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EGNOS, the European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service, has been augmenting the GPS signal and providing services to users in Europe since its initial operations back in June 2005. About to celebrate its 15th anniversary, the system is going from strength to strength, with its coverage area set to expand and work towards the next generation EGNOS V3 well underway.

EGNOS is Europe's regional satellite-based augmentation system. It is used to improve the performance of GPS and, with the launch of EGNOS V3, will augment Galileo signals also. EGNOS information improves the accuracy and reliability of GNSS positioning information while also providing a crucial integrity message and transmitting an accurate time signal.

Benefitting numerous markets

The EGNOS programme is managed by the European GNSS Agency (GSA) on behalf of the European Commission. EGNOS service provision is handled by the European Satellite Services Provider (ESSP) under a contract signed with the GSA back in 2013. Based on this, the EGNOS programme currently provides three core services. 

Watch this: EGNOS is growing

The first of these, the Open Service (OS), aims to improve the positioning accuracy by correcting error sources affecting the GPS signals. The EGNOS Safety of Life (SoL) Service provides the most stringent level of signal-in-space performance to all SoL user communities and, finally, the EGNOS Data Access Service (EDAS) is aimed at users who require enhanced performance for commercial and professional use.

The provision of EGNOS services is bringing benefits to numerous market segments, including road, rail, maritime, surveying/mapping, location-based services and agriculture. EGNOS is particularly important for sectors and applications where accuracy and integrity are critical, such as the aviation sector. But, beyond aviation, EGNOS also improves and extends the scope of GNSS applications such as precision farming, on-road vehicle management and port and inland waterway navigation, to name but a few.

Set to expand

Currently providing corrections and integrity information in a broad area centred over Europe, the EGNOS coverage area is set to expand. The European Commission has set aside some EUR 8 million from the European Neighbourhood Instrument for the Eastern Partnership countries (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, Ukraine), allowing Ukraine to benefit from the same EGNOS high-quality services and cutting-edge technology as the EU Member States. 

And this: EGNOS for Aviation

The EGNOS extension to Ukraine will be operational from 2026-27. This extension will allow Eastern Partnership countries to benefit from more accurate positioning and greater safety, in turn contributing to the digitalization and greening of their economies, as well as to the creation of a Single Transport Area for the EU and its Neighbourhood. The extension is complementary to the EGNOS extension to the Southern Neighbourhood countries, which is also being financed by the European Commission.

EGNOS V3

Since it took over the management of the EGNOS Exploitation programme in 2014, the GSA has started to prepare the complete overhaul of the EGNOS ground segment, which will see the deployment of EGNOS V3 in ground stations at more than 50 sites in Europe and its neighbouring countries.

Within EGNOS V3, the GSA also requested the development of new EGNOS capabilities to support the augmentation of a second GPS signal (L5) and of the Galileo signals E1-E5 to be compatible with the new International Civil Aviation Standards. Another requirement is that the system be made more robust, to deal with the increase in user numbers and to reflect their increasing dependence on EGNOS and its multi-modal applications.

Media note: This feature can be republished without charge provided the European GNSS Agency (GSA) 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 GSA website (http://www.gsa.europa.eu).

EGNOS, the European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service, has been augmenting the GPS signal and providing services to users in Europe since its initial operations back in June 2005. About to celebrate its 15th anniversary, the system is going from strength to strength, with its coverage area set to expand and work towards the next generation EGNOS V3 well underway.

EGNOS is Europe's regional satellite-based augmentation system. It is used to improve the performance of GPS and, with the launch of EGNOS V3, will augment Galileo signals also. EGNOS information improves the accuracy and reliability of GNSS positioning information while also providing a crucial integrity message.

Benefitting numerous markets

The EGNOS programme is managed by the European GNSS Agency (GSA) on behalf of the European Commission. EGNOS service provision is handled by the European Satellite Services Provider (ESSP) under a contract signed with the GSA back in 2013. Based on this, the EGNOS programme currently provides three core services. 

Watch this: EGNOS is growing

The first of these, the Open Service (OS), aims to improve the positioning accuracy by correcting error sources affecting the GPS signals. The EGNOS Safety of Life (SoL) Service provides the most stringent level of signal-in-space performance to all SoL user communities and, finally, the EGNOS Data Access Service (EDAS) (provided via the internet and mobile phones) is aimed at users who require enhanced performance for commercial and professional use.

