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The European Union Agency for the Space Programme has been supporting on a long-term basis the EU railway industry, infrastructure managers, and operators in the complex task of introducing satellite-based localization into the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) as the flagship for interoperable railway signaling within the EU.

Precise train localization has been essential for the development of non-safety critical applications such as passenger information systems and asset tracking. Today, satellite-based positioning is set to have an even greater impact on the rail industry by reducing the infrastructure needed for train control systems and improving the efficiency of railway signalling. Augmented GNSS, when complemented by other sensors can, for example, replace costly physical balises, used for speed monitoring, and streamline rail operations in Europe in line with the ERTMS objectives. 

EUSPA together with Shift2Rail has been funding, under Horizon 2020, several research and development projects with the aim to develop systems that enable the safe use of GNSS as a source of positioning for trains. Nevertheless, existing gaps are preventing EU railway industry from making the technological leap needed and fully adopt Galileo and EGNOS.

With Galileo and ERTMS being one of the largest EU infrastructure projects and with clear synergies between them, the European Parliament highlighted the need to take advantage of the potential cost savings GNSS offers. The recently adopted report of the European Parliament on railway safety and signalling (assessing the state of play of the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) deployment (2019/2191(INI)) from 7th of July, the Parliament calls specifically on:

• The EU rail industry to develop technical solutions in order for the GNSS to enable the ERTMS on a large scale 
• The European Commission (EC), to consider introducing the GNSS in the upcoming ERTMS TSI CCS revision in order to close the remaining technological gaps and embrace innovation
• European Railway Agency (ERA) to closely coordinate, support and streamline research and development projects of space and rail stakeholders in order to include GNSS train location data in the ERTMS as early as possible
• The cooperation between ERA and the European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) to be stepped up in order to phase the GNSS into ERTMS standards

Furthermore, the Parliament Points out the need to ensure synergies between the ERTMS and the European Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) as soon as possible, especially since GNSS signal availability relies on virtual balises, which would be less costly to deploy and to maintain, since it would speed up the ERTMS roll-out and since it would enhance the competitiveness of the ERTMS outside the EU.

To ensure the European rail segment is able to take full advantage of satellite-based technology, EUSPA is working with rail and space stakeholders to further develop the European Train Control System (ETCS). At present EUSPA, Shift2Rail as well as the ESA run various projects to help EU Railway industry, infrastructure managers and railway operators cover the residual gaps linked to the introduction of GNSS into the ERTMS. 

GNSS-based rail signalling can speed up the smooth roll-out of ERTMS by cutting down operational expenditures while it can support many regional types of railway lines which could otherwise face the risk of shutting down due to the associated high maintenance costs. 

The establishment of a regulatory framework with an emphasis on digitalization and EU space technologies can remove obstacles that are holding back the rail sector in terms of evolution and interoperability and ensure the transition to a more integrated, efficient and safe EU railway market. EUSPA will continue to work on the definition of necessary satellite-based services, that will enable the safe use of the localization information for rails.

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 and EGNOS contribute to the rollout of sustainable transport modes by reducing aviation emissions, and optimizing routes on land and at sea. At the same time, when working in synergy, EGNSS and Copernicus can contribute to smart and sustainable farming techniques.

Transport is one of the main sources of air pollution, which is known to have direct effect on mortality as well as respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. According to the European Environment Agency, greenhouse gas emissions deriving from transportation increased in 2018 and 2019 EU-wide. Cutting down by 55% greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) by 2030, as defined in the latest EC legislation package, will require robust action particularly in road transport, the highest contributor to transport emissions, as well as aviation and shipping. European satellite technology is a helping hand on the road to climate neutrality.

Rolling-out greener modes of transportation 

The way we are driving is changing. Many of today's cars and trucks are already equipped with advanced driver assistance systems, including lane departure warning systems, automated breaking and adaptive cruise control. These systems are using Galileo, the European Global Navigation Satellite System to provide, reliable, robust and accurate positioning. Increasingly, transport services are operating in a cooperative environment with communication between drivers and road infrastructure. This cooperative intelligent transport systems (ITS) will allow road users and traffic managers to share and use information. This is set to improve safety and reduce congestion by helping drivers to make the right decision based on real-time traffic situation. The use of satellite navigation systems such as Galileo in road vehicles can reduce journey times by more than 10%, and thus contribute to curbing emissions of harmful and polluting substances. 

