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The European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) is launching a call for expression of interest to invite external stakeholders to participate in a testing campaign of the Galileo High Accuracy Service (HAS) Signal in Space (SiS) broadcasting. The deadline for submissions is 11 June 2021.

The call targets in particular the participation of receiver manufacturers developing Galileo E6-B/C receivers that will implement Precise Point Positioning (PPP) corrections based on the Galileo HAS in their devices. The campaign is an essential step towards the development of the HAS operational service phase.

Goal of the campaign

By providing access to the HAS SiS Interface Control Document (ICD) to interested parties, through this call EUSPA aims to enable the participation of relevant stakeholders to the incoming HAS SiS testing. Through this participation EUSPA will collect relevant feedback on the HAS SiS ICD structure and implementation at Receiver level. It is also interested in the participants’ results received during the HAS SiS testing and any relevant implementation aspects, and on receiving their inputs and suggestions concerning the HAS service-related aspects and specifications.

Read this: EU Space on a new trajectory with launch of EUSPA

Access to the HAS SiS ICD will only be granted subject to the signature of a Non-Disclosure Undertaking by the interested parties complying with the conditions indicated in the call. The HAS SiS ICD will be published during 2021, after the conclusion of this testing campaign.

The tests carried out by the participants may cover tracking and processing of GPS and Galileo signals relevant for HAS, as well as decoding and processing of the HAS broadcast corrections, in addition to user positioning performance evaluation.

HAS SiS ICD Call at a Glance

• Launch of call – 18 May 2021
• Deadline for request of clarifications from EUSPA – 28 May 2021 
• Last date on which clarifications are issued by EUSPA - 4 June 2021
• Deadline for submission of expression of interests - 11 June 2021
• End of evaluation process - end of June
• Signature of NDU - end of June

For more information on the call and its terms and conditions, click here.

Galileo High Accuracy Service

The Galileo HAS will be an open access and free of charge service based on the provision of precise corrections (orbit, clock, biases, atmospheric) transmitted in the Galileo E6 signal (E6-B, data component) from a subset of the Galileo satellites, allowing the user to achieve improved positioning performance.

The precise corrections provided by the Galileo High Accuracy Service will allow users of the service to reduce the error associated with the orbit and clocks provided through the Galileo Open Service broadcast navigation messages and the GPS Standard Positioning Service navigation data. These corrections, together with the biases provided by the service, will enable users to perform decimetre-level precise positioning accuracy. Future evolutions of the service will include regional atmospheric corrections to improve convergence times.

For more information on the Galileo HAS, click here.

Media note: This feature can be republished without charge provided the European Union Agency for 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) is launching a call for expression of interest to invite external stakeholders to participate in a testing campaign of the Galileo High Accuracy Service (HAS) Signal in Space (SiS) broadcasting. The deadline for submissions is 11 June 2021.

The call targets in particular the participation of receiver manufacturers developing Galileo E6-B/C receivers that will implement Precise Point Positioning (PPP) corrections based on the Galileo HAS in their devices. The campaign is an essential step towards the development of the HAS operational service phase.

Goal of the campaign

By providing access to the HAS SiS Interface Control Document (ICD) to interested parties, through this call EUSPA aims to enable the participation of relevant stakeholders to the incoming HAS SiS testing. Through this participation EUSPA will collect relevant feedback on the HAS SiS ICD structure and implementation at Receiver level. It is also interested in the participants’ results received during the HAS SiS testing and any relevant implementation aspects, and on receiving their inputs and suggestions concerning the HAS service-related aspects and specifications.

Read this: EU Space on a new trajectory with launch of EUSPA

Access to the HAS SiS ICD will only be granted subject to the signature of a Non-Disclosure Undertaking by the interested parties complying with the conditions indicated in the call. The HAS SiS ICD will be published during 2021, after the conclusion of this testing campaign.

The tests carried out by the participants may cover tracking and processing of GPS and Galileo signals relevant for HAS, as well as decoding and processing of the HAS broadcast corrections, in addition to user positioning performance evaluation.

