agency (ASI) premises. The demonstration will consist of a live event complemented by a set of recorded scenarios produced by several ENTRUSTED partners. It will serve to showcase the benefit of accessing secure telecommunication services in remote areas and in crisis situations as well as the functioning of the pooling and sharing service provision model for a number of use cases.

Are you an EU public actor interested in secure communications? 

The second Horizon Europe Call includes a specific topic looking to deliver SatCom use cases linked to the forthcoming GOVSATCOM system. This call is a unique opportunity for the European space downstream industry including SMEs and academia, but also public actors (e.g. regional and/or local authorities, infrastructure providers, civil protection organizations, etc.) to develop new EU space-based innovative applications, delivering commercial and social benefits.

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While biodiversity loss is happening across all ecosystems, it is particularly pronounced in coastal regions. Not only are these areas some of the most biodiverse on Earth, they also host large human populations (40% of the population globally lives within 100km from the coastline) and substantial economic activity. But, as the human factor increases, these unique ecosystems are experiencing rapid habitat loss, overexploitation of natural resources, pollution and climate change – all of which contribute to biodiversity loss.       

According to a recent online workshop entitled ‘Copernicus Biodiversity in Coastal Ecosystems’, the answer to maintaining a healthy balance between environmental protection and economic activity could be found in space. 

“Long used to monitor land and marine ecosystems, Earth Observation is well-positioned to be a key tool in the fight against the biodiversity loss happening in Europe’s coastal regions,” said Directorate-General for Defence Industry and Space (DG DEFIS), European Commission representative. 

The workshop, under the Copernicus programme umbrella, was jointly organised by DG DEFIS and EUSPA.

Copernicus data to monitor – and protect – coastal biodiversity

Copernicus, the European Earth Observation programme, offers numerous products and services for protecting, even restoring, coastal plant and animal life:

• Copernicus Marine Environment Monitoring Service (CMEMS): provides regular, systematic reference information on the physical and biogeochemical state, variability and dynamics of the ocean and marine ecosystems of the world’s oceans and Europe’s regional seas.
• Copernicus Land Monitoring Service (CLMS): provides geographical information on land cover and use, state of vegetation, water cycle and the Earth's surface energy.
• Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S): supports society, climate researchers and decision makers by providing authoritative information about the past, present and future climate in Europe and the rest of the world.

During the workshop, various organisations and end users shared how they use Copernicus services and data to address biodiversity loss in coastal areas. For example, in Finland, researchers are using Earth Observation to monitor coastal algae blooms and the impact these blooms have on the Finnish economy, while in the Galapagos Islands it is being used to track whale shark migration.    

Another company is using satellite-based monitoring tools to help predict jellyfish swarms. “Jellyfish can have a huge impact on the Blue Economy, causing fisheries to collapse and clogging hydropower plants,” said Federica Colombo, a marine scientist at ColomboSky, a company that specialises in innovative satellite-based solutions for improving water quality monitoring and ensuring a sustainable use of marine resources.

Mitigating the effects of climate change

Marine scientists and policymakers also use Earth Observation to fight the effects of climate change – one of the major drivers of biodiversity loss. Take for example extreme weather events, a consequence of climate change that can have a big impact on coastal biodiversity. The European Marine Board shared how it uses Copernicus data to help researchers understand how these events impact coastal habitats and marine species. This same data is also used by policymakers to forecast extreme weather events and increase resilience in coastal areas accordingly.  

Another consequence of climate change is the warming of the world’s oceans, a warming that can cause coral bleaching. Researchers from the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in South Africa, use Copernicus data to monitor sea surface temperatures in the western Indian Ocean. “Having accurate data allows us to better predict bleaching events and how such events could impact food security and ecosystem stability,” said CSIR Senior Researcher Marie Smith.  

Harmonising policy with data

While all this work is beneficial, the problem is that it tends to happen in silos. “The vast majority of biodiversity monitoring programmes take place at the national or even subnational level,” said Joana Soares, Executive Secretary at the Marine Biodiversity and Observation Network.  

To have a true impact, these individual projects need to be connected – and that requires harmonised policy. “Harmonisation starts with Earth Observation, as access to accurate data can help tie the many different projects, goals, and policies targeting biodiversity loss together,” said DG MARE representative. 

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The Galileo Open Service (OS) is being upgraded with three new features being added to the I/NAV message, which is one of four message types broadcast by Galileo satellites. Collectively referred to simply as I/NAV improvements, these features will be available free of charge to all Open Service users. 

“EUSPA is committed to continuously improving the Galileo Open Service,” says Guerric Pont, Galileo Exploitation Programme Manager. “With I/NAV improvements, users can considerably boost their experience when using Galileo OS, thanks, for example, to the improved performance in terms of time to first fix.”

Whilst ensuring full backward compatibility with existing Galileo receivers, the three new features will also improve the robustness of Galileo OS when receiving navigation data, particularly in challenging environments. 

Faster positioning 

The features will enhance the Open Service’s ability to resolve user clock uncertainty, which will reduce the time it takes to receive Clock and Ephemeris Data (CED). For example, by improving time-to-CED, the Reduced Clock Ephemeris Data (RedCED) and Reed-Solomon Outer Forward Error Correction (RS FEC2) features will reduce the overall Time to First Fix (TTFF). 

“In many conditions, the time it takes to receive clock corrections and ephemeris data has a major impact on TTFF,” adds Guerric Pont. “By reducing this time, these features will benefit all applications that require reception of this data from the navigation signals.” 

Benefiting applications working in GNSS-assisted mode

The improvements will also benefit applications working in GNSS-assisted mode. In this mode, when navigation data is received from non-GNSS channels and the receiver’s knowledge of the Galileo System Time is affected by a relatively large error, typically in the order of a few seconds, the clock uncertainty must be resolved quickly and stably. 

With the I/NAV improvements, receivers will be able to do this via the new Secondary Synchronisation Patterns (SSP) feature.

Deployment plan on going

I/NAV improvements are being gradually implemented into the existing Galileo constellation through satellite software upgrades, which allow individual satellites to be successively upgraded with the new features. After a satellite has been upgraded, the improvements will be openly accessible through the I/NAV message carried by the E1-B signal.

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Our mission is to link space to user needs, but to do that, we need to hear from you. The EUSPA Galileo and EGNOS User Satisfaction Survey is your chance to tell us what you think about the two programmes and share your thoughts on how to make the services they provide even better.   

“The survey collects a range of valuable information from users like you,” says EUSPA Executive Director Rodrigo da Costa. “From your perception of and expectations for Galileo and EGNOS to suggestions for improvements, this is a unique opportunity to share your thoughts and ideas.”

Addressing specific market segments 

The survey is for the first time combining EGNOS and Galileo with harmonised structures for users who want to assess both services.

It addresses a specific market segment, including aviation and drones, maritime and inland waterways, rail, road and automotive, consumer solutions, agriculture, infrastructure – and more. Start by selecting the segment (or segments) most important to you or your company, then answer a few simple questions – that’s all there is to it.

The EGNOS part of the survey also covers all EGNOS services, including the Open Service, Safety of Life Service and EGNOS Data Access Service (EDAS). While the Galileo User part of the survey includes questions about improving the services provided by the European GNSS Service Centre (GSC), the EGNOS part asks about the EGNOS service provider’s management of user's interfaces.  

Ready to get started? You can take the User Satisfaction Survey here.

Make a BIG difference in a short time

Although the survey will only take a few minutes of your time, your input will make a big difference in the evolution of the EU Space Programme. “EUSPA looks forward to receiving your feedback, which we will use to improve Galileo and EGNOS to better meet your evolving needs,” adds da Costa.   

The survey results will be compiled into reports and made available to the public next year. The results of last year’s surveys can be found in the 2021 Galileo User Satisfaction Survey Report and  EGNOS User Satisfaction Report.  