The provision of EGNOS services is bringing benefits to numerous market segments, including road, rail, maritime, surveying/mapping, and agriculture. EGNOS is particularly important for sectors and applications where accuracy and integrity are critical, such as the aviation sector. But, beyond aviation, EGNOS also improves and extends the scope of GNSS applications such as precision farming, to port and inland waterway navigation, to name but a few.

Set to expand

Currently providing corrections and integrity information in a broad area centred over Europe, the EGNOS coverage area is set to expand. The European Commission has set aside some EUR 8 million from the European Neighbourhood Instrument for the Eastern Partnership countries (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, Ukraine), allowing Ukraine to benefit from the same EGNOS high-quality services and cutting-edge technology as the EU Member States. 

And this: EGNOS for Aviation

The EGNOS extension to Ukraine will be operational from 2026-27. This extension will allow Eastern Partnership countries to benefit from more accurate positioning and greater safety, in turn contributing to the digitalization and greening of their economies, as well as to the creation of a Single Transport Area for the EU and its Neighbourhood countires. The extension is complementary to the EGNOS extension to the Southern Neighbourhood countries, which is also being financed by the European Commission.

EGNOS V3

Since it took over the management of the EGNOS in 2014, the GSA has started to prepare the complete overhaul of the EGNOS ground segment, which will see the deployment of EGNOS V3 in ground stations at more than 50 sites in Europe and its neighbouring countries.

Within EGNOS V3, the GSA also requested the development of new EGNOS capabilities to support the augmentation of a second GPS signal (L5) and of the Galileo signals E1-E5 to be compatible with the new International Civil Aviation Standards. Another requirement is that the system be made more robust, to deal with users increasing dependence on EGNOS and its multi-modal applications.

Media note: This feature can be republished without charge provided the European GNSS Agency (GSA) 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 GSA website (http://www.gsa.europa.eu).

EGNOS, the European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service, has been augmenting the GPS signal and providing services to users in Europe since its initial operations back in June 2005. About to celebrate its 15th anniversary, the system is going from strength to strength, with its coverage area set to expand and work towards the next generation EGNOS V3 well underway.

EGNOS is Europe's regional satellite-based augmentation system. It is used to improve the performance of GPS and, with the launch of EGNOS V3, will augment Galileo signals also. EGNOS information improves the accuracy and reliability of GNSS positioning information while also providing a crucial integrity message.

Benefitting numerous markets

The EGNOS programme is managed by the European GNSS Agency (GSA) on behalf of the European Commission. EGNOS service provision is handled by the European Satellite Services Provider (ESSP) under a contract signed with the GSA back in 2013. Based on this, the EGNOS programme currently provides three core services. 

Watch this: EGNOS is growing

The first of these, the Open Service (OS), aims to improve the positioning accuracy by correcting error sources affecting the GPS signals. The EGNOS Safety of Life (SoL) Service provides the most stringent level of signal-in-space performance to all SoL user communities and, finally, the EGNOS Data Access Service (EDAS) (provided via the internet and mobile phones) is aimed at users who require enhanced performance for commercial and professional use.

The provision of EGNOS services is bringing benefits to numerous market segments, including road, rail, maritime, surveying/mapping, and agriculture. EGNOS is particularly important for sectors and applications where accuracy and integrity are critical, such as the aviation sector. But, beyond aviation, EGNOS also improves and extends the scope of GNSS applications such as precision farming, road vehicle management and port and inland waterway navigation, to name but a few.

Set to expand

Currently providing corrections and integrity information in a broad area centred over Europe, the EGNOS coverage area is set to expand. The European Commission has set aside some EUR 8 million from the European Neighbourhood Instrument for the Eastern Partnership countries (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, Ukraine), allowing Ukraine to benefit from the same EGNOS high-quality services and cutting-edge technology as the EU Member States. 

And this: EGNOS for Aviation

The EGNOS extension to Ukraine will be operational from 2026-27. This extension will allow Eastern Partnership countries to benefit from more accurate positioning and greater safety, in turn contributing to the digitalization and greening of their economies, as well as to the creation of a Single Transport Area for the EU and its Neighbourhood countires. The extension is complementary to the EGNOS extension to the Southern Neighbourhood countries, which is also being financed by the European Commission.

EGNOS V3

Since it took over the management of the EGNOS in 2014, the GSA has started to prepare the complete overhaul of the EGNOS ground segment, which will see the deployment of EGNOS V3 in ground stations at more than 50 sites in Europe and its neighbouring countries.

