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The European Union’s space infrastructure and know-how provide the assets needed to guarantee leadership in the area of security and defence policy. At a meeting of the European Parliament's Subcommittee on Security and Defence (SEDE) on 12 November European GNSS Agency (GSA) Chief Operating Officer Pascal Claudel spoke about how the European Union's space programmes contribute to its strategic autonomy in the area of security and defence.

Galileo, EGNOS and Copernicus offer the European Union and its Member States the fundamental tools needed for independence in decision-making through the navigation, localisation, Earth observation, communication and surveillance services that they provide.

SEDE Committee Chair Nathalie Loiseau opened the meeting with a comment on the security and defence dimension of space, noting that Europe’s economies, societies, infrastructures and public services policies are becoming more and more dependent on space. “Space has become a critical strategic element for developed societies. This makes us vulnerable, so we need to be aware of this in our security and defence policy,” she said. 

In his speech at the meeting, Claudel noted that the new Regulation on the space programme passed in April further strengthens the link between space, defence and security by creating synergies between the fields of navigation, Earth observation and communication. “These synergies will lead to improved applications for the detection and fight against global natural disasters,” he said.

Essential culture of security

Claudel also noted that the development of space surveillance, the Space Situational Awareness (SSA) programme, is essential for ensuring the protection of the EU's space capabilities. The SSA programme is designed to support Europe's independent access and utilisation of space by providing timely and accurate information on the space environment, and particularly hazards to in-orbit and ground infrastructure.

Read this: Europe’s economy is increasingly dependent on space - ITRE committee hears

“Security is one of the 3 major missions entrusted to the GSA, including the Security Accreditation Board (SAB). Although an independent entity, the SAB is supported by the GSA in its mission, which is to ensure compliance between European GNSS standards and the safety regulations of the European Union,” Claudel said. 

He said that, in order to strengthen the EU's Security and Defence Policy, a security culture at the service of the EU's space programmes is essential. “The experience gained by the GSA through the operations of Galileo in terms of security (including cybersecurity) is fundamental to reinforce synergies and the sharing of space resources in the service of our security and security policy,” he said.

Cornerstone of government space use

Along with security, the GSA COO also touched on the other 2 key areas in which the GSA has acquired solid experience that can be put to the service of all the EU’s space programmes when the Agency’s remit is broadened under the aegis of the European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA). These are the PRS and Critical Infrastructure.

The Galileo Public Regulated Service (PRS) is an encrypted navigation service for governmental authorised users and sensitive applications that require high continuity. “The PRS service is the cornerstone for governmental use of the European space programmes. It is delivered through  a security chain adapted to the needs of the EU Member States and of the European Union.” Claudel said.

And this: PRS – the future is bright!

He said that this requires continuity of services, efficient operational procedures and a high level of security to protect the entire infrastructure and its communications to end users. “The experience gained from the PRS will be crucial for the handling of Galileo navigation, GovSatCom telecommunication and SSA space surveillance information,” he said.

Essential for strategic autonomy

Regarding the protection of critical infrastructures and their synchronisation with satellite navigation systems, he noted that this synchronisation is currently mainly provided by GPS. “It is therefore important that legislation establishes Galileo ahead of time as the main provider of services, in order to ensure autonomy,” he said, adding that this is particularly important in the context of internal security, transport, energy and telecommunications.

As space policy is an essential dimension of our strategic autonomy, it is essential to preserve the EU’s sensitive technological and industrial capabilities, which means that it is necessary to be very present on the civilian market because of the difference in terms of budget spending by our competitors, he said.

“This is also why a key goal of the GSA is to promote and stimulate the use of European GNSS in all sectors of the market, thus guaranteeing a work plan for our industry and SMEs, job creation and growth at European level,” he said.

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 European Union’s space infrastructure and know-how provide the assets needed to guarantee leadership in the area of security and defence policy. At a meeting of the European Parliament's Subcommittee on Security and Defence (SEDE) on 12 November European GNSS Agency (GSA) Chief Operating Officer Pascal Claudel spoke about how the European Union's space programmes contribute to its strategic autonomy in the area of security and defence.

Galileo, EGNOS and Copernicus offer the European Union and its Member States the fundamental tools needed for independence in decision-making through the navigation, localisation, Earth observation, communication and surveillance services that they provide.