HAS SiS ICD Call at a Glance

• Launch of call – 18 May 2021
• Deadline for request of clarifications from EUSPA – 28 May 2021 
• Last date on which clarifications are issued by EUSPA - 4 June 2021
• Deadline for submission of expression of interests - 11 June 2021
• End of evaluation process - end of June
• Signature of NDU - end of June

For more information on the call and its terms and conditions, click here.

Galileo High Accuracy Service

The Galileo HAS will be an open access and free of charge service based on the provision of precise corrections (orbit, clock, biases, atmospheric) transmitted in the Galileo E6 signal (E6-B, data component) from a subset of the Galileo satellites, allowing the user to achieve improved positioning performance.

The precise corrections provided by the Galileo High Accuracy Service will allow users of the service to reduce the error associated with the orbit and clocks provided through the Galileo Open Service broadcast navigation messages and the GPS Standard Positioning Service navigation data. These corrections, together with the biases provided by the service, will enable users to perform decimetre-level precise positioning accuracy. Future evolutions of the service will include regional atmospheric corrections to improve convergence times.

For more information on the Galileo HAS, click here.

Media note: This feature can be republished without charge provided the European Union Agency for 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 Commission’s Directorate-General for Defence Industry and Space (DG-DEFIS) has awarded two new H2020 mission evolution studies to assess how the future evolution of European GNSS (EGNSS) could be beneficial for innovative and demanding autonomous applications. The new service contract shall assess the feasibility of an integrity service complementing EGNSS High Accuracy in the 2030+ timeframe on top of the current baseline of EGNSS services to feed the evolving needs in autonomous transport.

The advent of autonomous transport has the potential to reduce human-based errors, to improve the efficiency of some operations, and to be the enabler of new uses and new applications. However, this will require their operations to be at least as safe as the existing ones.

The European Commission’s Directorate-General for Defence Industry and Space (DG-DEFIS) has awarded two new H2020 mission evolution studies, ICHASE and ITHACA:

• ICHASE project is led by Thales Alenia Space with the support of FDC, Université Gustave Eiffel, GEA Space, know.space;
• ITHACA project is led by GMV with the support of TNO, VVA and GMV-NSL. 

The activities to be carried out shall analyse the feasibility of an integrity service complementing European GNSS (EGNSS) High Accuracy in the 2030+ timeframe to feed the evolving needs in demanding new applications without disrupting the current business models of established service providers. A panel of experts will be consulted to validate the integrity concepts and the main outcomes of the project. The studies will assess the respective merits of various directions for the Galileo and EGNOS services to evolve and to build the steps needed before the operational introduction of such new services. 

Read more: New call for proposal to accelerate EGNOS adoption in transport

New emerging applications will require more demanding positioning solutions to be able to offer innovative services in the future. What could be the role of EGNOS and Galileo in the 2030+ timeframe for demanding and innovative applications?

The European Commission is currently specifying the long-term evolution of the EGNSS programme, including new services based on Galileo and EGNOS. The use of an integrity service complementing EGNSS High Accuracy in the 2030+ could result in the provision of an accurate and reliable positioning solution, which would translate into the overall improvement of future innovative and demanding services in autonomous transport. 

Galileo is the European Union’s Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) providing an accurate, guaranteed global positioning service under civilian control. Galileo is operational since the Initial Service declaration at the end of 2016. As part of the main services provided by Galileo, the Galileo High-Accuracy Service (HAS) shall provide in the near future a high-accuracy positioning and synchronisation information.

EGNOS is the European SBAS and augments GPS L1 C/A civilian signal by providing corrections and integrity information for positioning and navigation applications over Europe. EGNOS version 3, will in the near future augment both GPS and Galileo constellations in the L1 and L5 bands and will extend the service area to the entire landmasses of EU Member States. New EGNOS services could be implemented in further releases of EGNOS as an option for the integrity service complementing EGNSS High Accuracy.

Media note: This feature can be republished without charge provided the European Union Agency for 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 Commission’s Directorate-General for Defence Industry and Space (DG-DEFIS) has awarded two new H2020 mission evolution studies to assess how the future evolution of European GNSS (EGNSS) could be beneficial for innovative and demanding autonomous applications. The new service contract shall assess the feasibility of an integrity service complementing EGNSS High Accuracy in the 2030+ timeframe on top of the current baseline of EGNSS services to feed the evolving needs in autonomous transport.