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If oil and gas were once considered the ‘new gold’, then lithium and rare-earth elements (REE) are the new oil and gas. 

Whereas oil and gas boomed thanks to the development of the automobile, global trade and the plastics industry, lithium and REE are key to a wide array of high-tech and climate applications, including solar and wind energy, mobile phones, computers and electric vehicles. “We are experiencing a global race for the supply and recycling of critical raw materials,” confirmed Commissioner Breton.

Furthermore, like oil and gas, if the EU does not take strategic steps to shore up its reserves of lithium and REE today , it risks becoming dependent on supply from other countries – a dependency that could impact the green transition .  

“Without secure and sustainable access to the necessary raw materials, our ambition to become the first climate neutral continent is at risk… we will not lead the digital decade and we will not be able to develop our defence capabilities,” said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen during her state of the European Union address.

In an effort to mitigate the EU’s dependence on the extraction, processing and recycling of critical raw materials, a European Critical Raw Materials Act has been announced. The Act aims to build up reserves where supply is at risk by identifying potential strategic projects along the entire supply chain.  The strategic raw materials are essential for the EU economic interest. 

As said by the European Commission President “Let's make sure the future of industry is made in Europe.”

Not only made in Europe but also supported by European projects and technology – including the EU Space Programme. 

The mining sector was an early adopter of augmented GNSS solutions, using it for everything from surveying mining sites to accessing remote areas and enabling the safe operation of heavy machinery. Now, with many mining activities becoming increasingly automated, GNSS has become a key enabler for the management of mining operations. 

The raw materials sector also depends on Earth Observation (EO). For example, companies can use hyperspectral imagery at the exploration stage to assess the abundancy of certain metals and minerals. When the mine site is up and running, high-resolution EO data is used to monitor many aspects of   operations, including pit slopes and ground motion effects. Even when a mining site closes, Earth Observation plays an important role in environmental monitoring, rehabilitation and waste management. 

The synergistic use of EO and GNSS is a golden opportunity for the raw materials sector

While GNSS and Earth Observation are powerful tools in their own right, the raw materials sector stands to benefit the most when these solutions are used in synergy. That’s why the European Commission is supporting such initiatives as the GOLDENEYE project.

The innovative platform proposed by GOLDENEYE, combines remote sensing and positioning technologies to take advantage of Earth Observation and GNSS data, together with data fusion and processing powered by data analytics and machine learning algorithms. The result is an increase in mine productivity and in a company’s ability to monitor and control an operation’s environmental impact.

With the raw materials sector already leveraging the benefits of GNSS and Earth Observation for it is whole life-cycle from exploration to, operations and closure thus boosting efficiency, automation, safety and environmental management of mining operations, EU Space is well-placed to play a pivotal role in ensuring the battery metals independence envisioned by the European Critical Raw Materials Act. 

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Have an idea for a commercial application that leverages the power of the EU Space Programme? Looking for support to turn that idea into a prototype or to take it to market? Then check out the #myEUspace 2022 competition! 

The annual competition, which is organised by the EU Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) as part of the European Commission’s CASSINI – Space Entrepreneurship Initiative, challenges innovators and entrepreneurs to create game-changing commercial solutions that use data coming from Galileo, Copernicus or both. 

“Space data is at the heart of the technological revolution currently sweeping Europe, and this competition is another example of how EUSPA supports innovative entrepreneurs, start-ups and SMEs from across the EU who are leveraging Copernicus and Galileo data, information and services, during the different steps of their evolution cycle,” says EUSPA Executive Director Rodrigo da Costa.

While ideas can range from mobile applications to hardware-based solutions, all must be tied to one of three targeted innovation areas:

• Space My Life: Consumer solutions like mobile applications, wearables (smart watches, smart glasses, fitness trackers, etc.), drones or robotics that address major societal challenges in focus areas such as health, citizen safety and security, gaming and entertainment, sports and fitness, and tourism.

• Our Green Planet: Innovative solutions addressing environmental challenges and sustainable life and that contribute to the implementation of the European Green Deal, as well as solutions that aid the green transformation of corporations. The proposed solutions must address major societal challenges in focus areas such as the conservation of ecosystems, green mobility, sustainable agriculture and the management of energy and resources.

• Dive in Deep Tech: Innovative solutions that combine EU Space data with deep technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), quantum (quantum computing, sensing, simulation, encryption, etc.), blockchain, the metaverse and extended reality (augmented reality [AR], mixed reality [MR], virtual reality [VR]). The proposed solutions must address major societal challenges in focus areas such as biotech, medtech and fintech.

Ready, set, disrupt!

The #myEUspace competition is open to teams from all EU Member States plus Switzerland, Norway and Iceland and has a total prize purse of nearly EUR 1 million. In addition to the cash prize, the competition provides support to entrepreneurs during the entire innovation cycle, from early-stage start-ups to scale-ups.  

“Start-ups and entrepreneurs are particularly enthusiastic about embracing the potential offered by the EU Space Programme and translating it into the innovative solutions that are sure to disrupt a wide range of sectors,” says EUSPA Head of Market, Downstream and Innovation Fiammetta Diani. “The #myEUspace competition can help you turn that enthusiasm into action – and success.”

Depending on the maturity of the solution at the time of submission, entrepreneurs can compete and win in three different prize tracks:

• Best Ideas: for promising theoretical ideas that leverage EU space data and have a high market potential. The best 15 ideas will receive a cash prize of EUR 10K each.

• Best Prototypes: for tested prototypes or beta versions that you want to bring to market. The 10 best prototypes will receive a cash prize of EUR 30K each.

• Best Products: for existing commercial products that are looking to scale-up. The 5 best products will receive a cash prize of EUR 100K each.

Teams who win in one category can take the same award-winning idea or prototype and apply again in another track to compete and win additional prizes!

The details

All applications will be assessed based on their innovativeness, market potential, feasibility, relevance to the EU Space Programme and operational capacity. Awarded teams will be invited to showcase their solutions to the public and investors during the Contest Finals, part of next June’s Entrepreneurship Day.

You can find more information about the contest and how to apply here . 

The application platform is now open for all three tracks and the application process is very easy! 

The deadline for the Best Ideas track is 30 November 2022, 10 February 2023 for the Best Prototype track, and 23 April 2023 for the Best Products track.

To learn more, join us on 25 October for a webinar where EUSPA experts will provide an overview of the competition and answer all your questions. Register here.

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EU Space Week 2022 welcomed over 3000 visitors (with more than 1100 on-site in Prague) and 150 presenters, who joined either in person in Prague or virtually from home in 35  sessions. Needless to say, it was a busy week, with far too much happening to summarise in a single article. So, instead, here are 10 highlights that we took away from four days of informative sessions, insightful keynote speeches and interesting demos from space-based companies.

1. Space is the foundation from which to build Europe’s resilience 

Key stakeholders and policymakers shared what they considered to be the most pressing topics facing the EU Space sector. At the top of the list: secured communications, sustainability and resilience. “All the components of the EU Space Programme concur to building Europe’s resilience and leadership in the global space ecosystem,” said European Commissioner for the Internal Market Thierry Breton. 

2. Funding and support are critical

During the CASSINI Overview session, one company noted how the funding and support they received from EUSPA was critical to their early-stage success. “We appreciated talking to someone that knew about the market and the technologies,” they said. 

3. EU Space keeps citizens safe

Industry representative reminded that Copernicus and Galileo play a central role in keeping people safe during natural and climate-related disasters, including extreme heatwaves. “By sending timely alerts, hospitals, healthcare providers and emergency first responders can reduce response times and be better prepared to quickly treat victims – all of which helps save lives,” he said.

4. EU Space supports European policies

It has been reminded to all that Copernicus supports key policies like the EU Green Deal and the Digital Transformation. Earth Observation is a key enabler to developing the new digital capacities needed to address a range of societal challenges, including climate change. 