SEDE Committee Chair Nathalie Loiseau opened the meeting with a comment on the security and defence dimension of space, noting that Europe’s economies, societies, infrastructures and public services policies are becoming more and more dependent on space. “Space has become a critical strategic element for developed societies. This makes us vulnerable, so we need to be aware of this in our security and defence policy,” she said. 

In his speech at the meeting, Claudel noted that the new Regulation on the space programme passed in April further strengthens the link between space, defence and security by creating synergies between the fields of navigation, Earth observation and communication. “These synergies will lead to improved applications for the detection and fight against global natural disasters,” he said.

Essential culture of security

Claudel also noted that the development of space surveillance, the Space Situational Awareness (SSA) programme, is essential for ensuring the protection of the EU's space capabilities. The SSA programme is designed to support Europe's independent access and utilisation of space by providing timely and accurate information on the space environment, and particularly hazards to in-orbit and ground infrastructure.

Read this: Europe’s economy is increasingly dependent on space - ITRE committee hears

“Security is one of the 3 major missions entrusted to the GSA, including the Security Accreditation Board (SAB). Although an independent entity, the SAB is supported by the GSA in its mission, which is to ensure compliance between European GNSS standards and the safety regulations of the European Union,” Claudel said. 

He said that, in order to strengthen the EU's Security and Defence Policy, a security culture at the service of the EU's space programmes is essential. “The experience gained by the GSA through the operations of Galileo in terms of security (including cybersecurity) is fundamental to reinforce synergies and the sharing of space resources in the service of our security and security policy,” he said.

Cornerstone of government space use

Along with security, the GSA COO also touched on the other 2 key areas in which the GSA has acquired solid experience that can be put to the service of all the EU’s space programmes when the Agency’s remit is broadened under the aegis of the European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA). These are the PRS and Critical Infrastructure.

The Galileo Public Regulated Service (PRS) is an encrypted navigation service for governmental authorised users and sensitive applications that require high continuity. “The PRS service is the cornerstone for governmental use of the European space programmes. It is delivered through  a security chain adapted to the needs of the EU Member States and of the European Union.” Claudel said.

And this: PRS – the future is bright!

He said that this requires continuity of services, efficient operational procedures and a high level of security to protect the entire infrastructure and its communications to end users. “The experience gained from the PRS will be crucial for the handling of Galileo navigation, GovSatCom telecommunication and SSA space surveillance information,” he said.

Essential for strategic autonomy

Regarding the protection of critical infrastructures and their synchronisation with satellite navigation systems, he noted that this synchronisation is currently mainly provided by GPS. “It is therefore important that legislation establishes Galileo ahead of time as the main provider of services, in order to ensure autonomy,” he said, adding that this is particularly important in the context of internal security, transport, energy and telecommunications.

As space policy is an essential dimension of our strategic autonomy, it is essential to preserve the EU’s sensitive technological and industrial capabilities, which means that it is necessary to be very present on the civilian market because of the difference in terms of budget spending by our competitors, he said.

“This is also why a key goal of the GSA is to promote and stimulate the use of European GNSS in all sectors of the market, thus guaranteeing a work plan for our industry and SMEs, job creation and growth at European level,” he said.

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).

Dňa 5.12.2019 sa uskutoční Valné zhromaždenie KPÚ SR vo Zvolene, v hoteli Tenis

The European Commission’s Directorate-General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs (DG GROW) has issued an Invitation To Tender (ITT) for a service contract on using satellite-based augmentation systems (SBAS) for applications such as road tolling or pay-as-you-drive insurance with the aim of developing an appropriate integrity concept for payment/liability critical applications focused on the road sector.

The main tasks of the study are the identification of user and service requirements, the development of an appropriate integrity concept and the definition of the service provision scheme. As part of the user level integrity concept the contractor shall develop an algorithm to cope with the local environment of the road sector.

When defining the service, the contractor shall consider to which extent evolutions of the EGNOS services, user equipment or of the service provision scheme are needed to provide the required integrity assurance. Integrity in this context refers to the level of confidence that can be put in the navigation solution. The On-Board Unit (OBU) will have to allow all the features necessary to trust the position in situations where enforcement, payments and related claims are involved. Since the E-GNSS sensor may just be one component among other sensors, the project shall address what other technologies or components may be needed on top of the current GNSS signals, and what would be the contribution of each element to the overall integrity assurance.