The advent of autonomous transport has the potential to reduce human-based errors, to improve the efficiency of some operations, and to be the enabler of new uses and new applications. However, this will require their operations to be at least as safe as the existing ones.

The European Commission’s Directorate-General for Defence Industry and Space (DG-DEFIS) has awarded two new H2020 mission evolution studies, ICHASE and ITHACA:

• ICHASE project is led by Thales Alenia Space with the support of FDC, Université Gustave Eiffel, GEA Space, know.space;
• ITHACA project is led by GMV with the support of TNO, VVA and GMV-NSL. 

The activities to be carried out shall analyse the feasibility of an integrity service complementing European GNSS (EGNSS) High Accuracy in the 2030+ timeframe to feed the evolving needs in demanding new applications without disrupting the current business models of established service providers. A panel of experts will be consulted to validate the integrity concepts and the main outcomes of the project. The studies will assess the respective merits of various directions for the Galileo and EGNOS services to evolve and to build the steps needed before the operational introduction of such new services. 

Read more: New call for proposal to accelerate EGNOS adoption in transport

New emerging applications will require more demanding positioning solutions to be able to offer innovative services in the future. What could be the role of EGNOS and Galileo in the 2030+ timeframe for demanding and innovative applications?

The European Commission is currently specifying the long-term evolution of the EGNSS programme, including new services based on Galileo and EGNOS. The use of an integrity service complementing EGNSS High Accuracy in the 2030+ could result in the provision of an accurate and reliable positioning solution, which would translate into the overall improvement of future innovative and demanding services in autonomous transport. 

Galileo is the European Union’s Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) providing an accurate, guaranteed global positioning service under civilian control. Galileo is operational since the Initial Service declaration at the end of 2016. As part of the main services provided by Galileo, the Galileo High-Accuracy Service (HAS) shall provide in the near future a high-accuracy positioning and synchronisation information.

EGNOS is the European SBAS and augments GPS L1 C/A civilian signal by providing corrections and integrity information for positioning and navigation applications over Europe. EGNOS version 3, will in the near future augment both GPS and Galileo constellations in the L1 and L5 bands and will extend the service area to the entire landmasses of EU Member States. New EGNOS services could be implemented in further releases of EGNOS as an option for the integrity service complementing EGNSS High Accuracy.

Media note: This feature can be republished without charge provided the European Union Agency for 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 Commission’s Directorate-General for Defence Industry and Space (DG-DEFIS) has awarded two new H2020 mission evolution studies to assess how the future evolution of European GNSS (EGNSS) could be beneficial for innovative and demanding autonomous applications. The new service contract shall assess the feasibility of an integrity service complementing EGNSS High Accuracy in the 2030+ timeframe on top of the current baseline of EGNSS services to feed the evolving needs in autonomous transport.

The advent of autonomous transport has the potential to reduce human-based errors, to improve the efficiency of some operations, and to be the enabler of new uses and new applications. However, this will require their operations to be at least as safe as the existing ones.

The European Commission’s Directorate-General for Defence Industry and Space (DG-DEFIS) has awarded two new H2020 mission evolution studies, ICHASE and ITHACA:

• ICHASE project is led by Thales Alenia Space with the support of FDC, Université Gustave Eiffel, GEA Space, know.space;
• ITHACA project is led by GMV with the support of TNO, VVA and GMV-NSL. 

The activities to be carried out shall analyse the feasibility of an integrity service complementing European GNSS (EGNSS) High Accuracy in the 2030+ timeframe to feed the evolving needs in demanding new applications without disrupting the current business models of established service providers. A panel of experts will be consulted to validate the integrity concepts and the main outcomes of the project. The studies will assess the respective merits of various directions for the Galileo and EGNOS services to evolve and to build the steps needed before the operational introduction of such new services. 

Read more: New call for proposal to accelerate EGNOS adoption in transport

New emerging applications will require more demanding positioning solutions to be able to offer innovative services in the future. What could be the role of EGNOS and Galileo in the 2030+ timeframe for demanding and innovative applications?