5. Making space for the next generation

To evolve, EU Space needs to ensure the next generation of space personnel have the skills they need to succeed – and lead. This starts by bridging the gap between what students learn at university and the needs of the EU Space industry. 

6. Diversity matters

Having a diverse workforce is a key factor for a thriving and successful business, and space is no exception. A speaker reminded that innovation comes when there’s diversity.

7. Numbers are stunning

Galileo is a success! During the Galileo Status session, participants were reminded how much Galileo has already achieved – including the fact that there are now over 3.5 billion Galileo-enabled devices have been sold around the world. 

8. Users want more

With over 300 EU Space users represented at this year’s User Consultation Platform, EUSPA received a lot of valuable feedback, including the need for more resilience and security, more sustainability, more growth, and even more user engagement. 

9. Europe is powered by EU Space

EUSW showcased an array of demos and applications powered by EU Space, including robots for precision agriculture and drones for urban planning. You can see some of the many European companies that exhibited their solutions in the video below.

10. Inclusion matters, and space can help

The EU Space Programme plays an important role in building a more inclusive society. For example, the upcoming Galileo High Accuracy service will be able to improve urban navigation and wayfinding for people with disabilities. It has been recalled that one out of every five people has a disability, so not a niche market and it means that everyone must play a role in making space more inclusive.

Want to see more highlights from EUSW22? Be sure to check out our Twitter feed and send your feedback.

See you next year at EU Space Week 2023!

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EGNOS, Europe’s regional satellite-based augmentation system (SBAS), is undergoing a transformation. 

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. Part of the transition from the current version to Version 3 involves updating the EGNOS ground segment, an infrastructure that includes, amongst other components, 44 Ranging Integrity Monitoring Stations (RIMS). 

“EGNOS counts on a long history of providing safety of life navigation services to aviation, maritime and land-based users over Europe. Together with our partners at the European Space Agency and industry, we are working on the next generation of EGNOS, called Version 3, that will also augment Galileo signals,” said EUSPA Executive Director Rodrigo da Costa. 

The main function of the RIMS is to collect measurements from GPS satellites and transmit this raw data to the Mission Control Centres every second. The upgrade will ensure that these RIMS can also collect and transmit measurements from Galileo satellites. 

‘’Greece is making concrete steps toward developing its space policy. The joint statement between EUSPA and HCAA for the hosting of the new EGNOS RIMS in Athens shows our country's commitment to digital transformation and its contribution to the EU Space Programme,’’ says Athanasios Staveris-Polykalas, Secretary General of Telecommunications & Posts.

The Hellenic Aviation Service Provider (HASP) has hosted an EGNOS RIMS in Athens, Greece since 2010. EUSPA, who is responsible for the exploitation of EGNOS, and HASP renewed their cooperation for a future generation of the RIMS ground infrastructure. 

“HASP (former HCAA) is a major contributor to the successful services and performance achieved by the current EGNOS system, which has been delivering safety of life services for aviation since 2011, and will continue to provide high level services to the new EGNOS systems”, said HASP Governor Georgios Dritsakos.

Building on this successful experience, HASP was selected to host a new, EGNOS Version 3 ground station in Athens. “HASP is an important part of why EGNOS is the success it is today, and I am happy that they will be a part of this exciting new chapter,” added da Costa. 

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On 27 September in Brussels, an event organised under the Czech Presidency of the Council of the European Union in the Prague House brought together thought leaders, decision makers and industry representatives from both the EU and the Czech Republic to discuss and debate issues relating to the EU Space Programme. 

The topic up for discussion this year was EU Space’s contribution to sustainability and growth.

“Galileo and EGNOS enable the determination of a precise position anywhere, while Copernicus provides information on the Earth’s surface, atmosphere and oceans,” added EUSPA Executive Director Rodrigo da Costa. “When you put these programmes together, you unleash an array of synergies that not only have a significant commercial potential, but also the potential to have a powerful impact on society and the planet.”

EU Space means greener transport for Europe

A panel discussion entitled ‘Greener Transport for Europe’ highlighted how the EU Space Programme is already making public transportation more efficient. A representative from the Czech Ministry of Transport noted that the addition of multi-frequency satellite receivers is allowing Prague’s trams to benefit from more precise localisation – opening the door to optimised journeys.    

European GNSS is also playing a crucial role in helping the aviation sector reduce its carbon footprint. Having EGNOS-enabled approaches in all airports gives more choices for alternative airports, which means the distance to be flown could be shorter, resulting in less fuel burned and less emissions released. Furthermore, because EGNOS can help pilots better evaluate visibility conditions, they can avoid circling or diverting – two manoeuvres that burn a lot of fuel.  

Galileo’s highly accurate positioning and timing information is even being used to position e-bike sharing programmes as a game changer in urban mobility. A bike sharing programme in the Barcelona metropolitan area has equipped 2,600 electric bikes with a Galileo-enabled GNSS receiver. Not only does this feature help cyclists navigate their way from docking station to destination in an environmentally-friendly manner, it also ensures the bikes are evenly distributed and readily available in high-use areas – showing how space technology can play a key role in building smart and sustainable urban transport networks.

Prague House Panel

Innovation and entrepreneurship in the space sector

A second panel discussion focused on ‘Innovation and Entrepreneurship in the Space Sector’, with a specific look at opportunities within the downstream sector. 

According to EUSPA research, the global GNSS downstream market is forecasted to see revenues reach EUR 220 billion by the end of this year and up to EUR 510 billion by 2032. It also forecasts that the Earth Observation sector will double its revenues, from approximately EUR 2.8 billion to over EUR 5.5 billion within the next decade. This represents a clear opportunity for European businesses– an opportunity that both EUSPA and the European Commission are keen to help companies of all shapes and sizes leverage. 

“Smaller European economies like the Czech Republic would find it difficult to invest in space research and space-based companies on their own,” said Member of the European Parliament Mikuláš Peksa. “By providing support across all Member States, EUSPA is a great example of the benefits that European integration and development bring.”

“Encourage capacity building across the Member States, through supporting space innovation activities that foster private and public demand and reinforce the European supply chains across the Union is indeed essential” confirmed Member of the European Parliament Carlos Zorrinho.

Václav Kobera at Prague House event

EU Space keeps European citizens and interests safe and secure

The Prague House event was jointly organised by EUSPA, whose headquarters are in Prague; the Permanent Representation of the Czech Republic to the European Union; the Czech Ministry of Transport; and the Prague House. 

This year’s edition was particularly unique in that it was held during the Czech Presidency of the Council of the European Union. “EUSPA is especially close to my heart, and I am very proud to see the tremendous work it has been doing,” said Jaroslav ZAJÍČEK, Deputy Head of the Czech Permanent Representation to the EU and Permanent Representative to COREPER I. “I am equally excited about where my country has come over the past decade when it comes to space activities and the benefits space technologies and data bring to the European economy and our daily lives.”

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EU Space Week 2022 (EUSW22) is set to put the spotlight on Europe’s dynamic – and rapidly growing – space sector. “As the hallmark event for the European space sector, EU Space Week is a unique opportunity to get an up close look at how European businesses – and society in general –benefit from the EU Space Programme,” says EUSPA Executive Director Rodrigo da Costa. “It is particularly exciting to be able to host this year’s edition in Prague, the home of EUSPA’s headquarters.”

Expected to bring together over 1,500 representatives from across the European space industry, EUSW22 features a packed agenda that spans the entire spectrum of the EU Space Programme. The four-day event kicks off on 3 October with the annual User Consultation Platform (UCP). The UCP is an 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. 

Leveraging the central role users play in shaping space applications, the outcomes of this year’s UCP will help ensure that EU Space works for everyone.

Keynotes, insights and lively discussions 

EUSW22 swings into high gear on Tuesday, 4 October with a speaker list  of leaders from across and beyond the EU space ecosystem.

