zprávy

Dne 10. září 2016 se ve všech členských státech ESA uskuteční první Debata občanů o přínosech, směřování a roli Evropy v kosmických aktivitách. ESA organizuje veřejnou debatu ojedinělou metodou, při které se z každého členského státu zúčastní přibližně 100 občanů, kteří budou diskutovat současně ve stejný den stejné otázky.

The European GNSS Agency (GSA) has formally accepted the new Loyola de Palacio facility, which houses the European GNSS Service Centre (GSC), from the Spanish government – a key milestone towards the declaration of Galileo Initial Services.

Recently, the European GNSS Agency (GSA) formally accepted the new Loyola de Palacio facility, which houses the European GNSS Service Centre (GSC), from the Spanish government. This handover represents a significant milestone in the development of the Galileo programme and its service provisions, which is scheduled to begin later this year with the declaration of Initial Services. 

“The GSC is a key asset for the Galileo programme; it is Galileo's door to the GNSS world,” said GSA Executive Director Carlo des Dorides. “Today, the GSA is pleased to accept this excellent facility from Spain. It is a symbol of the upcoming service phase and the single, unique interface for Galileo users.”

“Carlo des Dorides has been on board the Galileo programme from the beginning. He has played a consistent role in taking the programme forward, and his re-election as GSA Executive Director by unanimity was not by chance,” added Spanish Secretary General for Transport, Carmen Librero Pintado. “Rest assured, Spain will always be side-by-side with you.”

Ignacio Azqueta Ortiz, Director General of Spain’s National Institute for Aerospace Technology (INTA) said, “With this handover and the milestones to be reached in the near future, we look forward to continuing our tradition of collaboration with the GSA and working together towards the success of the Galileo programme.”

In his concluding remarks, Spanish Secretary of Defence Pedro Arguelles Salaverria underlined, “Now more than ever, Europe must show the world its strengths, and Galileo is one of them. Spain underlines its strong support of Europe and Galileo.”

The essential role of the GSC

By delegation from the European Commission, the GSA is charged with overseeing the operation and service provision for both the European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service (EGNOS) (since 2015) and Galileo (as of 2017), along with managing the security accreditation and general security provision for both programmes. The GSA has been fully responsible for the GSC since its inception in 2014, a responsibility that includes serving as the GSC design authority, managing the GSC nucleus’ (GSC-n) operations and overseeing preparation contracts on infrastructure, operations and hosting service provision for the fully-fledged GSC (v1).

Ignacio Azqueta Ortiz, Director General of INTA, Carmen Librero Pintado, Secretary General for Transport, Pedro Argüelles Salaverría, Secretary of State for Defence, Carlo des Dorides, Executive Director, European GNSS Agency (GSA), Begoña Cristeto, Secretary General of Industry (click to enlarge)

Under the hosting agreement between the European Commission and Spain, INTA served as the hosting entity, with the Spanish government providing the site as an in-kind contribution. The GSC offers over 1,100 square metres of space, is home to some of the programme’s most state-of-the-art technology, and employees over 40 people

Since 2013, the GSC-n has been providing limited services and working as a precursor to GSC v1. Its key work includes supporting the lead up to the Galileo Initial Services provision, along with operating the GSC Helpdesk, disseminating orbital products to the Search and Rescue (SAR) community, supporting GNSS-related R&D and industry and monitoring user satisfaction. Once operational, GSC v1 will be connected to the Galileo core system, thus enabling the Commercial Service. It is expected to enter operations by mid-2017.

A truly European agency

The GSA is unique in that is one of the EU’s only multi-site agencies. With its headquarters in Prague, it also will run operational sites in the Netherlands, France, and the UK. With the handover of the Loyola de Palacio facility, it now adds Spain to this list. Each of the sites has its own specific function and will be staffed by specialists from the GSA and its contractors. Once the Galileo Operations Contract is awarded and Initial Services officially declared, the GSC is expected to see an increase in staff.

The site acceptance meeting was attended by representatives from the Spanish departments of defence, transport and industry, among others. Attendees were also given an overview presentation on the GSC’s role within the Galileo programme, along with a tour of the facilities.

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 formally accepted the new Loyola de Palacio facility, which houses the European GNSS Service Centre (GSC), from the Spanish government – a key milestone towards the declaration of Galileo Initial Services.