The European Commission is currently specifying the long-term evolution of the EGNSS programme, including new services based on Galileo and EGNOS. The use of an integrity service complementing EGNSS High Accuracy in the 2030+ could result in the provision of an accurate and reliable positioning solution, which would translate into the overall improvement of future innovative and demanding services in autonomous transport. 

Galileo is the European Union’s Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) providing an accurate, guaranteed global positioning service under civilian control. Galileo is operational since the Initial Service declaration at the end of 2016. As part of the main services provided by Galileo, the Galileo High-Accuracy Service (HAS) shall provide in the near future a high-accuracy positioning and synchronisation information.

EGNOS is the European SBAS and augments GPS L1 C/A civilian signal by providing corrections and integrity information for positioning and navigation applications over Europe. EGNOS version 3, will in the near future augment both GPS and Galileo constellations in the L1 and L5 bands and will extend the service area to the entire landmasses of EU Member States. New EGNOS services could be implemented in further releases of EGNOS as an option for the integrity service complementing EGNSS High Accuracy.

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, is launched today marking the start of a new era for EU Space. Building on the legacy of the European GNSS Agency, EUSPA will take on more responsibilities to create even more opportunities from Space for EU citizens and its economy.

The adoption of the Regulation establishing the new EU Space Programme on April 27 marks a new beginning for the EU Space Programme and for the European GNSS Agency (GSA), which has now officially evolved into EUSPA, with an expanded mandate and new responsibilities.

What has changed?

Under the new Space Regulation, EUSPA’s mandate will now include increased responsibilities in managing the exploitation of Galileo and EGNOS, including their service provision and operational security. Furthermore, the Agency’s new remit includes coordinating the user-related aspects of GOVSATCOM in close collaboration with the Member States and other involved entities. 

EUSPA is also responsible for the development of downstream markets and fostering of innovation based on Galileo, EGNOS, and now also for the commercial users of Copernicus, leveraging funding mechanisms such as Fundamental Elements and Horizon Europe. The Agency is also responsible for the security accreditation of all the components of the EU Space Programme. The European Commission may also decide to entrust the Agency with other tasks in the future.

“More and more, our economies, our society and our safety depend on Space. Europe has incredible opportunities ahead that cannot be missed. By creating EUSPA, the European Union will further increase the return on investment made by the EU citizen in the EU Space Programme by strengthening its contribution to the priorities of the Union. We will achieve this primarily by leveraging synergies between the various Programme components, particularly navigation, Earth observation and secure communications, to drive innovation across a broad range of sectors,” said EUSPA Executive Director Rodrigo da Costa.

In particular, bringing management of downstream and combined applications based on Galileo, EGNOS and Copernicus under the umbrella of one agency will make it possible increasingly to leverage synergies its synergies. On their own, these technologies can play a key role supporting a digital and green transformation, but leveraging their synergetic and combined use will facilitate the generation of innovative solutions that bring a higher societal impact.

Focus on security

The teams of committed professionals we have in place at our sites in Europe, from the EGNOS centre in Toulouse to the European GNSS Service Centre in Spain and the Galileo Reference Centre in the Netherlands, will continue to ensure the high quality, robustness and reliability of EUSPA’s service provision. This will be backed up Galileo Security Monitoring Centres in France and in Spain, and the industrial teams managed by EUSPA in the Galileo Control Centres in Germany and Italy, along with facilities around the world. In addition, the Security Accreditation Board will continue its work to initiate and monitor the implementation of security requirements to ensure a robust and uniform level of security for the entire EU Space Programme.

“The new Agency has a core role in the security accreditation of all the components of the EU Space Programme. Ensuring an acceptable risk appetite for the different components is critical for the security, safety and autonomy of the Union and its Member States. The Member States, gathering in their capacity as Security Accreditation Authority of the EU Space Programme collectively exercise this responsibility to meet the security requirements for all the space components,” declared Bruno Vermeire, Security Accreditation Board Chair of EUSPA.

Looking to the future

While EUSPA’s mission has expanded, its core aim remains the same – to link EU investment in space to the needs of users in the European Union and around the world. The Agency remains committed to its traditional users and will continue to deliver the high level of GNSS services that users have come to rely on. In addition, the new user communities for Copernicus and GOVSATCOM will be able to benefit from the Agency’s user-oriented focus and the experience it has gained in developing markets for Galileo and EGNOS.