In the EU in 2017, direct emissions from aviation accounted for 3.8% of total CO2 emissions. The aviation sector creates 13.9% of the emissions from transport, making it the second biggest source of transport greenhouse gas emissions after road transport. By enabling aircrafts to land safely under challenging weather conditions such as fog EGNOS helps reduce the frequency of aborted landings (go-arounds) and therefore emissions. An estimated 80.000 flight delays and 20.000 diversions will be avoided EU-wide thanks to EGNOS by 2025. 

Maritime industry and especially large vessels such as bulk carriers or tankers also benefit from the EU Space Programme. EGNOS and Galileo can provide energy efficient, accurate manoeuvring especially in congested ports or inland waterways. At the same time, information on currents coming from Copernicus can optimize a vessel´s routing and thus further decrease emissions while saving costs. This results in fewer emissions in line with "Fit for 55" targets. 

EUSpace data supporting European farmers in their day to day tasks 

In the farming sector, when working in synergy, EGNSS and Copernicus contribute to smart and sustainable farming techniques. Using ground sensors and satellite imagery from Copernicus, farmers can generate maps with soil moisture and fertility information. Pairing this data with precise guidance by the Galileo and EGNOS satellites, EU farmers can steer their tractors precisely and, for example, fertilise exactly where needed. Thanks to the cooperation between the EU Space assets, it is estimated that EU farmers can save up to 20% of pesticides and fertilisers. 

There’s more! Landscape watering consumes great amount of urban water usage and water conservation is a vital part of environmental protection. The use Earth Observation (EO) and positioning data can help reduce its overconsumption and therefore turn the agribusiness sector both digital and greener. Copernicus can generate calibrated rainfall data that can be used for the development of smart irrigation solutions. Knowing the amount of rain accumulated on the ground through forecasts, autonomous sprinklers can spray water in an optimized way. A great example of a smart irrigation system was developed by Proxima Systems. Its products, utilise information from space to enable the automation and remote control of irrigation systems, allowing farmers to enhance their yields while saving costs. 

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 online series Space Crossroads has just concluded its first season. During 7 episodes, EUSPA hosted experts, investors, and big players sharing their experience with space and innovation. The webcasts have created a supportive environment to bring ideas closer to the market and have enabled a networking space in the Q&A session of each episode.

Launched in April 2021, EUSPA Space Crossroads is an online series dedicated to the people and businesses whose paths keep crossing with space, enabling the creation of innovative ideas and new businesses and start-ups.

The idea was born out of the different competitions and hackathons hosted by GSA/EUSPA, which attracted more than 600 start-ups and SMEs. EUSPA’s “incubator” role gives them support and guidance through the competitions and hackathons and enables a networking space for them to grow and bring their projects closer to the market. The series was created with the aim to further bridge the growing EUSpace start-ups ecosystem with experts, investors and other relevant industry stakeholders. 

The first series touched upon a variety of topics in a laid-back atmosphere where participants asked questions and tested their ideas. From elevator pitches and scale up strategies to insights about the latest space trends, Space Crossroads hosted a very diverse line up of speakers from companies such as, Google, XPRENEURS, SpaceTech Partners, Rokubun and more. In the last episodes we heard about the dos and don’ts of entrepreneurship across different sectors and environments.

“Start-ups and SMEs make EUSpace community grow and by leveraging synergies between the EU Space Programme components they are contributing to EU priorities such as the GreenDeal, and the digitisation of the economy,” says Justyna Redelkiewicz, head of sector, LBS, Market and Technology at EUSPA Market Development Department. “With the amplification of the agency’s scope, more opportunities are on the horizon, so stay tuned for our next announcements,” she concluded. 

Here you can see a full recap of the first season of EU Space Crossroads.   