Recently, the European GNSS Agency (GSA) formally accepted the new Loyola de Palacio facility, which houses the European GNSS Service Centre (GSC), from the Spanish government. This handover represents a significant milestone in the development of the Galileo programme and its service provisions, which is scheduled to begin later this year with the declaration of Initial Services. 

“The GSC is a key asset for the Galileo programme; it is Galileo's door to the GNSS world,” said GSA Executive Director Carlo des Dorides. “Today, the GSA is pleased to accept this excellent facility from Spain. It is a symbol of the upcoming service phase and the single, unique interface for Galileo users.”

“Carlo des Dorides has been on board the Galileo programme from the beginning. He has played a consistent role in taking the programme forward, and his re-election as GSA Executive Director by unanimity was not by chance,” added Spanish Secretary General for Transport, Carmen Librero Pintado. “Rest assured, Spain will always be side-by-side with you.”

Ignacio Azqueta Ortiz, Director General of Spain’s National Institute for Aerospace Technology (INTA) said, “With this handover and the milestones to be reached in the near future, we look forward to continuing our tradition of collaboration with the GSA and working together towards the success of the Galileo programme.”

In his concluding remarks, Spanish Secretary of Defence Pedro Arguelles Salaverria underlined, “Now more than ever, Europe must show the world its strengths, and Galileo is one of them. Spain underlines its strong support of Europe and Galileo.”

The essential role of the GSC

By delegation from the European Commission, the GSA is charged with overseeing the operation and service provision for both the European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service (EGNOS) (since 2015) and Galileo (as of 2017), along with managing the security accreditation and general security provision for both programmes. The GSA has been fully responsible for the GSC since its inception in 2014, a responsibility that includes serving as the GSC design authority, managing the GSC nucleus’ (GSC-n) operations and overseeing preparation contracts on infrastructure, operations and hosting service provision for the fully-fledged GSC (v1).

Ignacio Azqueta Ortiz, Director General of INTA, Carmen Librero Pintado, Secretary General for Transport, Pedro Argüelles Salaverría, Secretary of State for Defence, Carlo des Dorides, Executive Director, European GNSS Agency (GSA), Begoña Cristeto, Secretary General of Industry (click to enlarge)

Under the hosting agreement between the European Commission and Spain, INTA served as the hosting entity, with the Spanish government providing the site as an in-kind contribution. The GSC offers over 1,100 square metres of space, is home to some of the programme’s most state-of-the-art technology, and employees over 40 people

Since 2013, the GSC-n has been providing limited services and working as a precursor to GSC v1. Its key work includes supporting the lead up to the Galileo Initial Services provision, along with operating the GSC Helpdesk, disseminating orbital products to the Search and Rescue (SAR) community, supporting GNSS-related R&D and industry and monitoring user satisfaction. Once operational, GSC v1 will be connected to the Galileo core system, thus enabling the Commercial Service. It is expected to enter operations by mid-2017.

A truly European agency

The GSA is unique in that is one of the EU’s only multi-site agencies. With its headquarters in Prague, it also will run operational sites in the Netherlands, France, and the UK. With the handover of the Loyola de Palacio facility, it now adds Spain to this list. Each of the sites has its own specific function and will be staffed by specialists from the GSA and its contractors. Once the Galileo Operations Contract is awarded and Initial Services officially declared, the GSC is expected to see an increase in staff.

The site acceptance meeting was attended by representatives from the Spanish departments of defence, transport and industry, among others. Attendees were also given an overview presentation on the GSC’s role within the Galileo programme, along with a tour of the facilities.

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 formally accepted the new Loyola de Palacio facility, which houses the European GNSS Service Centre (GSC), from the Spanish government – a key milestone towards the declaration of Galileo Initial Services.

Recently, the European GNSS Agency (GSA) formally accepted the new Loyola de Palacio facility, which houses the European GNSS Service Centre (GSC), from the Spanish government. This handover represents a significant milestone in the development of the Galileo programme and its service provisions, which is scheduled to begin later this year with the declaration of Initial Services. 