The creation of EUSPA also opens up the possibility for a renewed cooperation with its partners at the European Commission and in the European Space Agency. This will ensure that the EU Space Programme is fully aligned with EU priorities and supports the achievement of key EU policy goals – from the European Green Deal to the digitalisation of the European economy and the promotion of a stronger Europe in the world.

With the key contribution of EUSPA, the new EU Space Programme provides for a streamlined approach towards the development and utilisation of EU space assets. This will guarantee continuity of service and security of infrastructure and systems while ensuring the means to develop the EU´s role in space.

Media note: This feature can be republished without charge provided the European Union Agency for 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, is launched today marking the start of a new era for EU Space. Building on the legacy of the European GNSS Agency, EUSPA will take on more responsibilities to create even more opportunities from Space for EU citizens and its economy.

The adoption of the Regulation establishing the new EU Space Programme on April 27 marks a new beginning for the EU Space Programme and for the European GNSS Agency (GSA), which has now officially evolved into EUSPA, with an expanded mandate and new responsibilities.

What has changed?

Under the new Space Regulation, EUSPA’s mandate will now include increased responsibilities in managing the exploitation of Galileo and EGNOS, including their service provision and operational security. Furthermore, the Agency’s new remit includes coordinating the user-related aspects of GOVSATCOM in close collaboration with the Member States and other involved entities. 

EUSPA is also responsible for the development of downstream markets and fostering of innovation based on Galileo, EGNOS, and now also for the commercial users of Copernicus, leveraging funding mechanisms such as Fundamental Elements and Horizon Europe. The Agency is also responsible for the security accreditation of all the components of the EU Space Programme. The European Commission may also decide to entrust the Agency with other tasks in the future.

“More and more, our economies, our society and our safety depend on Space. Europe has incredible opportunities ahead that cannot be missed. By creating EUSPA, the European Union will further increase the return on investment made by the EU citizen in the EU Space Programme by strengthening its contribution to the priorities of the Union. We will achieve this primarily by leveraging synergies between the various Programme components, particularly navigation, Earth observation and secure communications, to drive innovation across a broad range of sectors,” said EUSPA Executive Director Rodrigo da Costa.

In particular, bringing management of downstream and combined applications based on Galileo, EGNOS and Copernicus under the umbrella of one agency will make it possible increasingly to leverage synergies. On their own, these technologies can play a key role supporting a digital and green transformation, but leveraging their synergetic and combined use will facilitate the generation of innovative solutions that bring a higher societal impact.

Focus on security

The teams of committed professionals we have in place at our sites in Europe, from the EGNOS centre in Toulouse to the European GNSS Service Centre in Spain and the Galileo Reference Centre in the Netherlands, will continue to ensure the high quality, robustness and reliability of EUSPA’s service provision. This will be backed up Galileo Security Monitoring Centres in France and in Spain, and the industrial teams managed by EUSPA in the Galileo Control Centres in Germany and Italy, along with facilities around the world. In addition, the Security Accreditation Board will continue its work to initiate and monitor the implementation of security requirements to ensure a robust and uniform level of security for the entire EU Space Programme.

“The new Agency has a core role in the security accreditation of all the components of the EU Space Programme. Ensuring an acceptable risk appetite for the different components is critical for the security, safety and autonomy of the Union and its Member States. The Member States, gathering in their capacity as Security Accreditation Authority of the EU Space Programme collectively exercise this responsibility to meet the security requirements for all the space components,” declared Bruno Vermeire, Security Accreditation Board Chair of EUSPA.

Looking to the future

While EUSPA’s mission has expanded, its core aim remains the same – to link EU investment in space to the needs of users in the European Union and around the world. The Agency remains committed to its traditional users and will continue to deliver the high level of GNSS services that users have come to rely on. In addition, the new user communities for Copernicus and GOVSATCOM will be able to benefit from the Agency’s user-oriented focus and the experience it has gained in developing markets for Galileo and EGNOS.

The creation of EUSPA also opens up the possibility for a renewed cooperation with its partners at the European Commission and in the European Space Agency. This will ensure that the EU Space Programme is fully aligned with EU priorities and supports the achievement of key EU policy goals – from the European Green Deal to the digitalisation of the European economy and the promotion of a stronger Europe in the world.

