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A recent event at the European Space Expo in The Hague brought together Dutch Members of Parliament and representatives of various space-based businesses from the Netherlands to make the case for space.

“We now fully realise how space is completely integrated into our daily lives.”

“Space creates opportunities, not only for big companies, but maybe even more for the smaller players and start-ups.”

“It’s clear that we need space solutions in order to overcome the challenges of climate change.”

These were just some of the reactions coming from Dutch Members of Parliament (MPs) following an event at the European Space Expo that brought together Dutch MPs and representatives from the private sector. The Space Continuum programme, organised by the Dutch space sector, was held just outside the Dutch Parliament in The Hague and in conjunction with the European Space Solutions conference happening this week.

The event kicked off with a presentation by Dutch astronaut Andre Kuipers, who shared stories from his time on the International Space Station. “When looking down from outer space, it becomes clear how we must take care of our planet, and that the way to do this is with space technology and applications,” he said. “Whether it’s Copernicus or Galileo, we are all astronauts on spaceship Earth.”

This notion that the answer to the challenges we face here on the ground come from space was echoed by Arnaud de Jong, chair of SpaceNed, the association of Dutch space companies. “Every one of us with a smartphone in our pocket is right now connected to several satellites,” he said. “Clearly, connectivity is the new oxygen.”

MPs had the opportunity to meet one-on-one with an array of companies representing both the space sector and those who use space data. Discussions focused on such themes as how to improve the use of satellite data by government bodies, how to optimise the innovative climate for start-ups, and how to use space to inspire today’s youth to pursue careers in science and technology – among others.

Without exception, MPs were surprised and excited about the potential for space applications and the opportunities available to Dutch companies. “This was a very inspiring evening and I’m already planning to visit some Dutch space-based businesses to learn more,” said one MP. 

The European Space Solutions conference is organised by the European Commission and the European GNSS Agency (GSA) and held under the auspices of the Dutch Council Presidency. In addition to a packed agenda of presentations covering an array of sectors, the conference also features an exhibition of 50 innovative space applications, technology solutions and cutting-edge research coming from both across Europe and from right here in the Netherlands.

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).

A recent event at the European Space Expo in The Hague brought together Dutch Members of Parliament and representatives of various space-based businesses from the Netherlands to make the case for space.

“We now fully realise how space is completely integrated into our daily lives.”

“Space creates opportunities, not only for big companies, but maybe even more for the smaller players and start-ups.”

“It’s clear that we need space solutions in order to overcome the challenges of climate change.”

These were just some of the reactions coming from Dutch Members of Parliament (MPs) following an event at the European Space Expo that brought together Dutch MPs and representatives from the private sector. The Space Continuum programme was held just outside the Dutch Parliament in The Hague and in conjunction with the European Space Solutions conference happening this week.

The event kicked off with a presentation by Dutch astronaut Andre Kuipers, who shared stories from his time on the International Space Station. “When looking down from outer space, it becomes clear how we must take care of our planet, and that the way to do this is with space technology and applications,” he said. “Whether it’s Copernicus or Galileo, we are all astronauts on spaceship Earth.”

This notion that the answer to the challenges we face here on the ground come from space was echoed by Arnaud de Jong, chair of SpaceNed, the association of Dutch space companies. “Every one of us with a smartphone in our pocket is right now connected to several satellites,” he said. “Clearly, connectivity is the new oxygen.”

MPs had the opportunity to meet one-on-one with an array of companies representing both the space sector and those who use space data. Discussions focused on such themes as how to improve the use of satellite data by government bodies, how to optimise the innovative climate for start-ups, and how to use space to inspire today’s youth to pursue careers in science and technology – among others.

Without exception, MPs were surprised and excited about the potential for space applications and the opportunities available to Dutch companies. “This was a very inspiring evening and I’m already planning to visit some Dutch space-based businesses to learn more,” said one MP. 

The European Space Solutions conference is organised by the European Commission and the European GNSS Agency (GSA) and held under the auspices of the Dutch Council Presidency. In addition to a packed agenda of presentations covering an array of sectors, the conference also features an exhibition of 50 innovative space applications, technology solutions and cutting-edge research coming from both across Europe and from right here in the Netherlands.

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) joined the European Business Aviation Association (EBAA), together with service providers, to discuss how EGNOS is the key to ensuring the industry’s access to airports.

In recent years, the European Business Aviation Association (EBAA) has seen a steady increase in demand for business aviation. Given the significant time, infrastructure and other resources required to fill this demand, available airport space has dwindled. As large airports become more and more congested, the resulting lack of space is forcing business aviation to smaller and usually less-equipped airports. Unfortunately, all too often these small airports lack the funding needed to support the expensive ground infrastructure required for traditional, precision landing procedures.

In a sense, this leaves business aviation with nowhere to land – a challenge that threatens the viability of the industry. “Airport access is paramount to our industry,” says EBAA President Brian Humphries, speaking at a dedicated session on satellite navigation and airport access during the European Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition (EBACE) in Geneva. “We have to get into the airports as, without access, there is essentially no business aviation.”

Fortunately, according to Humphries, the problem can be resolved. “The capacity crunch at Europe’s major airports is the problem, but we already have the solution – and that solution is the hundreds of regional airports found across the continent,” he says. “Yet, even with the answer right in front of us, we’re not using them because all too often these regional airports lack the technology needed for business aircraft to land safely.”

Which is exactly where the GSA comes in.