The day also features insights and lively discussions on such topics as strengthening the EU Space Programme through increased cooperation and how EU space is enabling secure communications. 

As Space is a strategic domain that is undergoing a massive transformation, thus panel discussion such as  ‘Space for EU Resilience and Autonomy’ with several entrepreneurs is to listen . It will be the opportunity to discuss how to stay at the forefront of this transformation and how the EU needs to consolidate existing assets while also developing to face upcoming challenges.

Programme updates and funding opportunities 

The EUSW22 agenda includes an array of sessions, plenaries, events and demonstrations covering everything from current and future trends to market forecasts, business opportunities, space-application demonstrations and updates on the EGNOS, Galileo, Copernicus and GOVSATCOM programmes. 

Galileo and EGNOS enable the determination of a precise position anywhere, while Copernicus provides information on the Earth’s surface, atmosphere and oceans. When you put these programmes together, you unleash an array of synergies that not only have a significant commercial potential, but can also have a powerful impact on society and the planet. The status session and the EU Space Programme Conclusionary session on 5 October will give you an update of its capabilities.

Also happening on 5 October are several sessions focused on investment and funding opportunities such as the CASSINI facility and the Horizon Europe programme. 

Both the CASSINI and Horizon sessions are a chance for participants to learn more about these important initiatives and receive practical advice from previously funded projects. EUSW22 also features a CASSINI Matchmaking event and a session dedicated to upcoming Horizon Europe opportunities. 

From women in space to the metaverse 

Last but not least, the week includes sessions that hit on a number of hot topics. For instance, the Women in Space session aims to identify the obstacles women face when entering space-related careers and what steps can be taken to end gender disparities. A session on Space for Equality will look at how applications are leveraging EU Space to create a more inclusive and welcoming society for everyone.  

Other sessions will focus on fostering essential skills for the next generation of space professionals and engaging with public authorities for better market uptake. 

The full agenda, along with additional information and registration, can be found at:  https://www.euspaceweek.eu/.

Taking place 3 – 6 October 2022 in Prague and online, EU Space Week 2022 is jointly organised by the European Commission and EUSPA and is being held under the auspices of the Czech Presidency of the Council of the EU and the City of Prague.

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).

Galileo is the European global satellite navigation system, under civil control, which provides satellite positioning and timing services worldwide. The European Commission is currently specifying the long-term evolution of the European Global Navigation Satellite System  (EGNSS) Programme, including new services for Galileo and European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service (EGNOS). Amongst these new services, Galileo High Accuracy Service (HAS) will provide real-time high accuracy improved user positioning (positioning error below two decimetres in nominal conditions according to the Galileo HAS Info Note) free of charge through the Galileo signal (E6-B) and   via the Internet. With regards to EGNOS, the next generation will augment Galileo and Global Positioning System (GPS) in the L1 and L5 frequency bands and will extend the service area to the entire landmasses of EU member states. The dissemination over Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) and Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO) satellites limits operational availability of the signal for end-users in high-latitudes. The contractor shall analyse cost-effective potential data delivery means alternative to the current EGNOS and Galileo ones. 

A webinar to explain the framework and objectives of the procurement and its different tasks will be held on 4 October 2022 at 16:30 CEST. Please register for the webinar.

More information about the Invitation to Tender (ITT) and the contract notice publication can be found here.

Tailored premiums

Users are at the heart of the EU Space Programme. The annual User Consultation Platform is a chance for this group to share their needs and provide feedback.

Read more on this here: User Consultation Platform helps set the course for the EU Space Programme

The Galileo System became operational in December of 2016 with the provision of initial services for the Open Service, Search and Rescue Service and Public Regulated Service. In the Full Operational Capability (FOC) phase the constellation will consist of 30 satellites, including in orbit spares, in Medium Earth Orbit. As part of its main services, Galileo shall broadcast authentication data through its Navigation Message Authentication (OS NMA), which provides information about the received signal’s authenticity and protects the users against certain attacks. Also, Galileo shall provide a High-Accuracy Service (HAS), through correction data disseminated via signal in space and terrestrial means

EGNOS currently provides augmentation to the GPS Standard Positioning Service (SPS). EGNOS augments GPS using the L1 (1,575.42 MHz) Coarse/Acquisition (C/A) civilian signal function by broadcasting correction data and integrity information for positioning and navigation applications over Europe. Around 2028, the next generation of EGNOS, EGNOS V3, will augment Galileo and GPS OS constellations in the L1 and L5 bands and will extend the service area across the EU.  New EGNOS services could be implemented in further releases of EGNOS beyond 2028. 

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).

Multi-frequency satellite receivers using Galileo amongst other satellite navigation systems are helping to refine the position of Prague trams, ensuring high accuracy even in the dense development of the centre of Prague, showing deviations of no more than 2.5 metres. The Prague Public Transport Company (DPP) is gradually installing new receivers in all trams. It should be completed by the end of next year.

The precise localisation of trams will improve the overview of the current traffic situation for dispatchers and passengers. It will also open up opportunities for further savings in vehicle and infrastructure operations such as optimising the journey.   

"Thanks to the cooperation with scientists and experts from the Faculty of Electrical Engineering of the Czech Technical University, the European Union Agency for the Space Programme and the Ministry of Transport, we have a solution for determining the exact location of Prague trams. As part of the pilot project, we have tested different types of multi-frequency receivers with DPP, with each of them we have completed dozens of tests run in normal operation.  We managed to find the most suitable type of satellite receiver and determine its configuration. During the test runs, it showed only minimal position deviations, up to a maximum of 2 metres," said Adam Scheinherr, Deputy Mayor of the Capital City of Prague and chairman of the Supervisory Board of DPP.

"We have been using outdated satellite receivers in trams to determine the exact position of the vehicles for about 20 years, they work only on the GPS system. However, in the dense development in the centre of Prague, these devices very often showed and still show significant deviations from the actual position of tens to hundreds of metres. Therefore, in 2019, in cooperation with the City of Prague, experts from the Faculty of Electrical Engineering of the Czech Technical University and EUSPA, we launched a pilot project with the aim not only to modernize the existing receivers, but also to find a type and configuration that would withstand the operation of trams in the specific conditions of the Prague city centre," said Milan Slunečko, head of the Tram Vehicle Management Unit of the DPP. Currently one third of the DPP fleet is equipped. 

"The European Union Agency for the Space Programme has long supported the deployment of the Galileo and EGNOS satellite navigation systems in transport. In addition to their common use by passengers in various transport applications on mobile phones, our navigation services are used, for example, for the instrumented approach of aircraft on landing or for precise vehicle location in traffic accidents in the eCall system, where they can help ensure the timely arrival of the integrated rescue system. We are pleased that Galileo will also help to improve localization in Prague tram transport and open up space for further innovation and streamlining of daily operations," concluded Daniel Lopour from EUSPA.

Other cities in Europe such as Madrid are also using GNSS-based intelligent transport solutions to improve the user experience for their public transport. 

Galileo is enabling intelligent transport solutions and thus supporting cities in their efforts to become smarter and more sustainable. It is another contribution to the EU priority for a greener and more digital Europe.

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 version of the Service Definition Document (SDD) for the EGNOS Data Access Service (EDAS) has been just released. In this latest version, the SDD has been updated to reflect the service’s latest changes, including the inclusion of Iceland as an EGNOS participant member. Additionally, the SDD captures the GSA’s transition to the European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) and provides up-to-date information on the EDAS performances.

10 years of EDAS

EDAS is one of three services provided by the European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service (EGNOS). It is aimed at users who require access to specific GNSS data streams for the provision of added-value services, professional applications, commercial products, R&D and more.

