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The "Galileo - Open Service - Service Definition Document" (Galileo OS SDD) defines the Minimum Performance Levels (MPLs) of the Galileo Open Service (OS). Find out what billions of users of Galileo can expect. 

The European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) together with the European Commission announce the publication of the latest version of the Galileo Open Service Definition Document (OS SDD). The Galileo Open Service Definition Document (OS SDD) was updated on November 2021 to reflect upgrades in the Galileo system since the publication of the previous version in May 2019. The latest version, 1.2, can be found on the GSC web portal on this link. 

The SDD has been updated to include improvements of the Open Service, accounting for the current constellation and updates in the ground infrastructure that increase its robustness. This is the last update foreseen before Galileo Open Service reaches Full Operational Capability (FOC).

The updated SDD provides better Minimum Performance Levels (MPLs) for signal and position availability, updated definitions of some timing MPLs, and establishes a more stringent commitment on the time to publish Notice Advisories to Galileo Users (NAGUs). In addition, the concept of auxiliary satellites has been added, while some sections have been reworded to improve clarity.

Galileo Open Service Definition Document (OS SDD) at glance 

As in previous versions, the main information in the SDD includes:

• Service terms and conditions of use.
• Service characteristics (scope, general concepts, assumptions, reference systems).
• Service performance (Minimum Performance Levels and their associated conditions and constraints).
• Annexes (providing further details on the parameters, expected performance evolutions, additional metrics and the description of NAGUs).

Users are invited to download and read the updated “Galileo Open Service Definition Document (SDD)” to discover the improvements of the Open Service and learn about its main characteristics and performance. For more details on Galileo performance and its services, please contact the Galileo Help Desk. Moreover, to receive NAGUs and notifications of new Galileo publications, please register to the GSC web portal and subscribe to our newsletters.

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 December 15th 2016 the Galileo Services were declared operational, marking a cornerstone in the field of satellite navigation for European citizens and worldwide. Since then, the EU Agency for the Space Programme has endeavored to increase the robustness of the system and services, enhance market adoption and offer new services to its users.

From the declaration of services, users worldwide from several domains have been reaping the benefits offered by European Union Galileo Programme. To celebrate its 5th anniversary, we want to share some Galileo milestones! 

1. Galileo Open Service performances rank 1 among all GNSS service providers worldwide

The Galileo state of the art Open Service (OS) is providing free of charge outstanding seamless performance to users worldwide, in terms of ranging, positioning and timing. The Open Service performance ranks first among all GNSS service providers. The improvement of the service remains a priority, with a stronger commitment to liaise with users with the publication of Notice Advisories to Galileo Users (NAGUs), with updates of the ground infrastructure and the current constellation. A new version of the Galileo Open Service Definition Document (OS SDD) will be published soon through the GSC web portal with better Minimum Performance Levels (MPLs) for signal and position availability. Stay Connected to read the new version!

2. SAR/Galileo service and rescue mission

Galileo supports the international Search And Rescue (SAR) satellite services. It is transmitting distress signals from SAR beacons,  operating to COSPAS-SARSAT standards,  and relaying through the Galileo specific Return-Link Service (RLS) the responses to those beacons equipped with Galileo receivers. The Return-Link Service unique and pioneering feature of Galileo was declared operational in January 2020.  The Galileo RLS allows people in distress to receive an automatic acknowledgement that their signal has been picked up by the first responders. Galileo’s contribution to the Medium Earth Orbit Satellites Search and Rescue System (MEOSAR) managed by the International COSPAS-SARSAT Programme translates into 2000 lives saved per year. For example, in November 2020, this SAR/Galileo “lifesaver” service provided in less than 3 minutes key information leading to the successful rescue of a sailor in distress during the Vendee Globe Yacht race.

3. New Galileo service differentiator: High Accuracy Service (HAS)

The first-ever broadcast of High Accuracy Service test signal occurred on 19 May 2021 thanks to Galileo. This service will provide high accuracy data, enabling sub-meter level positioning accuracy. The initial performances are promising. Galileo is dressing the scene for the year to come. 