Within EGNOS V3, the GSA also requested the development of new EGNOS capabilities to support the augmentation of a second GPS signal (L5) and of the Galileo signals E1-E5 to be compatible with the new International Civil Aviation Standards. Another requirement is that the system be made more robust, to deal with users increasing dependence on EGNOS and its multi-modal applications.

Media note: This feature can be republished without charge provided the European GNSS Agency (GSA) 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 GSA website (http://www.gsa.europa.eu).

EGNOS, the European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service, has been augmenting the GPS signal and providing services to users in Europe since its initial operations back in June 2005. About to celebrate its 15th anniversary, the system is going from strength to strength, with its coverage area set to expand and work towards the next generation EGNOS V3 well underway.

EGNOS is Europe's regional satellite-based augmentation system. It is used to improve the performance of GPS and, with the launch of EGNOS V3, will augment Galileo signals also. EGNOS information improves the accuracy and reliability of GNSS positioning information while also providing a crucial integrity message.

Benefitting numerous markets

The EGNOS programme is managed by the European GNSS Agency (GSA) on behalf of the European Commission. EGNOS service provision is handled by the European Satellite Services Provider (ESSP) under a contract signed with the GSA back in 2013. Based on this, the EGNOS programme currently provides three core services. 

Watch this: EGNOS is growing

The first of these, the Open Service (OS), aims to improve the positioning accuracy by correcting error sources affecting the GPS signals. The EGNOS Safety of Life (SoL) Service provides the most stringent level of signal-in-space performance to all SoL user communities and, finally, the EGNOS Data Access Service (EDAS) (provided via the internet and mobile phones) is aimed at users who require enhanced performance for commercial and professional use.

The provision of EGNOS services is bringing benefits to numerous market segments, including road, rail, maritime, surveying/mapping, and agriculture. EGNOS is particularly important for sectors and applications where accuracy and integrity are critical, such as the aviation sector. But, beyond aviation, EGNOS also improves and extends the scope of GNSS applications such as precision farming, to port and inland waterway navigation, to name but a few.

Set to expand

Currently providing corrections and integrity information in a broad area centred over Europe, the EGNOS coverage area is set to expand. The European Commission has set aside some EUR 8 million from the European Neighbourhood Instrument for the Eastern Partnership countries (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, Ukraine), allowing them to benefit from the same EGNOS high-quality services and cutting-edge technology as the EU Member States. 

And this: EGNOS for Aviation

The EGNOS extension to the Eastern Neighbourhood will be operational from 2026-27. This extension will allow Eastern Partnership countries to benefit from more accurate positioning and greater safety, in turn contributing to the digitalization and greening of their economies, as well as to the creation of a Single Transport Area for the EU and its Neighbourhood countires. The extension is complementary to the EGNOS extension to the Southern Neighbourhood countries, which is also being financed by the European Commission.

EGNOS V3

Since it took over the management of the EGNOS in 2014, the GSA has started to prepare the complete overhaul of the EGNOS ground segment, which will see the deployment of EGNOS V3 in ground stations at more than 50 sites in Europe and its neighbouring countries.

Within EGNOS V3, the GSA also requested the development of new EGNOS capabilities to support the augmentation of a second GPS signal (L5) and of the Galileo signals E1-E5 to be compatible with the new International Civil Aviation Standards. Another requirement is that the system be made more robust, to deal with users increasing dependence on EGNOS and its multi-modal applications.

Media note: This feature can be republished without charge provided the European GNSS Agency (GSA) 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 GSA website (http://www.gsa.europa.eu).

This year’s online International Kick-off of the Galileo Masters and Copernicus Masters will take place with a webinar on 26 May highlighting how space data can support human lives, health and development. Don’t miss this opportunity to meet with high-level representatives from both competitions, along with stakeholders from the broader partner community of 121 organisations from 34 countries. Sounds interesting? Register now!

Every year the Galileo Masters and Copernicus Masters International Kick-off brings together representatives from key institutional and industrial players that shape the Galileo and Copernicus Masters – the biggest innovation eco-system of the European Space Programme. 

This year is no different. In particular, the GSA’s Head of Market Development Fiammetta Diani and Marta Krywanis-Brzostowska, Head of Downstream R&D in the GSA Market Development Department, will be on hand at the webinar to give tips and guidance. The webinar will take place at 10:30-13:30 (CEST) on 26 May.

Read this: Raw Measurements Workshop: Registration now open!