“The GSC is a key asset for the Galileo programme; it is Galileo's door to the GNSS world,” said GSA Executive Director Carlo des Dorides. “Today, the GSA is pleased to accept this excellent facility from Spain. It is a symbol of the upcoming service phase and the single, unique interface for Galileo users.”

“Carlo des Dorides has been on board the Galileo programme from the beginning. He has played a consistent role in taking the programme forward, and his re-election as GSA Executive Director by unanimity was not by chance,” added Spanish Secretary General for Transport, Carmen Librero Pintado. “Rest assured, Spain will always be side-by-side with you.”

Ignacio Azqueta Ortiz, Director General of Spain’s National Institute for Aerospace Technology (INTA) said, “With this handover and the milestones to be reached in the near future, we look forward to continuing our tradition of collaboration with the GSA and working together towards the success of the Galileo programme.”

In his concluding remarks, Spanish Secretary of Defence Pedro Arguelles Salaverria underlined, “Now more than ever, Europe must show the world its strengths, and Galileo is one of them. Spain underlines its strong support of Europe and Galileo.”

The essential role of the GSC

By delegation from the European Commission, the GSA is charged with overseeing the operation and service provision for both the European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service (EGNOS) (since 2015) and Galileo (as of 2017), along with managing the security accreditation and general security provision for both programmes. The GSA has been fully responsible for the GSC since its inception in 2014, a responsibility that includes serving as the GSC design authority, managing the GSC nucleus’ (GSC-n) operations and overseeing preparation contracts on infrastructure, operations and hosting service provision for the fully-fledged GSC (v1).

Ignacio Azqueta Ortiz, Director General of INTA, Carmen Librero Pintado, Secretary General for Transport, Pedro Argüelles Salaverría, Secretary of State for Defence, Carlo des Dorides, Executive Director, European GNSS Agency (GSA), Begoña Cristeto, Secretary General of Industry (click to enlarge)

Under the hosting agreement between the European Commission and Spain, INTA served as the hosting entity, with the Spanish government providing the site as an in-kind contribution. The GSC offers over 1,100 square metres of space, is home to some of the programme’s most state-of-the-art technology, and employees over 40 people

Since 2013, the GSC-n has been providing limited services and working as a precursor to GSC v1. Its key work includes supporting the lead up to the Galileo Initial Services provision, along with operating the GSC Helpdesk, disseminating orbital products to the Search and Rescue (SAR) community, supporting GNSS-related R&D and industry and monitoring user satisfaction. Once operational, GSC v1 will be connected to the Galileo core system, thus enabling the Commercial Service. It is expected to enter operations by mid-2017.

A truly European agency

The GSA is unique in that is one of the EU’s only multi-site agencies. With its headquarters in Prague, it also will run operational sites in the Netherlands, France, and the UK. With the handover of the Loyola de Palacio facility, it now adds Spain to this list. Each of the sites has its own specific function and will be staffed by specialists from the GSA and its contractors. Once the Galileo Operations Contract is awarded and Initial Services officially declared, the GSC is expected to see an increase in staff.

The site acceptance meeting was attended by representatives from the Spanish departments of defence, transport and industry, among others. Attendees were also given an overview presentation on the GSC’s role within the Galileo programme, along with a tour of the facilities.

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 formally accepted the new Loyola de Palacio facility, which houses the European GNSS Service Centre (GSC), from the Spanish government – a key milestone towards the declaration of Galileo Initial Services.

Recently, the European GNSS Agency (GSA) formally accepted the new Loyola de Palacio facility, which houses the European GNSS Service Centre (GSC), from the Spanish government. This handover represents a significant milestone in the development of the Galileo programme and its service provisions, which is scheduled to begin later this year with the declaration of Initial Services. 

“The GSC is a key asset for the Galileo programme; it is Galileo's door to the GNSS world,” said GSA Executive Director Carlo des Dorides. “Today, the GSA is pleased to accept this excellent facility from Spain. It is a symbol of the upcoming service phase and the single, unique interface for Galileo users.”

“Carlo des Dorides has been on board the Galileo programme from the beginning. He has played a consistent role in taking the programme forward, and his re-election as GSA Executive Director by unanimity was not by chance,” added Spanish Secretary General for Transport, Carmen Librero Pintado. “Rest assured, Spain will always be side-by-side with you.”