EDAS provides ground-based access to EGNOS data, through a collection of services, which are accessible to registered users through the Internet and are oriented to users in different domains of application such as Location Based Services (LBS), a broad range of services in professional GNSS markets, Assisted-GNSS (A-GNSS) concepts, and related R&D activities.

2022 marks 10 years since EDAS’s service declaration in 2012.Throughout this decade of data provision, the collection of services has grown and evolved, and have oriented towards different domain applications.

EDAS has facilitated many success stories since its inception, such as the retransmission of differential global positioning system (DGPS) corrections in the maritime sector based on the EDAS (IALA beacons) and supporting surveying and mapping activities in Agriculture.

You can access the new SDD version either online or download it in PDF format. For any questions about EDAS or the new SDD, you can contact the EGNOS Helpdesk.

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).

While the loss of biodiversity is occurring across all ecosystems, it is particularly pronounced in coastal regions. Not only are these areas some of the most biodiverse on Earth, but they also host large human populations and substantial economic activity. As the human factor increases, these unique ecosystems are subjected to rapid habitat loss, overexploitation of natural resources, pollution, and climate change – all of which contribute to biodiversity loss.       

Long used to monitor land and marine environments, Earth Observation is an opportunity to develop best practices to reach a healthy balance between environmental protection and economic development and reduce biodiversity loss in coastal regions.

Copernicus, the European Earth Observation programme, offers numerous products and services for protecting, even restoring, biodiversity and coastal ecosystems. This includes forecasting the impact that climate change – the main driver of biodiversity loss – will have on these essential ecosystems, monitoring the good environmental status and EU policies implementation, developing sustainable living resources management.

To learn more about Earth Observation’s role in protecting biodiversity, the European Commission and EUSPA invite you to register for its Copernicus Biodiversity in Coastal Ecosystems Workshop. The online event, scheduled for 11 – 12 October, consists of four sessions:

• Biodiversity and Coastal Resources – Setting the Scene
• Biodiversity Versus Economic Development
• Biodiversity Conservation in the Context of Climate Change
• A Future Green Copernicus for Coastal Ecosystems

During each session, experts will talk about the role Copernicus’ land, marine, climate change services play in addressing biodiversity loss in coastal areas. The sessions will be a chance to share best practices and case studies, highlight opportunities for coupling digital technologies with science and research, and discuss how industry and businesses can leverage space technologies to help achieve such EU policy goals as the Biodiversity Strategy and Green Deal.

The Copernicus Biodiversity in Coastal Ecosystems Workshop is jointly organised by EUSPA and the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Defence Industry and Space (DG DEFIS). More information can be found here.

Participation is free.

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).

While the loss of biodiversity is occurring across all ecosystems, it is particularly pronounced in coastal regions. Not only are these areas some of the most biodiverse on Earth, but they also host large human populations and substantial economic activity. As the human factor increases, these unique ecosystems are subjected to rapid habitat loss, overexploitation of natural resources, pollution, and climate change – all of which contribute to biodiversity loss.       

Long used to monitor land and marine environments, Earth Observation is an opportunity to develop best practices to reach a healthy balance between environmental protection and economic development and reduce biodiversity loss in coastal regions.

Copernicus, the European Earth Observation programme, offers numerous products and services for protecting, even restoring, biodiversity and coastal ecosystems. This includes forecasting the impact that climate change – the main driver of biodiversity loss – will have on these essential ecosystems, monitoring the good environmental status and EU policies implementation, developing sustainable living resources management.

To learn more about Earth Observation’s role in protecting biodiversity, the European Commission and EUSPA invite you to register for its Copernicus Biodiversity in Coastal Ecosystems Workshop. The online event, scheduled for 11 – 12 October, consists of four sessions:

• Biodiversity and Coastal Resources – Setting the Scene
• Biodiversity Versus Economic Development
• Biodiversity Conservation in the Context of Climate Change
• A Future Green Copernicus for Coastal Ecosystems

During each session, experts will talk about the role Copernicus’ land, marine, climate change services play in addressing biodiversity loss in coastal areas. The sessions will be a chance to share best practices and case studies, highlight opportunities for coupling digital technologies with science and research, and discuss how industry and businesses can leverage space technologies to help achieve such EU policy goals as the Biodiversity Strategy and Green Deal.

The Copernicus Biodiversity in Coastal Ecosystems Workshop is jointly organised by EUSPA and the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Defence Industry and Space (DG DEFIS). More information can be found here.

Participation is free.

Registrations are open

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).

While the loss of biodiversity is occurring across all ecosystems, it is particularly pronounced in coastal regions. Not only are these areas some of the most biodiverse on Earth, but they also host large human populations and substantial economic activity. As the human factor increases, these unique ecosystems are subjected to rapid habitat loss, overexploitation of natural resources, pollution, and climate change – all of which contribute to biodiversity loss.       

Long used to monitor land and marine environments, Earth Observation is an opportunity to develop best practices to reach a healthy balance between environmental protection and economic development and reduce biodiversity loss in coastal regions.

Copernicus, the European Earth Observation programme, offers numerous products and services for protecting, even restoring, biodiversity and coastal ecosystems. This includes forecasting the impact that climate change – the main driver of biodiversity loss – will have on these essential ecosystems, monitoring the good environmental status and EU policies implementation, developing sustainable living resources management.

To learn more about Earth Observation’s role in protecting biodiversity, the European Commission and EUSPA invite you to register for its Copernicus Biodiversity in Coastal Ecosystems Workshop. The online event, scheduled for 11 – 12 October, consists of four sessions:

• Biodiversity and Coastal Resources – Setting the Scene
• Biodiversity Versus Economic Development
• Biodiversity Conservation in the Context of Climate Change
• A Future Green Copernicus for Coastal Ecosystems

During each session, experts will talk about the role Copernicus’ land, marine, climate change services play in addressing biodiversity loss in coastal areas. The sessions will be a chance to share best practices and case studies, highlight opportunities for coupling digital technologies with science and research, and discuss how industry and businesses can leverage space technologies to help achieve such EU policy goals as the Biodiversity Strategy and Green Deal.

The Copernicus Biodiversity in Coastal Ecosystems Workshop is jointly organised by EUSPA and the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Defence Industry and Space (DG DEFIS). More information can be found here.

Participation is free.

Please keep in mind the registrations will close on 6th October at 18:00

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).

While the loss of biodiversity is occurring across all ecosystems, it is particularly pronounced in coastal regions. Not only are these areas some of the most biodiverse on Earth, but they also host large human populations and substantial economic activity. As the human factor increases, these unique ecosystems are subjected to rapid habitat loss, overexploitation of natural resources, pollution, and climate change – all of which contribute to biodiversity loss.       

Long used to monitor land and marine environments, Earth Observation is an opportunity to develop best practices to reach a healthy balance between environmental protection and economic development and reduce biodiversity loss in coastal regions.

Copernicus, the European Earth Observation programme, offers numerous products and services for protecting, even restoring, biodiversity and coastal ecosystems. This includes forecasting the impact that climate change – the main driver of biodiversity loss – will have on these essential ecosystems, monitoring the good environmental status and EU policies implementation, developing sustainable living resources management.

To learn more about Earth Observation’s role in protecting biodiversity, the European Commission and EUSPA invite you to register for its Copernicus Biodiversity in Coastal Ecosystems Workshop. The online event, scheduled for 11 – 12 October, consists of four sessions:

• Biodiversity and Coastal Resources – Setting the Scene
• Biodiversity Versus Economic Development
• Biodiversity Conservation in the Context of Climate Change
• A Future Green Copernicus for Coastal Ecosystems

During each session, experts will talk about the role Copernicus’ land, marine, climate change services play in addressing biodiversity loss in coastal areas. The sessions will be a chance to share best practices and case studies, highlight opportunities for coupling digital technologies with science and research, and discuss how industry and businesses can leverage space technologies to help achieve such EU policy goals as the Biodiversity Strategy and Green Deal.