The study will be fully financed by the European Commission under the H2020 framework programme for research and innovation, within the budget allocated to the evolution of EGNOS mission. The European GNSS Agency (GSA) will be in charge of the technical supervision of the project on behalf of the European Commission.

More information about the Invitation to tender can be found here.

Tailored premiums

Pay-as-you-drive (PAYD) and pay-how-you-drive (PHYD) insurance are emerging applications in the road sector that rely on how much, where, when and how the road user drives. These applications make it possible to tailor the premiums paid by the policyholder.

Read this: European GNSS supports smarter mobility

In the future, other road applications such as reconstruction of accidents, mobility as a service, traffic infraction monitoring and fine management, traffic congestion monitoring, automatic charging in car parks, etc. may also rely on the vehicle’s position and navigation data.

Liability and payment-critical applications are highly sensitive to undetected large navigation errors since significant legal or economic consequences for the service or application provider may occur. In fact, a mismatch of the vehicle’s current speed together with erroneous position data may impact the user charging associated with the driving paths, skills and habits of the road user. Afterwards, it becomes very difficult for end users to claim that they are being overcharged or for service providers to avoid undercharging their customers.

Webinar

On 27 November 2019 at 16:00 CET, a webinar on this invitation to tender will be held to provide applicants with information. To register to the webinar click here.

EGNOS is the European SBAS and augments the GPS L1 C/A civilian signal by providing corrections and integrity information for positioning and navigation applications over Europe. EGNOS Version 3, set to enter in service in the near future, will 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.

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 European GNSS Agency (GSA) has released updates to its Reports on User Needs and Requirements. This series of reports is compiled following a systematic process of consultation with the community of users of position, navigation, and time services and technologies. Thanks to these consultations it is possible to take users’ needs and requirements into account in the short and long-term evolution of European GNSS.

The current round of updates to the reports was compiled based on feedback received from the user community at the latest European GNSS User Consultation Platform, held during EU Space Week in Marseille in December 2018. You can find the updated reports here.*

To make it easier for readers to see what has changed, all the updated information in the reports has been highlighted. What’s more, a detailed change log has been included as an annex to each of the reports and is available for download. The new reports have been designated Version 2.0.

The User Consultation Platform

The User Consultation Platform (UCP) is a biennial forum, organised by the European Commission and the GSA, involving end users, user associations and representatives of the value chain, such as receiver and chipset manufacturers, application developers and the organisations and institutions dealing, directly and indirectly, with Galileo and EGNOS. The event is a part of the process developed at the GSA to collect user needs and requirements and take them as inputs for the provision of user-driven Galileo and EGNOS services.

The next UCP will take place in 2020. In the meantime, on 3-5 December 2019, European Space Week will take place in Helsinki. This event will include an “E-GNSS User Assembly” where the latest trends in services and technologies will be discussed.

Join us in the ongoing discussion and ensure that future European space programme evolutions meet your needs and requirements by registering to attend European Space Week here.

*Updates to the Aviation and Maritime reports are still pending at this point.

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 European Space Programme was very much in focus at two meetings in Brussels at the start of November. The first, on 5 November, was a meeting of the European Council’s Space Working Party, dealing with space solutions for a sustainable Arctic, while the second, on 6 November, dealt with European space policy – perspectives for business. At both meetings, the invaluable contribution of EGNSS (Galileo and EGNOS) was underscored.

At the 5 November meeting, the discussion held under the Finnish Presidency of the EU highlighted how EGNSS can support its priorities, such as strengthening the EU’s position as a  global leader in climate action, and making the EU more competitive and socially inclusive.

Speaking at the meeting, European GNSS Agency (GSA) Chief Operating Officer Pascal Claudel highlighted achievements on the GNSS market and how EGNSS can contribute to the goals set by the Finnish Presidency by supporting the transition to a low-carbon and circular economy and underpinning the development of smart mobility and smart cities solutions. “Developing the user market and meeting the needs of all market segments through innovative solutions, applications and receivers is a major mission of the GSA,” he said.