4. Galileo getting in our daily lives and professional applications

Galileo is not only satellites and services: since 2016, Galileo entered quickly in our daily lives, in our cars, smartphones, drones and is enhancing many professional domains, such as maritime navigation, agriculture and geomatics.  EUSPA’s market and user-driven approach has led to this success, developing innovative applications and receivers involving the growing GNSS downstream industry and SMEs, consulting with users, and launching innovation challenges for new space entrepreneurs.  

As of today, more than 2.4 billion Galileo-enabled smartphones are sold worldwide. It is a stunning number considering that the first Galileo-enabled smartphone only hit the market in 2016. Since April 2018, all new car models in the European Union are equipped with eCall technology that includes Galileo. In the event of a serious accident, eCall automatically dials 112 - Europe's single emergency number – providing the accurate position of the crashed vehicle to help the first responders reach the site faster.

What is next for Galileo?

The Galileo system robustness is being continuously improved to ensure seamless, safe and secured service delivery 24/7 to users worldwide.

The Public Regulated Service (PRS) of Galileo is expected to reach Initial Operational Capability by the end of 2023.

EUSPA is currently working on delivering next-generation services based on Galileo’s precise signals, timing capabilities, and robust performance. 

Visit the GNSS Service Centre website www.gsc-europa.eu for all details on Galileo service performance

Undertaken by a European partnership, the European Commission manages Galileo, with EUSPA overseeing Galileo operations and service provision and ESA as the design authority overseeing its development, procuring satellites, and the ground segment.

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 December 15th 2016 the Galileo Services were declared operational, marking a cornerstone in the field of satellite navigation for European citizens and worldwide. Since then, the EU Agency for the Space Programme has endeavored to increase the robustness of the system and services, enhance market adoption and offer new services to its users.

From the declaration of services, users worldwide from several domains have been reaping the benefits offered by European Union Galileo Programme. To celebrate its 5th anniversary, we want to share some Galileo milestones! 

1. Galileo Open Service performances rank 1 among all GNSS service providers worldwide

The Galileo state of the art Open Service (OS) is providing free of charge outstanding seamless performance to users worldwide, in terms of ranging, positioning and timing. The Open Service performance ranks first among all GNSS service providers. The improvement of the service remains a priority, with a stronger commitment to liaise with users with the publication of Notice Advisories to Galileo Users (NAGUs), with updates of the ground infrastructure and the current constellation. A new version of the Galileo Open Service Definition Document (OS SDD) will be published soon through the GSC web portal with better Minimum Performance Levels (MPLs) for signal and position availability. Stay Connected to read the new version!

2. SAR/Galileo service and rescue mission

Galileo supports the international Search And Rescue (SAR) satellite services. It is transmitting distress signals from SAR beacons,  operating to COSPAS-SARSAT standards,  and relaying through the Galileo specific Return-Link Service (RLS) the responses to those beacons equipped with Galileo receivers. The Return-Link Service unique and pioneering feature of Galileo was declared operational in January 2020.  The Galileo RLS allows people in distress to receive an automatic acknowledgement that their signal has been picked up by the first responders. Galileo’s contribution to the Medium Earth Orbit Satellites Search and Rescue System (MEOSAR) managed by the International COSPAS-SARSAT Programme translates into 2000 lives saved per year. For example, in November 2020, this SAR/Galileo “lifesaver” service provided in less than 3 minutes key information leading to the successful rescue of a sailor in distress during the Vendee Globe Yacht race.

3. New Galileo service differentiator: High Accuracy Service (HAS)

The first-ever broadcast of High Accuracy Service test signal occurred on 19 May 2021 thanks to Galileo. This service will provide high accuracy data, enabling sub-meter level positioning accuracy. The initial performances are promising. Galileo is dressing the scene for the year to come. 