Ignacio Azqueta Ortiz, Director General of Spain’s National Institute for Aerospace Technology (INTA) said, “With this handover and the milestones to be reached in the near future, we look forward to continuing our tradition of collaboration with the GSA and working together towards the success of the Galileo programme.”

In his concluding remarks, Spanish Secretary of Defence Pedro Arguelles Salaverria underlined, “Now more than ever, Europe must show the world its strengths, and Galileo is one of them. Spain underlines its strong support of Europe and Galileo.”

The essential role of the GSC

By delegation from the European Commission, the GSA is charged with overseeing the operation and service provision for both the European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service (EGNOS) (since 2015) and Galileo (as of 2017), along with managing the security accreditation and general security provision for both programmes. The GSA has been fully responsible for the GSC since its inception in 2014, a responsibility that includes serving as the GSC design authority, managing the GSC nucleus’ (GSC-n) operations and overseeing preparation contracts on infrastructure, operations and hosting service provision for the fully-fledged GSC (v1).

Ignacio Azqueta Ortiz, Director General of INTA, Carmen Librero Pintado, Secretary General for Transport, Pedro Argüelles Salaverría, Secretary of State for Defence, Carlo des Dorides, Executive Director, European GNSS Agency (GSA), Begoña Cristeto, Secretary General of Industry (click to enlarge)

Under the hosting agreement between the European Commission and Spain, INTA served as the hosting entity, with the Spanish government providing the site as an in-kind contribution. The GSC offers over 1,100 square metres of space, is home to some of the programme’s most state-of-the-art technology, and employees over 40 people

Since 2013, the GSC-n has been providing limited services and working as a precursor to GSC v1. Its key work includes supporting the lead up to the Galileo Initial Services provision, along with operating the GSC Helpdesk, disseminating orbital products to the Search and Rescue (SAR) community, supporting GNSS-related R&D and industry and monitoring user satisfaction. Once operational, GSC v1 will be connected to the Galileo core system, thus enabling the Commercial Service. It is expected to enter operations by mid-2017.

A truly European agency

The GSA is unique in that is one of the EU’s only multi-site agencies. With its headquarters in Prague, it also will run operational sites in the Netherlands, France, and the UK. With the handover of the Loyola de Palacio facility, it now adds Spain to this list. Each of the sites has its own specific function and will be staffed by specialists from the GSA and its contractors. Once the Galileo Operations Contract is awarded and Initial Services officially declared, the GSC is expected to see an increase in staff.

The site acceptance meeting was attended by representatives from the Spanish departments of defence, transport and industry, among others. Attendees were also given an overview presentation on the GSC’s role within the Galileo programme, along with a tour of the facilities.

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) highlights how the combination of GNSS and Earth observation services mean increased benefits for geospatial applications.

As part of its recent annual congress, the International Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ISPRS) held a special session on Galileo and Copernicus and their role in geospatial land applications. The session, jointly organised by the European GNSS Agency (GSA), the European Environmental Agency (EEA) and the Horizon 2020 funded LARA project, drew over 70 participants.

A common theme of the session was a general need for a stronger connection between GNSS-generated geospatial data and remote sensing applications and services, including its relevant stakeholders. To demonstrate why, presenters emphasised the added value that geolocation and earth observation services offer when they work together.

Also read: Galileo and EGNOS benefiting the Geospatial World

“The successful launch of Sentinel-2, along with Earth observation’s increasing capacity to use Very High Resolution sensors, are providing a boost to the European remote sensing industry,” said EEA Project Manager of Copernicus Land Services Hans Dufourmont. “The combination of precision geolocation services with satellite imagery at sub-metre pixel sizes paves the way for a new range of uses and in domains as diverse as precision farming, ecosystem service monitoring and urban growth monitoring – to name only a few.”

“Galileo’s improved signal robustness and varying levels of authentication, along with the Commercial Service’s high-accuracy receiver error below one decimetre, are all features that will greatly benefit geospatial users,” added GSA Executive Director Carlo des Dorides. “With virtually all professional surveying receivers preparing for the declaration of Galileo Initial Services later this year, geospatial users are increasingly able to benefit from European GNSS.”