The Copernicus Biodiversity in Coastal Ecosystems Workshop is jointly organised by EUSPA and the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Defence Industry and Space (DG DEFIS). Participation is free, but registration is required. More information can be found 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) is supporting a new prize contest. The competition is looking for solutions that leverage Earth Observation and GNSS to detect, monitor and remove plastic in oceans and waterways. Read on to learn more about the global issue spurring the need for these types of solutions and the CASSINI competition initiative. 

The growing problem of plastic in oceans and waterways

Of the 300 million tons of plastic produced every year, an estimated 26 million eventually ends up in the ocean. As a result, some estimates suggest there are now 5.25 trillion pieces of plastic in our oceans and seas. Even more concerning is the fact that this number is expected to increase, with National Geographic predicting that the annual amount of plastic flowing into the oceans will triple by 2040. 

As the International Union for Conservation of Nature explains, in addition to causing climate change and impacting the coastal tourism industry, plastic litter also threatens marine ecosystems. That’s because when plastic litter is exposed to sunlight, wind and currents, it breakdowns to become microplastics. These microplastics can be easily ingested by marine life, resulting in severe injuries, health problems and even death – all of which could impact our own food security and safety.  

Space’s plastic removal potential 

Solving the ocean’s plastic problem starts with taking the litter out of the water. But this requires first knowing where the plastic is, which is where Earth Observation and GNSS come into play.

Earth Observation has the potential to help detect and monitor plastic pollution across the oceans. According to an Observer article, by using data on ocean currents collected by the Copernicus Marine Service, in combination with other information, one can monitor how and where plastics enter the ocean and determine how long they have been there.  

GNSS can also play a role in cleaning up our oceans. In 2019, a California-based cargo ship used GNSS positioning to track and collect a mass of plastic floating in the Pacific Ocean that is thought to be three times the size of France. The initiative had mariners place reusable GNSS trackers on the discarded fishing nets that tend to accumulate plastics. The cargo ship then tracked these devices to collect both the nets and plastic waste. In total, 40 tonnes of plastic were removed.   

But these examples only scratch the surface of what Earth Observation, GNSS and their synergistic use are capable of. To fully leverage these technologies and their plastic removal potential, EUSPA is supporting a new prize contest.

A chance to win funding for your commercial solution 

The CASSINI Prize for Digital Space Apps is looking for innovative commercial solutions that leverage the EU Space Programme to detect, monitor and remove plastics, microplastics and other litter from our oceans and waterways. With a total prize purse of EUR 2.85 million, the top three proposals are eligible to win EUR 0.95 million each, which can be used to help further develop and commercialise your solution.  

CASSINI is the European Commission’s initiative to support entrepreneurs, start-ups and SMEs developing innovative applications and services that leverage the EU Space Programme. Dedicated to promoting the commercialisation of Galileo, EGNOS and Copernicus data and services, EUSPA is actively involved in the initiative.

Because the contest aims to create a new ecosystem of entrepreneurs, applications are only open to SMEs. All proposed solutions must be close-to-market and be able to prove their effectiveness in a real-world demonstration. 

The prize is foreseen as part of the Horizon Europe Work Programme.

More information can be found 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 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.

“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.

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).

The Galileo satellite GSAT0224 entered into service on 29 August. The satellite is named ‘Shriya’, after a Norwegian grade school student who won the Galileo drawing competition organised by the European Commission and the Norwegian Space Agency. 

The news comes after extended In-Orbit Testing that took place in January-March, followed by participation in the In-Orbit Validation (IOV) for EUSPA/ESA’s finalized testing campaign for I/NAV improvements in July and August 2022.

Having passed the initial tests, the satellite was deemed healthy and ready to join the Galileo family, and after IOV participation, it is now also ready for faster convergence improvements!

Continue to serve Galileo users around the world

The previous Galileo satellite GSAT0223 entered into service in May 2022. While the two satellites may be orbiting some 23,000 kilometres above us, their service impact will be felt right here on Earth.

In a very practical sense, these additional satellites mean that whether using a navigation device in a car or on a mobile phone, you’ll now know your exact position with even greater precision and faster positioning than before. The new satellites also mean enhanced capabilities for the wide range of applications that depend on Galileo’s accuracy, including search and rescue missions, the eCall emergency response system and precision farming methods, to name only a few.  

“The addition of these satellites to the world’s most precise positioning system is part of our continuous improvement logic for our more than 3 billion users worldwide,” says EUSPA Executive Director Rodrigo da Costa. “Not only do more satellites mean more availability, more robust navigation and a better user experience, it also means more market opportunities for European businesses, SMEs and entrepreneurs.”

Milestones reached and milestones ahead 

GSAT0223 and GSAT0224 were part of Galileo launch L11 on 5 December 2021. The pair is the first of a third batch of Galileo first generation satellites to reach space, with GSAT0223 filling the last empty slot in Galileo’s orbital plane B and GSAT0224 flying in an auxiliary slot B15 as defined by the Open Service SDD.   

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).

Over half of the world’s 8 billion people live in cities, a number that is expected to increase by over 70% in the coming decades. This is concerning because, just as the world’s urban population continues to increase, so too does the world’s average temperature – setting the stage for a potential catastrophe.

That’s because with this increase in temperature comes more frequent and extreme heat events which, due to the urban heat island phenomena, make cities particularly vulnerable to the impact of climate change. It also puts urban populations at a greater risk for suffering the sweltering and potentially deadly effects of heatwaves – a fact has been abundantly clear this summer. According to the Copernicus Climate Change Service’s (C3S) July Climate Bulletin, many parts of Europe, including Spain, Portugal, France and the UK, experienced intense heat, if not record-breaking high temperatures, during the month of July.  

All of this means city planners are facing a sense of urgency for finding new ways to keep cities cool. As discussed in a recent article, one potential solution is to use the data generated by C3S to reconsider the layout of cities in an effort to mitigate heat-related risks.  

One company doing exactly that is ECOTEN urban comfort.

Mapping high vulnerability areas 

The Prague-based company is taking a data-driven approach to designing greener, cooler and healthier cities. “By integrating science, data and technology into urban planning, we help make cities more resilient against the impact of climate change,” says ECOTEN co-founder and CEO Jiri Tencar. 

Much of ECOTEN’s data comes from Earth Observation, including the Copernicus Programme. “Copernicus data is essential for measuring the urban heat vulnerability of a city as it provides high resolution information that can be uniformly obtained for any city in the world,” explains ECOTEN co-founder and CTO Sagnik Bhattacharjee.

By combining this Earth Observation data with available socio-demographic data, the company creates Urban Heat Vulnerability Maps. “These high-resolution maps provide city planners and other authorities with a real-time analysis of extreme heat vulnerability in a given urban area,” remarks Tencar. “Having ready-access to this information allows city officials to take immediate steps to protect citizens and infrastructure from a forecasted heatwave.” 

Vienna maps a cooler future    

In addition to helping city planners react to immediate heat threats, ECOTEN’s innovative heat mapping is also being used to mitigate future risks. For example, the company partnered with the city of Vienna to map the vulnerability of each of the city’s electoral districts. 

What these maps revealed was that several heavily populated areas have an urban heat vulnerability index (UHVI) value of 0.9 on a scale where 1.0 implies a high vulnerability to an extreme heat event. The map also identified 10 ‘hot spots’, including areas with little to no green space or areas with a large concentration of young children and/or older adults, both of whom are at risk populations. 

“For the first time, we have a map that shows us where cooling is urgent and allows us to take specific measures,” said Birgit Hebein, the former deputy mayor of Vienna.

City planners can now use this map, which was made possible thanks to Copernicus data, to adapt their urban planning to the realities of a warmer climate. In fact, the ECOTEN map is behind the city’s Cool Street project, an initiative that aims to turn down the heat at street level by, for example, planting more trees and reducing traffic.    