4. Galileo getting in our daily lives and professional applications

Galileo is not only satellites and services: since 2016, Galileo entered quickly in our daily lives, in our cars, smartphones, drones and is enhancing many professional domains, such as maritime navigation, agriculture and geomatics.  EUSPA’s market and user-driven approach has led to this success, developing innovative applications and receivers involving the growing GNSS downstream industry and SMEs, consulting with users, and launching innovation challenges for new space entrepreneurs.  

As of today, more than 2.4 billion Galileo-enabled smartphones are sold worldwide. It is a stunning number considering that the first Galileo-enabled smartphone only hit the market in 2016. Since April 2018, all new car models in the European Union are equipped with eCall technology that includes Galileo. In the event of a serious accident, eCall automatically dials 112 - Europe's single emergency number – providing the accurate position of the crashed vehicle to help the first responders reach the site faster.

What is next for Galileo?

The Galileo system robustness is being continuously improved to ensure seamless, safe and secured service delivery 24/7 to users worldwide.

The Public Regulated Service (PRS) of Galileo is expected to reach Initial Operational Capability by the end of 2023.

EUSPA is currently working on delivering next-generation services based on Galileo’s precise signals, timing capabilities, and robust performance. 

Visit the GNSS Service Centre website www.gsc-europa.eu for all details on Galileo service performance

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).

EUSPA launched a new initiative called "EUSPA Network of pilot projects" to facilitate the implementation of EGNOS-based procedures to non-instrument runways for general aviation and validate the safety assessment guidelines, published earlier in November.

Since its certification for use in civil aviation in 2011, EGNOS has become an important aid in the European aviation sector, increasing both the safety and accessibility of airports. Thanks to the accurate guidance offered by the system, pilots can easily land under challenging weather conditions such as poor visibility and avoid aborted landings (go-arounds). 

From an airport perspective, EGNOS LPV approaches allow for instrument landings at lower costs as there is no need to install ground navigation aids. Satellite-based approaches by EGNOS are precise, stable, offer smoother glide paths and very high levels of availability.

As of today, more than 400 airports -mostly medium or large- in Europe rely on EGNOS-based approaches. General Aviation aerodromes usually rely on only VFR operations and have limited ground infrastructure. Even though the General Aviation (GA) community undertakes millions of flights on aircraft equipped with GNSS-receivers, it is not taking full advantage of the technology.

EUSPA worked together with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and other general aviation stakeholders on the strategy and other materials to support the implementation of EGNOS for general aviation to increase instrument approaches with EGNOS at non-instrument aerodromes. In December 2019, the safety promotion material for the implementation of EGNOS based procedures to general aviation was published followed by the safety assessment guidance material focusing on safety assessment development. One of the biggest challenges of the implementation of EGNOS-based approaches to non-instrument runways for general aviation is the safety assessment.  EUSPA launched a new initiative called "EUSPA Network of pilot projects" to facilitate the implementation of EGNOS-based procedures to non-instrument runways for general aviation and validate the safety assessment guidelines.

Click here to read all you need to know about the "EUSPA Network of pilot projects"

Why invest in EGNOS?

Implementing EGNOS-based LPV procedures across European General Aviation airports brings numerous opportunities, from increasing flight traffic and boosting the economy of local communities to benefitting flight schools.  SBAS approaches can help smaller airports create more connections for General and Business Aviation flights, while GA and BA pilots can rely on their instruments to land even under poor weather conditions such as decreased visibility.

About EGNOS

The European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service, or EGNOS in short, is European Union regional satellite-based augmentation system (SBAS). SBASs are used to correct the performance of global navigation satellite systems, such as GPS. To do so, EGNOS uses a set of geostationary satellites and a network of ground stations to increase the accuracy of GPS. In the next 3 years, a new, more powerful system called "EGNOS V3" will become available and the user experience will be maximised through the strengthening of Galileo’s signal in addition to GPS’s.

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).