With the key contribution of EUSPA, the new EU Space Programme provides for a streamlined approach towards the development and utilisation of EU space assets. This will guarantee continuity of service and security of infrastructure and systems while ensuring the means to develop the EU´s role in space.

Media note: This feature can be republished without charge provided the European Union Agency for 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, is launched today marking the start of a new era for EU Space. Building on the legacy of the European GNSS Agency, EUSPA will take on more responsibilities to create even more opportunities from Space for EU citizens and its economy.

The adoption of the Regulation establishing the new EU Space Programme on April 27 marks a new beginning for the EU Space Programme and for the European GNSS Agency (GSA), which has now officially evolved into EUSPA, with an expanded mandate and new responsibilities.

What has changed?

Under the new Space Regulation, EUSPA’s mandate will now include increased responsibilities in managing the exploitation of Galileo and EGNOS, including their service provision and operational security. Furthermore, the Agency’s new remit includes coordinating the user-related aspects of GOVSATCOM in close collaboration with the Member States and other involved entities. 

EUSPA is also responsible for the development of downstream markets and fostering of innovation based on Galileo, EGNOS, and now also for the commercial users of Copernicus, leveraging funding mechanisms such as Fundamental Elements and Horizon Europe. The Agency is also responsible for the security accreditation of all the components of the EU Space Programme. The European Commission may also decide to entrust the Agency with other tasks in the future.

“More and more, our economies, our society and our safety depend on Space. Europe has incredible opportunities ahead that cannot be missed. By creating EUSPA, the European Union will further increase the return on investment made by the EU citizen in the EU Space Programme by strengthening its contribution to the priorities of the Union. We will achieve this primarily by leveraging synergies between the various Programme components, particularly navigation, Earth observation and secure communications, to drive innovation across a broad range of sectors,” said EUSPA Executive Director Rodrigo da Costa.

In particular, bringing management of downstream and combined applications based on Galileo, EGNOS and Copernicus under the umbrella of one agency will make it possible increasingly to leverage synergies its synergies. On their own, these technologies can play a key role supporting a digital and green transformation, but leveraging their synergetic and combined use will facilitate the generation of innovative solutions that bring a higher societal impact.

Focus on security

The teams of committed professionals we have in place at our sites in Europe, from the EGNOS centre in Toulouse to the European GNSS Service Centre in Spain and the Galileo Reference Centre in the Netherlands, will continue to ensure the high quality, robustness and reliability of EUSPA’s service provision. This will be backed up Galileo Security Monitoring Centres in France and in Spain, and the industrial teams managed by EUSPA in the Galileo Control Centres in Germany and Italy, along with facilities around the world. In addition, the Security Accreditation Board will continue its work to initiate and monitor the implementation of security requirements to ensure a robust and uniform level of security for the entire EU Space Programme.

“The new Agency has a core role in the security accreditation of all the components of the EU Space Programme. Ensuring an acceptable risk appetite for the different components is critical for the security, safety and autonomy of the Union and its Member States. The Member States, gathering in their capacity as Security Accreditation Authority of the EU Space Programme collectively exercise this responsibility to meet the security requirements for all the space components,” declared Bruno Vermeire, Security Accreditation Board Chair of EUSPA.

Looking to the future

While EUSPA’s mission has expanded, its core aim remains the same – to link EU investment in space to the needs of users in the European Union and around the world. The Agency remains committed to its traditional users and will continue to deliver the high level of GNSS services that users have come to rely on. In addition, the new user communities for Copernicus and GOVSATCOM will be able to benefit from the Agency’s user-oriented focus and the experience it has gained in developing markets for Galileo and EGNOS.

The creation of EUSPA also opens up the possibility for a renewed cooperation with its partners at the European Commission and in the European Space Agency. This will ensure that the EU Space Programme is fully aligned with EU priorities and supports the achievement of key EU policy goals – from the European Green Deal to the digitalisation of the European economy and the promotion of a stronger Europe in the world.

With the key contribution of EUSPA, the new EU Space Programme provides for a streamlined approach towards the development and utilisation of EU space assets. This will guarantee continuity of service and security of infrastructure and systems while ensuring the means to develop the EU´s role in space.