Multiplying benefits

Galileo, Europe’s own global navigation satellite system, provides a global positioning service under civilian control. Offering dual frequencies as its standard, Galileo’s open service will deliver improved real-time positioning accuracy, in combination with already existing GNSS constellations. Copernicus, Europe’s Earth observation system, consists of a complex set of systems that collect data from the Sentinel satellites and other sources. It bundles these data and provides users with reliable and up-to-date information through a set of services related to environmental and security issues.

Though there is already a wealth of applications for both European systems, their open data policies will enable the creation of new services and applications and, as a result, new business creation. Galileo determines a precise position anytime and anywhere on the globe, while Copernicus provides information on the Earth’s surface, its atmosphere and marine systems. The joint use of both systems in applications will unleash synergies and result in multiple benefits for the users.

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) highlights how the combination of GNSS and Earth observation services mean increased benefits for geospatial applications.

As part of its recent annual congress, the International Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ISPRS) held a special session on Galileo and Copernicus and their role in geospatial land applications. The session, jointly organised by the European GNSS Agency (GSA), the European Environmental Agency (EEA) and the Horizon 2020 funded LARA project, drew over 70 participants.

A common theme of the session was a general need for a stronger connection between GNSS-generated geospatial data and remote sensing applications and services, including its relevant stakeholders. To demonstrate why, presenters emphasised the added value that geolocation and earth observation services offer when they work together.

Also read: Galileo and EGNOS benefiting the Geospatial World

“The successful launch of Sentinel-2, along with Earth observation’s increasing capacity to use Very High Resolution sensors, are providing a boost to the European remote sensing industry,” said EEA Project Manager of Copernicus Land Services Hans Dufourmont. “The combination of precision geolocation services with satellite imagery at sub-metre pixel sizes paves the way for a new range of uses and in domains as diverse as precision farming, ecosystem service monitoring and urban growth monitoring – to name only a few.”

“Galileo’s improved signal robustness and varying levels of authentication, along with the Commercial Service’s high-accuracy receiver error below one decimetre, are all features that will greatly benefit geospatial users,” added GSA Executive Director Carlo des Dorides. “With virtually all professional surveying receivers preparing for the declaration of Galileo Initial Services later this year, geospatial users are increasingly able to benefit from European GNSS.”

Multiplying benefits

Galileo, Europe’s own global navigation satellite system, provides a global positioning service under civilian control. Offering dual frequencies as its standard, Galileo’s open service will deliver improved real-time positioning accuracy, in combination with already existing GNSS constellations. Copernicus, Europe’s Earth observation system, consists of a complex set of systems that collect data from the Sentinel satellites and other sources. It bundles these data and provides users with reliable and up-to-date information through a set of services related to environmental and security issues.

Though there is already a wealth of applications for both European systems, their open data policies will enable the creation of new services and applications and, as a result, new business creation. Galileo determines a precise position anytime and anywhere on the globe, while Copernicus provides information on the Earth’s surface, its atmosphere and marine systems. The joint use of both systems in applications will unleash synergies and result in multiple benefits for the users.

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) highlights how the combination of GNSS and Earth observation services mean increased benefits for geospatial applications.

As part of its recent annual congress, the International Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ISPRS) held a special session on Galileo and Copernicus and their role in geospatial land applications. The session, jointly organised by the European GNSS Agency (GSA), the European Environmental Agency (EEA) and the Horizon 2020 funded LARA project, drew over 70 participants.

A common theme of the session was a general need for a stronger connection between GNSS-generated geospatial data and remote sensing applications and services, including its relevant stakeholders. To demonstrate why, presenters emphasised the added value that geolocation and earth observation services offer when they work together.

Also read: Galileo and EGNOS benefiting the Geospatial World

“The successful launch of Sentinel-2, along with Earth observation’s increasing capacity to use Very High Resolution sensors, are providing a boost to the European remote sensing industry,” said EEA Project Manager of Copernicus Land Services Hans Dufourmont. “The combination of precision geolocation services with satellite imagery at sub-metre pixel sizes paves the way for a new range of uses and in domains as diverse as precision farming, ecosystem service monitoring and urban growth monitoring – to name only a few.”