Prague cools down its transport hotspots    

Following the success in Austria, ECOTEN was soon contacted by the Environmental Protection Department of the City of Prague, who wanted to map the urban heat vulnerability of the city’s public transport stops. To create such a map, the company once again turned to Copernicus data, this time combining it with data on passenger wait times.

“This combination allowed us to create a tool that Prague can use to easily identify the specific areas that need attention and take steps to make these stops more comfortable for passengers,” says Bhattacharjee.  

Using the ECOTEN provided heat map, the city has taken numerous steps to cool down hotspots. For example, a green lawn was planted on the roof of a tram stop, while draught-resistant plants, grasses and rock gardens have been placed across Prague. The city also installed misting devices and drinking fountains.

“The Urban Heat Vulnerability Map has already proved to be an important tool for making Prague and Vienna more resilient to climate change, and we look forward to adding more cities to this list soon,” concludes Tencar.

Other European cities confirmed this approach as being useful and efficient as ECOTEN urban comfort is now working on developing an Urban Heat Vulnerability Map of Helsinki, Finland.

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 two years of online only editions, EU Space Week – Europe’s premiere space event – is back. Happening 3 – 6 October, the 2022 edition will be held as a hybrid event, meaning you can join either online or physically in Prague, the heart of the EU Space Programme. 

This not-to-be-missed event is set to bring together the entire EU space community, from policy makers, industry, start-ups, public authorities, investors and end users. The packed agenda will span the entire spectrum of the EU Space Programme. 

“As the hallmark event for the European space sector, EU Space Week is a unique opportunity to see first-hand how European businesses – and society in general – are benefiting from the EU Space Programme,” says EUSPA Executive Director Rodrigo da Costa. “It’s particularly exciting to be able to host this year’s edition in Prague, the home of EUSPA headquarters.”

A ‘New Space’ for space

With the theme of ‘New Space’, sessions, plenaries, events and demonstrations will cover everything from current and future trends, market forecasts, business opportunities, space-application demonstrations and updates on the EGNOS, Galileo, Copernicus and GOVSATCOM programmes. 

The event will also host the annual User Consultation Platform, where users from a range of market segments present their needs and requirements and help shape the evolution of the EU Space Programme and its services. Other highlights include the Copernicus Networks General Assembly, a CASSINI matchmaking event and sessions on Space for EU Resilience and Autonomy, EU Space for Secure Communications, Horizon Europe and Space 4 Equality – to name only a few.

As always, there will be ample opportunities for networking and knowledge sharing. 

Register today!

Ready to join over 1,200 representatives from Europe’s dynamic space sector? Then don’t delay, reserve you spot at EU Space Week 2022 by registering today at https://www.euspaceweek.eu/.

EU Space Week 2022 is jointly organised by the European Commission and EUSPA and is being held under the auspices of the Czech Presidency of the Council of the EU and the City of Prague. 

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).

It’s the dog days of summer, and things are hot – and getting hotter. 

For much of Europe, and especially southern Europe, temperatures have been steadily increasing year after year. Not only was 2021 one of the warmest years on record, Sicily recorded what could very well be Europe’s hottest temperature ever, seeing the mercury hit a scorching 48.8°C.

This summer it’s more of the same. The European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) recently reported that the global average temperature for June was about 0.31ºC higher than the 1991-2020 average, making it the third warmest June on record. Furthermore, Europe as a whole had its second warmest June on record, at about 1.6ºC above average.

This isn’t a fluke or some kind of anomaly. According to an article published in Horizon, the EU’s research and innovation magazine, temperatures have been steadily on the rise for years, the result of increasing – and largely unchecked – climate change. The annual European State of the Climate (ESOTC) report, which provides a timely, transparent and detailed description of the evolving climate, backs this claim. This year’s edition shows that, despite year-to-year variability, global temperatures have increased since the pre-industrial era, by 1.1 – 1.2°C.

How do we know all this? 

Copernicus – the European Earth Observation programme.

Introducing C3S

Copernicus, or more specifically the Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S), supports society, climate researchers and decision makers by providing authoritative information about the past, present and future climate in Europe and the rest of the world. As with other Copernicus services, CS3 processes and analyses a wealth of satellite and in situ data, transforming it into value-added information. 

Datasets dating back years, even decades, can be compared and searched to monitor changes, while patterns can be examined and used to build, for example, better forecasting models. Maps are created from Copernicus imagery, from which features and anomalies can be identified and statistical information extracted.

While all this information is essential to helping users meet their climate goals, it is particularly useful to the EU’s climate adaptation and mitigation policies – including those pertaining to extreme heatwaves. 

Heatwaves are already responsible for a considerable number of deaths, a trend that is unfortunately expected to increase as temperatures continue to go up. “As average temperatures warm, extreme temperatures will also become warmer, leading to more frequent and warmer heatwaves,” Rachel White, an assistant professor at the University of British Columbia, told Horizon. “This is particularly concerning in regions that already experience high temperatures, such as southern Europe.”

According to White, the key to saving lives is the use of accurate and reliable weather prediction models that go well beyond standard weekly forecasts. 

Here too, C3S can help. 

Preparing for a hotter tomorrow 

C3S provides users with quality-controlled data about the impact climate change will have on heatwave frequency and severity in the decades to come. “When the past is no longer a good predictor for the climate risks we face, having data about the future is key to preparing for the conditions that lie ahead, whether that future be days, months or even years ahead,” says C3S Director Carlo Buontempo.

As Buontempo explains, because C3S data focuses on climate, as opposed to weather, it is particularly useful for helping local authorities be more proactive – and less reactive – to climate-related risks. For example, today, national and local authorities depend on C3S’s heat stress predictions to implement heat-related action plans. 

“Since the shocking death toll of the 2003 heatwave in southern Europe, many European countries have developed action plans that can be triggered when specific heat stress conditions are forecasted,” notes Buontempo. 

These action plans can include things as simple as limiting outside activities and drinking plenty of fluids to actively monitoring at-risk populations. In the near future, city planners could use this same C3S data to reconsider the layout of cities and buildings and design green spaces that help mitigate heat-related risks to make cities more pleasant to live in – even in a hotter world.

“Not only does C3S data provide us with a better understanding of what the summer of the future may look like, it also gives us the opportunity to start preparing for that future today,” concludes Buontempo.

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).

On 28 June 2022, the EU Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) held an online workshop about the ongoing testing of the Galileo Open Service – Navigation Message Authentication (OSNMA). The event was an opportunity to both learn about the status of the testing phase and discuss preliminary results. As to the latter, highlights included:

• All OSNMA-enabled receivers tested according to the expected performance. Testing demonstrated that the use of OSNMA does not degrade the quality of the Position, Velocity and Time (PVT). Furthermore, tested receivers had an availability of at least 95% and a Time to First Fix (TTFF) in line with the testing service performance.   
• Septentrio receivers, which are geared towards those sectors requiring the highest level of security (e.g., maritime, mining, rail, defence, aerospace, drones, advanced driver-assistance systems, telecom, etc.), are OSNMA ready. OSNMA is implemented within the Septentrio receiver using the proprietary Advanced Interference Mitigation (AIM+) tool. 
• An OSNMA-enabled GNSS receiver designed specifically for boat security called NaviSoC® was successfully tested, performing optically while using OSNMA. Although initially designed for the maritime sector, engineers are confident that the GNSS receiver will be able to address all major market segments. The team is currently looking in to the cross-authentication capability, to be ready when/if it will be included in the service baseline. 
• An STM Teseo V chip with firmware co-developed by STM and FDC contains algorithms to protect the integrity of OSNMA assets against jamming, spoofing and other security concerns, with applications in the area of smart tachographs and potentially beyond.  

The initial results show that, although the Galileo OSNMA Public Observation Test Phase continues, it has already successfully provided important feedback that EUSPA can use to enhance the service’s functionality. 