Another priority for the Finnish Presidency is to comprehensively protect the security of European citizens. Here too, EGNSS is making a critical contribution, providing high-precision robust timing and synchronization solutions for critical infrastructure, such as energy and telecoms networks and the banking and finance sector. Galileo and EGNOS also support key services in the area of public safety, such as the E112 and eCall emergency response services.

Read this: Space – underpinning the blue economy

The GSA COO stressed that the Agency is ready to provide skills and know-how for the development of innovative solutions, adding that other stakeholders can also contribute to the development of space-driven solutions. “The downstream sector does not require highly specific knowledge of space technology, so SMEs and the industries of EU Member States without a space heritage can participate,” he said.

Perspectives for business

The second event – a seminar on European Space Policy - perspectives for business, was held in the Permanent Representation of Poland to the EU. This event provided an opportunity to debate European space policy and the benefits of developing the space industry, including supporting European competitiveness.

Participants in the seminar discussed Europe’s strong and innovative space industry, citing examples from successful Polish companies, and heard about possibilities emerging from the new EU Space Programme and from synergies in space topics in the research, investment and defence domains (H2020, Horizon Europe, InvestEU, Defence Fund).

Fostering innovative solutions

At the seminar, Claudel highlighted the economic significance of EGNSS. “About 10% of European GDP relies on satellite navigation services and Europe will receive EUR 60 billion in revenue by 2027 thanks to Galileo and EGNOS,” Claudel said. He said that the GSA was fostering innovative solutions and supporting the competitiveness of European companies through Horizon 2020 and the Fundamental Elements financing mechanism.

And this: Final EGNSS calls open under Horizon 2020

Claudel noted that the economic benefits of space would be magnified even further by the opening up of new markets for non-space SMEs, adding that for European citizens to reap the greatest benefit from EU investment in space, there would need to be strong political leadership and a long-term vision for the EU space programme. He said that this would come with the setting up of the new EU Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA).

“With the new regulation, it will be possible to exploit the strong synergies that exist between Galileo, Copernicus and Govsatcom, in addition to three-dimensional ‘navigation-imagery-telecom’ synergies, allowing you to know where you are, what is around you and how to connect with everyone,” he said.

He also noted the need to involve all actors at EU level in the creation of market opportunities and to promote the use of Galileo, EGNOS and Copernicus data and services. Citing the eCall emergency response system as a precedent, he said that it is necessary to foster the use of EU space data as the reference in Europe.

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 European Commission’s Directorate-General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs (DG GROW) has issued a Prior Information Notice (PIN) for a planned call for a new service contract to assess the feasibility of an EGNSS-based safety service for the rail sector beyond 2022 which would make it possible to rationalise rail signalling infrastructure.

When defining the service, the contractor shall produce the service concept and consolidate it through iteration with a Working Group of experts. The analysis will enable the EC to determine whether an EGNOS service needs to be created specifically for rail safety.

The contract notice will be published in the near future. More information can be found in the Prior Information Notice (PIN).

Tailored premiums

Rail signalling systems are used to safely control railway traffic in order to prevent train collisions. There are currently more than 20 rail signalling systems in Europe since each country has developed its own railway infrastructure, equipment and operational rules. This has led to increased costs and technical and operational complexity. Therefore, the European Rail Industry, supported by the EU Institutions, is working on the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS), with an aim to implement a common signalling system for Europe.

Read this: Space4Rail: From innovation to implementation.

The European Commission (EC) is currently specifying the long-term evolution of the EGNSS programme, including new services for Galileo and EGNOS. The use of an EGNSS receiver in combination with other sensors could result in the provision of an accurate and reliable position which would translate into an overall improvement in the rail system.

Galileo is Europe’s Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), providing a highly accurate, guaranteed global positioning service under civilian control. Galileo is operational since the Initial Service declaration at the end of 2016. Full Operational Capability is expected to be reached in 2020.

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, set to enter in service in the near future, will augment both GPS and Galileo constellations in the L1 and L5 bands and will extend the service area to the entire landmasse of EU Member States.