“Galileo’s improved signal robustness and varying levels of authentication, along with the Commercial Service’s high-accuracy receiver error below one decimetre, are all features that will greatly benefit geospatial users,” added GSA Executive Director Carlo des Dorides. “With virtually all professional surveying receivers preparing for the declaration of Galileo Initial Services later this year, geospatial users are increasingly able to benefit from European GNSS.”

Multiplying benefits

Galileo, Europe’s own global navigation satellite system, provides a global positioning service under civilian control. Offering dual frequencies as its standard, Galileo’s open service will deliver improved real-time positioning accuracy, in combination with already existing GNSS constellations. Copernicus, Europe’s Earth observation system, consists of a complex set of systems that collect data from the Sentinel satellites and other sources. It bundles these data and provides users with reliable and up-to-date information through a set of services related to environmental and security issues.

Though there is already a wealth of applications for both European systems, their open data policies will enable the creation of new services and applications and, as a result, new business creation. Galileo determines a precise position anytime and anywhere on the globe, while Copernicus provides information on the Earth’s surface, its atmosphere and marine systems. The joint use of both systems in applications will unleash synergies and result in multiple benefits for the users.

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).

On 7th of July, the Next Generation Train Control (NGTC) project, coordinated by UNIFE and supported by GNSS experts from the European GNSS Agency (GSA) and the European Space Agency (ESA), held a user-oriented workshop to present the main outcomes of the work package related to the future use of European GNSS for train control.

The Virtual Balise concept took centre stage at the workshop. Currently, in the European Train Control System (ETCS), the positioning of a train is based on a ‘balise’ – a physical element mounted at specific intervals along the railway track. The GSA is working to ensure that, wherever possible, these physical balises are replaced by virtual ones. Virtual balises expand on the cost and efficiency benefits stemming from their integration of GNSS technology into the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS). Furthermore, there use does not pose any operational or safety implications on the ETCS.

During the workshop, the GSA presented its roadmap for the introduction of European GNSS in railway safety relevant applications. The roadmap is the result of a series of consultations that has seen the GSA working together with rail and space industry stakeholders in order to enable the use of satellite-based positioning for railway signalling.

Safety first

NGTC was introduced as one of the lighthouse projects of Shift2Rail, a major European R&D Joint Undertaking paving the way for key technologies to enter into the railway domain, including European GNSS. The E-GNSS related work package contains an analysis of the ETCS operational scenarios and the underlying safety analysis, identifying the preliminary requirements needed from GNSS to allow proper functioning of the signalling system. The outcomes of the preliminary safety analysis, demonstrating the viability of the Virtual Balise concept, were discussed, along with other possible applications of GNSS technology in the rail domain. These discussions involved participants from the potential end-user communities, including European rail transport operators and infrastructure managers.

The data provided by NGTC is the cornerstone on which other projects, such as the GSA funded H2020 project Satellite Technology for Advanced Railway Signalling (STARS), will build from. Together, this work will advance research activities dedicated to achieving the integration of European GNSS into ERTMS.

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).

On 7th of July, the Next Generation Train Control (NGTC) project, coordinated by UNIFE and supported by GNSS experts from the European GNSS Agency (GSA) and the European Space Agency (ESA), held a user-oriented workshop to present the main outcomes of the work package related to the future use of European GNSS for train control.

The Virtual Balise concept took centre stage at the workshop. Currently, in the European Train Control System (ETCS), the positioning of a train is based on a ‘balise’ – a physical element mounted at specific intervals along the railway track. The GSA is working to ensure that, wherever possible, these physical balises are replaced by virtual ones. Virtual balises expand on the cost and efficiency benefits stemming from their integration of GNSS technology into the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS). Furthermore, there use does not pose any operational or safety implications on the ETCS.

During the workshop, the GSA presented its roadmap for the introduction of European GNSS in railway safety relevant applications. The roadmap is the result of a series of consultations that has seen the GSA working together with rail and space industry stakeholders in order to enable the use of satellite-based positioning for railway signalling.

Safety first

NGTC was introduced as one of the lighthouse projects of Shift2Rail, a major European R&D Joint Undertaking paving the way for key technologies to enter into the railway domain, including European GNSS. The E-GNSS related work package contains an analysis of the ETCS operational scenarios and the underlying safety analysis, identifying the preliminary requirements needed from GNSS to allow proper functioning of the signalling system. The outcomes of the preliminary safety analysis, demonstrating the viability of the Virtual Balise concept, were discussed, along with other possible applications of GNSS technology in the rail domain. These discussions involved participants from the potential end-user communities, including European rail transport operators and infrastructure managers.