EUSPA would like to thank all the participants who shared their experiences and knowledge with us as well as those who joined the webcasts! Space Crossroads is resuming in September with fresh episodes, and new distinguished guests. 

Stay tuned!

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).

Copernicus imagery and reference data coupled with EGNOS and Galileo positioning data enable the development of new services and applications that can act as a protective shield to the natural habitats of our planet.

Forests together with oceans are the Earth’s lungs. They provide us with fresh oxygen and purify water and air in addition to being home to thousands of species.  Deforestation, illegal activities such as logging or natural disasters such as wildfires pose a threat to forests and the biodiversity of our planet. Earth Observation (EO) images and in situ data from the Copernicus Land Monitoring Service are used to generate nearly real time forest change maps, that can be of use to national forest inventories and relevant ministries.

Synergies between EO and navigation are key in the preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation of natural disasters. In the unfortunate event of wildfires for instance, it is important to have access to precise and up-to-date information for the delivery of an effective disaster management response. Copernicus can detect active fires and monitored their emissions to be prepare smoke forecasts. The forecasts are used in air quality applications to help people limit their exposure to pollution, and policymakers and local authorities to manage the impact of fires. EGNOS and Galileo support the response and recovery phases of disaster management by providing accurate and reliable positioning when rescue teams need guidance to reach the affected area especially and visibility is reduced due to the fire, smoke, or fog.

At sea, both Copernicus and Galileo are game changers in assisting local authorities enforce existing regulations and measures, such as preventing vessels from remaining at a protected area for a prolonged time. Likewise, Copernicus can track oil spills or maritime incidents such as the recent Suez Canal obstruction and thus contribute to a quicker crisis management. 

Most importantly, data and services deriving from the EU Space Programme are valuable tools at the disposal of Member States and EU policymakers that allow them to develop informed and future-proof environmental policies. By monitoring for example, the increase or decrease in the levels of methane leaks or CO2 emissions we are able to assess if the policies in place are effective and adapt them accordingly if needed. For Europe to become the first climate-neutral continent by 2050, it is going to be an uphill climb, yet EU Space promises to unlock challenges and help the Union step up its game in the fight against climate change. 

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).

Copernicus imagery and reference data coupled with EGNOS and Galileo positioning data enable the development of new services and applications that can act as a protective shield to the natural habitats of our planet.

Forests together with oceans are the Earth’s lungs. They provide us with fresh oxygen and purify water and air in addition to being home to thousands of species.  Deforestation, illegal activities such as logging or natural disasters such as wildfires pose a threat to forests and the biodiversity of our planet. Earth Observation (EO) images and in situ data from the Copernicus Land Monitoring Service are used to generate nearly real time forest change maps, that can be of use to national forest inventories and relevant ministries.

Synergies between EO and navigation are key in the preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation of natural disasters. In the unfortunate event of wildfires for instance, it is important to have access to precise and up-to-date information for the delivery of an effective disaster management response. Copernicus can detect active fires, monitor their emissions, and prepare smoke forecasts. The forecasts are used in air quality applications to help people limit their exposure to pollution, and policymakers and local authorities to manage the impact of fires. EGNOS and Galileo support the response and recovery phases of disaster management by providing accurate and reliable positioning when rescue teams need guidance to reach the affected area especially and visibility is reduced due to the fire, smoke, or fog.

At sea, both Copernicus and Galileo are game changers in assisting local authorities enforce existing regulations and measures, such as preventing vessels from remaining at a protected area for a prolonged time. Likewise, Copernicus can track oil spills or maritime incidents such as the recent Suez Canal obstruction and thus contribute to a quicker crisis management. 

Most importantly, data and services deriving from the EU Space Programme are valuable tools at the disposal of Member States and EU policymakers that allow them to develop informed and future-proof environmental policies. By monitoring for example, the increase or decrease in the levels of methane leaks or CO2 emissions we are able to assess if the policies in place are effective and adapt them accordingly if needed. For Europe to become the first climate-neutral continent by 2050, it is going to be an uphill climb, yet EU Space promises to unlock challenges and help the Union step up its game in the fight against climate change. 

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).