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 European GNSS Agency (GSA) threw open its doors for the 5th year in a row on 8-9 November to welcome visitors to the GSA Open Days 2019. With a wide range of activities targeted at general public, this year’s event received nearly 2000 visitors from the Czech Republic and across Europe, including families with kids, young adults interested in science and technology, space enthusiasts and young professionals interested in technology and EU affairs.

The GSA Open Days give the public an opportunity to learn about and experience applications based on the EU space programmes Galileo and EGNOS. The theme of this year’s event was Accuracy Matters and the importance of accuracy for a wide range of applications was underlined in a series of seminars, quizzes and workshops in Czech and English held at various times throughout both days.

Landing a plane with EGNOS

Over 350 students from Czech schools and universities registered to attend the event, and this number was augmented by visitors from neighbouring schools who dropped by in the afternoon to take part in the many exciting activities on offer. These included the chance to be a pilot and land an airbus A350 using EGNOS. EGNOS is mainly used in aviation and offers tangible benefits to operators using European skies. By minimising the frequency of aborted landings EGNOS helps in reducing CO2 emissions, delays and noise pollution.

Read this: European Space Week: A taste of what to expect

“End users are at the centre of the European space programme, which was developed with the core aim of benefitting the lives of Europeans. Throwing open the doors of our Prague home to the public gives us at the GSA the opportunity to meet with the beneficiaries of Galileo and EGNOS while giving end users the chance to learn more about the GSA and the benefits of Europe’s investment in space,” GSA Executive Director Carlo des Dorides said.

Galileo to the rescue!

Visitors also had for the first time the opportunity to become initiated in cryptography and decrypt messages, and learn more about Galileo security.It raised a huge interest amongst visitors.

"Search and rescue" feature of Galileo was also in focus, with visitors able to experience a live rescue in the snow-capped Alps with the help of Galileo and be rescued at sea, thanks to Galileo’s added accuracy.

A new addition to this year’s programme focused on the importance of EGNOS in precision agriculture, which is developing at an unprecedented pace with more than 85% of EU farmers now using EGNOS. A farming game gave visitors the chance to test for themselves how EGNOS is optimising tractor use on farms.

And this: MyGalileoApp: the results are in!

With Galileo expected to reach Full Operational Capability in less than 18 months the GSA is growing and, to help meet this demand the GSA’s HR department featured its very own stand at the Open Days to inform visitors about the Agency’s recruitment processes and future openings.

See you next year

In total, GSA staff delivered more than 15 workshops over the 2 days and answered thousands of questions from visitors. Visitors also met with this year’s special guest - Martin Rota, a Czech YouTuber passionate about science and space.

If you were lucky enough to attend this year’s Open Days, then we hope you had an enjoyable visit. If not – then we hope to see you next year, when we will present more success stories from Galileo and EGNOS. In the meantime remember - when close isn’t good enough…#Use Galileo!

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 European GNSS Agency (GSA) threw open its doors for the 5th year in a row on 8-9 November to welcome visitors to the GSA Open Days 2019. With a wide range of activities targeted at the general public, this year’s event received nearly 2000 visitors from the Czech Republic and across Europe, including families with kids, young adults interested in science and technology, space enthusiasts and young professionals interested in technology and EU affairs.

The GSA Open Days give the public an opportunity to learn about and experience applications based on the EU space programmes Galileo and EGNOS. The theme of this year’s event was Accuracy Matters and the importance of accuracy for a wide range of applications was underlined in a series of seminars, quizzes and workshops in Czech and English held at various times throughout both days.

Landing a plane with EGNOS

Over 350 students from Czech schools and universities registered to attend the event, and this number was augmented by visitors from neighbouring schools who dropped by in the afternoon to take part in the many exciting activities on offer. These included the chance to be a pilot and land an airbus A350 using EGNOS. EGNOS is mainly used in aviation and offers tangible benefits to operators using European skies. By minimising the frequency of aborted landings EGNOS helps in reducing CO2 emissions, delays and noise pollution.

Read this: European Space Week: A taste of what to expect

“End users are at the centre of the European space programme, which was developed with the core aim of benefitting the lives of Europeans. Throwing open the doors of our Prague home to the public gives us at the GSA the opportunity to meet with the beneficiaries of Galileo and EGNOS while giving end users the chance to learn more about the GSA and the benefits of Europe’s investment in space,” GSA Executive Director Carlo des Dorides said.