The data provided by NGTC is the cornerstone on which other projects, such as the GSA funded H2020 project Satellite Technology for Advanced Railway Signalling (STARS), will build from. Together, this work will advance research activities dedicated to achieving the integration of European GNSS into ERTMS.

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).

On 7th of July, the Next Generation Train Control (NGTC) project, coordinated by UNIFE and supported by GNSS experts from the European GNSS Agency (GSA) and the European Space Agency (ESA), held a user-oriented workshop to present the main outcomes of the work package related to the future use of European GNSS for train control.

The Virtual Balise concept took centre stage at the workshop. Currently, in the European Train Control System (ETCS), the positioning of a train is based on a ‘balise’ – a physical element mounted at specific intervals along the railway track. The GSA is working to ensure that, wherever possible, these physical balises are replaced by virtual ones. Virtual balises expand on the cost and efficiency benefits stemming from their integration of GNSS technology into the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS). Furthermore, there use does not pose any operational or safety implications on the ETCS.

During the workshop, the GSA presented its roadmap for the introduction of European GNSS in railway safety relevant applications. The roadmap is the result of a series of consultations that has seen the GSA working together with rail and space industry stakeholders in order to enable the use of satellite-based positioning for railway signalling.

Safety first

NGTC was introduced as one of the lighthouse projects of Shift2Rail, a major European R&D Joint Undertaking paving the way for key technologies to enter into the railway domain, including European GNSS. The E-GNSS related work package contains an analysis of the ETCS operational scenarios and the underlying safety analysis, identifying the preliminary requirements needed from GNSS to allow proper functioning of the signalling system. The outcomes of the preliminary safety analysis, demonstrating the viability of the Virtual Balise concept, were discussed, along with other possible applications of GNSS technology in the rail domain. These discussions involved participants from the potential end-user communities, including European rail transport operators and infrastructure managers.

The data provided by NGTC is the cornerstone on which other projects, such as the GSA funded H2020 project Satellite Technology for Advanced Railway Signalling (STARS), will build from. Together, this work will advance research activities dedicated to achieving the integration of European GNSS into ERTMS.

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).

On 7th of July, the Next Generation Train Control (NGTC) project, coordinated by UNIFE and supported by GNSS experts from the European GNSS Agency (GSA) and the European Space Agency (ESA), held a user-oriented workshop to present the main outcomes of the work package related to the future use of European GNSS for train control.

The Virtual Balise concept took centre stage at the workshop. Currently, in the European Train Control System (ETCS), the positioning of a train is based on a ‘balise’ – a physical element mounted at specific intervals along the railway track. The GSA is working to ensure that, wherever possible, these physical balises are replaced by virtual ones. Virtual balises expand on the cost and efficiency benefits stemming from their integration of GNSS technology into the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS). Furthermore, there use does not pose any operational or safety implications on the ETCS.

During the workshop, the GSA presented its roadmap for the introduction of European GNSS in railway safety relevant applications. The roadmap is the result of a series of consultations that has seen the GSA working together with rail and space industry stakeholders in order to enable the use of satellite-based positioning for railway signalling.

Safety first

NGTC was introduced as one of the lighthouse projects of Shift2Rail, a major European R&D Joint Undertaking paving the way for key technologies to enter into the railway domain, including European GNSS. The E-GNSS related work package contains an analysis of the ETCS operational scenarios and the underlying safety analysis, identifying the preliminary requirements needed from GNSS to allow proper functioning of the signalling system. The outcomes of the preliminary safety analysis, demonstrating the viability of the Virtual Balise concept, were discussed, along with other possible applications of GNSS technology in the rail domain. These discussions involved participants from the potential end-user communities, including European rail transport operators and infrastructure managers.

The data provided by NGTC is the cornerstone on which other projects, such as the GSA funded H2020 project Satellite Technology for Advanced Railway Signalling (STARS), will build from. Together, this work will advance research activities dedicated to achieving the integration of European GNSS into ERTMS.

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).