Media note: This feature can be republished without charge provided the European Union Agency for 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 creation of EUSPA will create opportunities for a stronger EU role in space

The European Union Agency for the Space Programme, EUSPA, is launched today marking the start of a new era for EU Space. Building on the legacy of the European GNSS Agency, EUSPA will take on more responsibilities to create even more opportunities from Space for EU citizens and its economy.

The adoption of the Regulation establishing the new EU Space Programme on April 27 marks a new beginning for the EU Space Programme and for the European GNSS Agency (GSA), which has now officially evolved into EUSPA, with an expanded mandate and new responsibilities.

What has changed?

Under the new Space Regulation, EUSPA’s mandate will now include increased responsibilities in managing the exploitation of Galileo and EGNOS, including their service provision and operational security. Furthermore, the Agency’s new remit includes coordinating the user-related aspects of GOVSATCOM in close collaboration with the Member States and other involved entities. 

EUSPA is also responsible for the development of downstream markets and fostering of innovation based on Galileo, EGNOS, and now also for the commercial users of Copernicus, leveraging funding mechanisms such as Fundamental Elements and Horizon Europe. The Agency is also responsible for the security accreditation of all the components of the EU Space Programme. The European Commission may also decide to entrust the Agency with other tasks in the future.

“More and more, our economies, our society and our safety depend on Space. Europe has incredible opportunities ahead that cannot be missed. By creating EUSPA, the European Union will further increase the return on investment made by the EU citizen in the EU Space Programme by strengthening its contribution to the priorities of the Union. We will achieve this primarily by leveraging synergies between the various Programme components, particularly navigation, Earth observation and secure communications, to drive innovation across a broad range of sectors,” said EUSPA Executive Director Rodrigo da Costa.

In particular, bringing management of downstream and combined applications based on Galileo, EGNOS and Copernicus under the umbrella of one agency will make it possible increasingly to leverage synergies its synergies. On their own, these technologies can play a key role supporting a digital and green transformation, but leveraging their synergetic and combined use will facilitate the generation of innovative solutions that bring a higher societal impact.

Focus on security

The teams of committed professionals we have in place at our sites in Europe, from the EGNOS centre in Toulouse to the European GNSS Service Centre in Spain and the Galileo Reference Centre in the Netherlands, will continue to ensure the high quality, robustness and reliability of EUSPA’s service provision. This will be backed up Galileo Security Monitoring Centres in France and in Spain, and the industrial teams managed by EUSPA in the Galileo Control Centres in Germany and Italy, along with facilities around the world. In addition, the Security Accreditation Board will continue its work to initiate and monitor the implementation of security requirements to ensure a robust and uniform level of security for the entire EU Space Programme.

“The new Agency has a core role in the security accreditation of all the components of the EU Space Programme. Ensuring an acceptable risk appetite for the different components is critical for the security, safety and autonomy of the Union and its Member States. The Member States, gathering in their capacity as Security Accreditation Authority of the EU Space Programme collectively exercise this responsibility to meet the security requirements for all the space components,” declared Bruno Vermeire, Security Accreditation Board Chair of EUSPA.

Looking to the future

Watch this: We are #EUSPA, EU Agency for the Space Programme

While EUSPA’s mission has expanded, its core aim remains the same – to link EU investment in space to the needs of users in the European Union and around the world. The Agency remains committed to its traditional users and will continue to deliver the high level of GNSS services that users have come to rely on. In addition, the new user communities for Copernicus and GOVSATCOM will be able to benefit from the Agency’s user-oriented focus and the experience it has gained in developing markets for Galileo and EGNOS.

The creation of EUSPA also opens up the possibility for a renewed cooperation with its partners at the European Commission and in the European Space Agency. This will ensure that the EU Space Programme is fully aligned with EU priorities and supports the achievement of key EU policy goals – from the European Green Deal to the digitalisation of the European economy and the promotion of a stronger Europe in the world.

With the key contribution of EUSPA, the new EU Space Programme provides for a streamlined approach towards the development and utilisation of EU space assets. This will guarantee continuity of service and security of infrastructure and systems while ensuring the means to develop the EU´s role in space.

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