Galileo to the rescue!

Visitors also had for the first time the opportunity to become initiated in cryptography, decrypt messages, and learn more about Galileo security. This section raised a lot of interest amongst visitors.

Galileo's Search and Rescue feature was also in focus, with visitors able to experience a live rescue in the snow-capped Alps with the help of Galileo and be rescued at sea, thanks to Galileo’s added accuracy.

A new addition to this year’s programme focused on the importance of EGNOS in precision agriculture, which is developing at an unprecedented pace with more than 85% of EU farmers now using EGNOS. A farming game gave visitors the chance to test for themselves how EGNOS is optimising tractor use on farms.

And this: MyGalileoApp: the results are in!

With Galileo expected to reach Full Operational Capability in less than 18 months the GSA is growing and, to help meet this demand the GSA’s HR department featured its very own stand at the Open Days to inform visitors about the Agency’s recruitment processes and future openings.

See you next year

In total, GSA staff delivered more than 15 workshops over the 2 days and answered thousands of questions from visitors. Visitors also met with this year’s special guest - Martin Rota, a Czech YouTuber passionate about science and space.

If you were lucky enough to attend this year’s Open Days, then we hope you had an enjoyable visit. If not – then we hope to see you next year, when we will present more success stories from Galileo and EGNOS. In the meantime remember - when close isn’t good enough…#Use Galileo!

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 European GNSS Agency (GSA) threw open its doors for the 5th year in a row on 8-9 November to welcome visitors to the GSA Open Days 2019. With a wide range of activities targeted at young people and adults, this year’s event received over 2000 visitors from the Czech Republic and across Europe, including families with kids, young adults interested in science and technology, space enthusiasts and young professionals interested in technology and EU affairs.

The GSA Open Days give the public an opportunity to learn about and experience applications based on the EU space programmes Galileo and EGNOS. The theme of this year’s event was Accuracy Matters and the importance of Galileo’s additional accuracy for a wide range of applications was underlined in a series of seminars, quizzes and workshops in Czech and English held at various times throughout both days.

Landing a plane with EGNOS

Over 350 students from Czech schools and universities registered to attend the event, and this number was augmented by visitors from neighbouring schools who dropped by in the afternoon to take part in the many exciting activities on offer. These included the chance to be a pilot and land an airbus A350 using EGNOS. EGNOS is mainly used in aviation and offers tangible benefits to operators using European skies. By minimising the frequency of aborted landings EGNOS helps in reducing CO2 emissions, delays and noise pollution.

Read this: European Space Week: A taste of what to expect

“End users are at the centre of the European space programme, which was developed with the core aim of benefitting the lives of Europeans. Throwing open the doors of our Prague home to the public gives us at the GSA the opportunity to meet with the beneficiaries of Galileo and EGNOS while giving end users the chance to learn more about the GSA and the benefits of Europe’s investment in space,” GSA Executive Director Carlo des Dorides said.

Galileo to the rescue!

Visitors also had the opportunity to build their own satellites, become initiated in cryptography and decrypt messages, and learn more about Galileo security. Search and rescue was also in focus, with visitors able to experience a live rescue in the snow-capped Alps with the help of Galileo and be rescued at sea, thanks to Galileo’s added accuracy.

A new addition to this year’s programme focused on the importance of EGNOS in precision agriculture, which is developing at an unprecedented pace with more than 85% of EU farmers now using EGNOS. A farming game gave visitors the chance to test for themselves how EGNOS is optimising tractor use on farms.

And this: MyGalileoApp: the results are in!

With Galileo expected to reach Full Operational Capability in less than 18 months the GSA is growing and, to help meet this demand the GSA’s HR department featured its very own stand at the Open Days to inform visitors about the Agency’s recruitment processes and future openings.

See you next year

In total, GSA staff delivered more than 15 workshops over the 2 days and answered thousands of questions from visitors. Visitors also met with this year’s special guest - Martin Rota, a Czech YouTuber passionate about science and space.

If you were lucky enough to attend this year’s Open Days, then we hope you had an enjoyable visit. If not – then we hope to see you next year, when we will present more success stories from Galileo and EGNOS. In the meantime remember - when close isn’t good enough…#Use Galileo!

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).