Testing remains ongoing – and you can still participate 

The Galileo OSNMA is a data authentication function that will be freely accessible worldwide. The pioneering service will pave the way towards robust PVT for users of the Galileo Open Service.

In preparation for its service declaration, GNSS receiver manufacturers, integrators and application developers are encouraged to continue testing the Galileo OSNMA. This testing is done via a Signal in Space (SiS) and is meant to assess the service’s performance across a range of scenarios and use cases. 

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

The final workshop is foreseen to take place at the end of 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).

It’s the middle of the summer holiday season and an earthquake strikes Greece, rendering all ground-based communication services worthless. At this exact moment, a leisure boat sailing several kilometres off the coast of Athens experiences an on-board fire. Luckily, they have a Galileo-enabled Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) to send a distress signal with, meaning they don’t have to rely on now inoperable ground-based services. 

The coastguard picks up the yacht’s distress signal and establishes its location. Due to the lack of viable ground-based communication networks, the coastguard and other emergency services communicate using the GOVSATCOM system to coordinate all search and rescue (SAR) operations. To facilitate the search and rescue itself, authorities rely on optical and in-situ data generated by Copernicus regarding, for example, current strength, wave height and water temperature. 

The end result? Disaster is averted and lives are saved, thanks in large part to the EU Space Programme.

Prioritising safety at sea

This is but one example of how safety at sea has long been one of the European maritime sector’s top priorities. Today, the European Commission is building on this tradition by investing in digital technologies that help further ensure the safety of passengers and crew, while also minimising the sector’s environmental impact. Many of these new technologies rely on the data and services generated by the EU Space Programme. 

Take for example the ground-breaking Galileo Return Link Service (RLS), part of the Galileo SAR service. Thanks to the RLS, sailors in distress, when equipped with the appropriate beacon, will see a light verifying that their distress signal has been received by emergency first responders and that their location has been established. 

Galileo is the only GNSS constellation to offer such a service to its end-users. The RLS is proven to increase survival rates by giving an important psychological boost to people in distress. Experts of Cospas-Sarsat estimated that the international SAR system, with the contribution of the Galileo SAR service, saves more than 2,000 lives a year. 

Visualise with Copernicus

Accidents often occur in poor weather conditions, where it is difficult or dangerous to deploy manned assets like helicopters. When an accident happens in a remote area, there may not be the option to send vessels or aircraft to verify the situation. In both contexts, the Copernicus Maritime Surveillance (CMS) service can provide valuable additional data to help detect, track and potentially identify the vessels in distress. By doing so, the CMS helps support SAR efforts. 

Specifically, Copernicus utilises synthetic aperture radar images, which can be used to help search for vessels over large areas, during the night and even in poor weather conditions. This capability is especially useful when a vessel loses communication and goes adrift (e.g., following a fire or tracking storm damage). Identifying the location of a vessel helps optimise the use of search and rescue assets and allows authorities to direct resources to where they are of most use. Optical images can also provide a wealth of additional information, including positively identifying the vessel, characterising the damage caused and detecting any deployed lifeboats in the water. 

Communicate with GOVSATCOM

While Galileo and Copernicus provide the necessary data and positioning, some security incidents also require a means of communication that is robustly protected against interference, interception, intrusion and other risks. GOVSATCOM bridges this gap between the need for assured and secure communication and the capabilities already offered by Copernicus, Galileo and EGNOS.

Once active, GOVSATCOM will provide secure, cost-efficient communication capabilities to security and safety-critical missions, operations and infrastructure. EUSPA has been entrusted with the procurement of the secure operational ground segment (GOVSATCOM Hubs), its operations and the coordination of the user-related aspects of GOVSATCOM, all in close collaboration with the Member States and other involved entities.

Putting it all together 

Thanks to the EU Space Programme, authorities and maritime operators can rely on three different types of satellite data and signals that allow them to see, navigate and communicate. First, Copernicus provides the near real-time data needed to evaluate the state of the sea, currents and temperature. Galileo, on the other hand, makes navigation easier and more reliable, thanks to its accurate signals. Completing the maritime safety trifecta is GOVSATCOM, which ensures uninterrupted communications, even on the open seas. 

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).

It’s the middle of the summer holiday season and an earthquake strikes Greece, rendering all ground-based communication services worthless. At this exact moment, a leisure boat sailing several kilometres off the coast of Athens experiences an on-board fire. Luckily, they have a Galileo-enabled Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) to send a distress signal with, meaning they don’t have to rely on now inoperable ground-based services. 

The coastguard picks up the yacht’s distress signal and establishes its location. Due to the lack of viable ground-based communication networks, the coastguard and other emergency services communicate using the GOVSATCOM system to coordinate all search and rescue (SAR) operations. To facilitate the search and rescue itself, authorities rely on optical and in-situ data generated by Copernicus regarding, for example, current strength, wave height and water temperature. 

The end result? Disaster is averted and lives are saved, thanks in large part to the EU Space Programme.

Prioritising safety at sea

This is but one example of how safety at sea has long been one of the European maritime sector’s top priorities. Today, the European Commission is building on this tradition by investing in digital technologies that help further ensure the safety of passengers and crew, while also minimising the sector’s environmental impact. Many of these new technologies rely on the data and services generated by the EU Space Programme. 

Take for example the ground-breaking Galileo Return Link Service (RLS), part of the Galileo SAR service. Thanks to the RLS, sailors in distress, when equipped with the appropriate beacon, will see a light verifying that their distress signal has been received by emergency first responders and that their location has been established. 

Galileo is the only GNSS constellation to offer such a service to its end-users. The RLS is proven to increase survival rates by giving an important psychological boost to people in distress. Experts of Cospas-Sarsat estimated that the international SAR system, with the contribution of the Galileo SAR service, saves more than 2,000 lives a year. 

Visualise with Copernicus

Accidents often occur in poor weather conditions, where it is difficult or dangerous to deploy manned assets like helicopters. When an accident happens in a remote area, there may not be the option to send vessels or aircraft to verify the situation. In both contexts, the Copernicus Maritime Surveillance (CMS) service can provide valuable additional data to help detect, track and potentially identify the vessels in distress. By doing so, the CMS helps support SAR efforts. 

Specifically, Copernicus utilises synthetic aperture radar images, which can be used to help search for vessels over large areas, during the night and even in poor weather conditions. This capability is especially useful when a vessel loses communication and goes adrift (e.g., following a fire or tracking storm damage). Identifying the location of a vessel helps optimise the use of search and rescue assets and allows authorities to direct resources to where they are of most use. Optical images can also provide a wealth of additional information, including positively identifying the vessel, characterising the damage caused and detecting any deployed lifeboats in the water. 

Communicate with GOVSATCOM

While Galileo and Copernicus provide the necessary data and positioning, some security incidents also require a means of communication that is robustly protected against interference, interception, intrusion and other risks. GOVSATCOM bridges this gap between the need for assured and secure communication and the capabilities already offered by Copernicus, Galileo and EGNOS.

Once active, GOVSATCOM will provide secure, cost-efficient communication capabilities to security and safety-critical missions, operations and infrastructure. EUSPA has been entrusted with the procurement of the secure operational ground segment (GOVSATCOM Hubs), its operations and the coordination of the user-related aspects of GOVSATCOM, all in close collaboration with the Member States and other involved entities.

Putting it all together 

Thanks to the EU Space Programme, authorities and maritime operators can rely on three different types of satellite data and signals that allow them to see, navigate and communicate. First, Copernicus provides the near real-time data needed to evaluate the state of the sea, currents and temperature. Galileo, on the other hand, makes navigation easier and more reliable, thanks to its accurate signals. Completing the maritime safety trifecta is GOVSATCOM, which ensures uninterrupted communications, even on the open seas. 

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).