“The International Kick-off is an ideal opportunity to give impetus to your idea and find advice and help in taking it to the next level. So, if you are an innovator, start-up, SME, researcher, student, developer or just a space enthusiast, we look forward to welcoming you to our online event,” Diani said.

Ready for a challenge?

The 2020 edition of the Galileo Masters opened for submissions back in April and the GSA is sponsoring three challenges in this year’s competition. The Space for Being Safe and Healthy Challenge is looking for solutions that use downstream space data provided by Galileo, EGNOS and/or Copernicus to help stem the spread of COVID-19. Have an idea? Let us hear about it! 

In its Space for Fun Challenge, the GSA is targeting solutions using data from Galileo and EGNOS in the gaming, sports, leisure and tourism markets. Covering a number of market segments, this challenge has a lot of scope for new ideas that need accurate and authenticated positioning information. Have an application in mind? Sign up here!

And this: Galileo for wearables

Finally, the Space for our Planet Challenge, aims to tackle climate change and environmental degradation, which represent an existential threat in Europe and worldwide. Have an idea about how to save the planet? Let us know about it.

We look forward to welcoming you online on 26 May 2020!

Media note: This feature can be republished without charge provided the European GNSS Agency (GSA) 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 GSA website (http://www.gsa.europa.eu).

The migration crisis in recent years has thrown into focus the fact that current technological solutions are simply not capable of saving the lives of all those who get lost at sea. A number of search and rescue services and other state authorities are increasingly using drones to make surveillance operations more efficient. However, drones usually have very limited flight time which is not sufficient for the needs of SAR services. This is where the SARA project comes in.

The GSA-funded SARA (Search And Rescue Aid using high-accuracy EGNSS) project has developed a turnkey solution for search and rescue (SAR) and surveillance operations based on a semi-autonomous tethered drone. This tethered drone solution offers multiple benefits, not least of which is the extended observation horizon it offers to a rescue mission. What’s more, tethering the drone enables the user to fully concentrate on the mission and significantly extends the drone’s flight time.

High-accuracy GNSS

This is because the drone is tethered using a patented cable through which it receives power. The cable also serves as a secure data link with the mission control. For navigation and control, as well as for target identification and localisation, the SARA solution uses high-accuracy Galileo-enabled GNSS receivers, which provide accuracy at the decimeter level.

Watch this: Sara Final Review

“Search and rescue is a core service of the Galileo programme. By taking advantage of Galileo’s accuracy to assist in rescue operations and help save lives, innovative solutions like those offered by SARA project are at the heart of the GSA’s mission of linking space to user needs,” said GSA Head of Market Development Fiammetta Diani. 

Thanks to Galileo, the solution is able to navigate in circumstances where both the drone and the boat are moving and the drone automatically follows the boat. During an operation, the power cable should not be stretched to the extent that it threatens the integrity of the cable or the safety of the drone. To avoid this, the drone needs to be able to adjust its position in real-time relative to the vessel. It can do this thanks to the high level of accuracy offered by Galileo.

In addition to its two high-accuracy Galileo GNSS receivers, the system is composed of a multi-copter drone equipped with two interchangeable payloads with high resolution cameras and thermal infrared for night vision. It also consists of a HANGAR ground station tailored for tethered search and rescue and continuous surveillance operations, along with a user terminal installed on the vessel or surveillance vehicle.

24-hour solution

Detection of people lost in the sea is particularly difficult during the hours of darkness. Thanks to its thermal infrared vision, the SARA solution can effectively support rescuers operating at night. The solution has been tested in these conditions, and people lost at sea have been detected up to 700 meters away, while a meter-long boat has been detected at a distance of 12 km. The system also uses data from EU’s Earth observation programme Copernicus in a semi-automatic methodology for vessel detection.

Read this: SARA scores at football match

The SARA system offers a remote eye installed on board of a ship, a car or any other moving vehicle. As such, it has many other use-cases outside of SAR, such as border control and monitoring and surveillance. This is confirmed by the fact that stakeholders such as Italy’s National Institute for Oceanography and Applied Geophysics (OGS) have expressed interest in using the SARA system to increase safety on icebreakers.

Given the benefits that SARA offers, the sales forecasts are encouraging, driven by the large number of enthusiastic users that were presented with the solution during the project. This, in addition to promising economic forecasts, with payback projected to be reached in the fourth year of operation, means that the future for SARA looks bright.

Media note: This feature can be republished without charge provided the European GNSS Agency (GSA) 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 GSA website (http://www.gsa.europa.eu).