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The European Space Programmes are playing a key role in managing the COVID-19 pandemic and in particular in supporting emergency and medical operations in all weather, anytime, when they are most needed. We have talked to air ambulance and emergency operators using EGNOS about their experience and how EGNOS is helping them to take care of EU citizens, operate more effectively in these difficult times and save lives.

During this difficult period, the perception of our world has changed and we recognise the health sector and care givers as our new heroes. When patients from remote areas need to be taken to a hospital at night, in difficult weather situations and life is at stake, EGNOS makes the operation safe. Michael Diefenbach, Managing Director of German air ambulance operator Jetcall noted “We do see an increase in complex mission requests that are extremely challenging, both medically as well as from the operational and aviation perspective,” he said.

Patients with confirmed COVID-19 infection need to be transported in an operation that is safe for patients and crew. 

EGNOS to save lives during critical missions

The accessibility and efficiency gains offered by EGNOS make it possible to land in adverse weather conditions and limited visibility, which is a major advantage. The gains on mission time might well make the difference between life and death of a critically ill patient in regions with limited medical services available. 

Watch this: EGNOS for Aviation - Making Europe's airports more accessible

Jetcall is being funded by the GSA to upgrade two air ambulance aircraft with EGNOS capabilities in order to better serve their clients. EGNOS enables instrument approach procedures best suited for these operations, such as low-level routes, which means being able to fly at low altitude. 

Previously, operators had to fly under visual flight rules, and therefore faced restrictions in difficult weather conditions or at night. This type of operation can be implemented at helipads in hospitals without the ground infrastructure costs required in conventional operations. In this way, EGNOS provides a cost efficient and safe solution to transfer patients and medical teams to those hospitals with increased reliability and availability, which is essential to save lives. 

“Any tool that allows us to perform faster approaches, to use more remote airfields located closer to the patient, or utilise this last available airport that still accepts us for re-fuel or overnight stops might become mission critical. It makes a huge difference, not only to our ability to execute a mission and stay in business, but most importantly to the patients and their families, who face the very real and present danger of losing a loved one,” Diefenbach said.

“Our clients are constantly looking for two things in their service providers: outstanding quality in the medical services performed on board, and maximum reliability without compromising on flexibility. Having systems like EGNOS services available is definitely an added value as regards mission capability and flexibility and this is highly appreciated by our customers,” he added.

Read this: Maintaining EGNSS operations and security in challenging times: the GSA response

Like Diefenbach, Ivo Airaudi, crew training post holder at the Italian emergency operator Airgreen is also seeing increased challenges in helicopter rescue missions during the COVID-Crisis. 

However, helicopters have been called also for transporting medical doctors and equipment on remote sites. In such situations EGNOS is making the operation possible. “Our helicopters are able to work with EGNOS and to profit from its high accuracy and integrity, which is much better than with standard GPS,” he said. “For example, in one of our rescue bases located on Cuneo Airport if we have bad weather conditions using standard procedures, we may not be able to land at an airport. But using LPV (localizer performance with vertical guidance) we are able to land because we have a lower decision altitude,” Airaudi said. 

“We are participating in a really interesting project financed by the GSA – the ECARO project. This project will develop these EGNOS enabled low-level routes in additional locations in Italy. This will allow helicopters to move from the north to the south of Italy along many different low-level routes. This will be a really big step forward for us thanks to EGNOS,” he said.

Responding to user needs with a harmonised European approach

The GSA was pioneer in supporting the implementation of EGNOS-based approaches and low-level routes in Europe, and is funding a large number of operations and helicopter upgrades. As of today, 23 operational helicopter approaches are using EGNOS in Italy, Austria, Norway, Italy, Czech Republic, France, Switzerland and Germany. 

Building on users’ needs, the EGNOS Safety of Life Service Definition Document also explicitly reflects rotorcraft operations and, in particular, EGNOS-based Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) operations.

In order to harmonise implementation of operations, the GSA supported the creation of the Five Lives Advisory Group (FLAG) of helicopter users, now consolidated as the European focal point for the coordination of EGNOS-based operations for emergency response. In cooperation with EASA and Eurocontrol, the group now includes more than 40 experts from National Aviation Authorities and Air Navigation Service Providers from all Member States, along with emergency operators and manufacturers working on helicopter operations based on EGNOS. In collaboration with all stakeholders the group has developed a three-year work programme for implementation and support of satellite-based rotorcraft operations and published Safety Guidance material for these operations. 

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 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).