An affordable alternative to ILS

As an alternative to costly, ground-based instrument landing procedures (ILS) navigation aids, technology such as EGNOS, the European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service, utilises geostationary satellites and a network of ground stations to receive, analyse and augment GPS and, soon, Galileo signals. With EGNOS, these satellite signals become suitable for such safety-critical applications as aircraft landing. Thus, EGNOS-enabled LPV-200 (localizer performance with vertical guidance) supports lateral and angular vertical guidance with a decision height of 200 feet. This is a capability similar to what is provided by ground-based navigation aids, but without the same financial burden of installing, maintaining and calibrating ground equipment. In fact, the LPV-200 system is free and requires no additional upgrades to existing airport infrastructure or EGNOS-certified receivers.

“The GSA continues to use EGNOS to open new airports and increase traffic, allowing business aviation to do more business,” says GSA Head of Market Development Gian Gherardo Calini. According to Calini, there are currently 350 EGNOS-based procedures published throughout Europe, with the aim being to have over 440 published by 2018.

In fact, just this month the first LPV-200 approaches were published at Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG). The approach trials were flown by an ATR 42-600, a Dassault Falcon 2000 and an Airbus A350, with positive pilot feedback. According to Dassault flight test pilot Jean-Louis Dumas, from a pilot’s point of view, there is no difference between ILS and LPV approaches as the design of the Falcon EASY cockpit and the overall workload is exactly the same for both.

“The accuracy and stability of the LPV guidance is really amazing,” says Calini. “Lowering the LPV minima down to 200 feet in Europe is a great improvement enabled by EGNOS, and is very valuable for business aviation operations.”
In addition to supporting precision landings, the fact that EGNOS is not tied to a ground-based system of guidance equipment means that different categories of aircraft could potentially use different approaches on the same runway end. EGNOS is also compatible with other satellite-based augmentation systems (SBAS) worldwide, meaning that users of SBAS can benefit from significant cooperation between providers in overlapping coverage areas. The EGNOS signal itself is free, allowing for unfettered use and greater opportunities for innovation.

Industry support leads to growth

The EGNOS proposition is one that has industry-wide support, including from operators, service providers and airports. “There’s more and more demand on the main hubs, especially as low-cost carriers continue to grow,” says Skyguide Sales and Business Development Manager Laurent Delétraz. “As you can’t add more slots, we need to send smaller aircraft to regional airports.”

One such airport is Switzerland’s Sion airport, located high in the Swiss Alps. “The implementation of the LPV approach  will open our airport to an array of aircraft that simply cannot currently access Sion” says Sion Airport Director Aline Bovier.”

“To get to the point, what we need is access,” says Netjets Europe pilot Pascal Lhoest, who notes that all of his company’s new jets are LPV-enabled. “If we don’t have airport access, our business model just doesn’t work, so we all have a role to play to make this happen.”

Clearly, this cost-effective, easily implemented technology is the ideal method for business aviation to expand airport capacity and meet demand, as well as ensure that flights run safely and smoothly – and one that the EBAA and GSA continue to collaborate closely on.  On this point, Calini praised the use of EGNOS for business aviation, noting that “EGNOS is increasing accessibility to smaller airports and enhancing safety via increased situational awareness”.

This is a sentiment shared by the EBAA. “When you talk about safe access to regional airports without the need for expensive ground instruments, then satellite navigation systems become a very compelling option for business aviation,” says Humphries. “As you saw here today, we have the technology, we have the support of the service providers, most aircraft are already equipped and the regional airports want it. And now, with the support of the GSA and work with the European Commission, it’s time to make it happen.”

Read more: EGNOS and Galileo for Aviation

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 fourth edition of the European Space Solutions conference has launched in The Hague, promising a week of exciting discussion and interaction on European space policy and innovation – with European GNSS and the European GNSS Agency (GSA) taking centre stage.

Dutch astronaut André Kuipers officially kicked off the fourth edition of the European Space Solutions conference in The Hague by setting the scene with stories from his time on the International Space Station. Yet even when floating far above the Earth, Kuipers noted his appreciation for the increasing impact that space exploration and space technology has on our daily lives here on the ground. “Whether it’s weather forecasting, providing high precision agriculture or monitoring pollution, space directly impacts everyone’s lives – making us all astronauts on spaceship Earth,” he says.

This theme of linking space technology to earth was a common one throughout the conference’s opening plenary session. “Space technology and data can help resolve issues faced by humanity and help us build practical solutions,” says Dutch Minister of Economic Affairs Henk Kamp, representing the Netherlands Presidency of the Council of the European Union, the official host of the conference. “Space is important for the future of Europe – and Europe is important for the future of space.” On this point, he highlighted Galileo and EGNOS as prime examples of European projects providing global precision and helping to give Europe a competitive edge is such areas as trade and security.

With the declaration of Galileo Initial Services set for later this year, the timing of the conference couldn’t be better. “Now, more than ever, the challenge is to convert the success of the Galileo programme into tangible goods and services that will fuel jobs and growth,” adds European Commissioner for International Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs Elżbieta Bieńkowska.

Representing a major step towards accomplishing this objective, the Commissioner joined Dutch Minister of Infrastructure and the Environment Melanie Schultz van Haegen and GSA Executive Director Carlo des Dorides in signing an agreement to establish the Galileo Reference Centre (GRC) right here in the Netherlands. The core mission of the GRC is to perform independent monitoring of Galileo’s performance and report on its findings.

Space opportunities

Although already today an array of applications and services are taking advantage of space technology and data, including GNSS and Earth observation, many presenters stressed the need to create more awareness about the role that space plays in our everyday lives. “Connectivity is the oxygen of business, and connectivity and applications are the key to creating jobs and growth,” says Member of the European Parliament Cora van Nieuwenhuizen. “This leads us to only one conclusion: it must support space.”

This is a sentiment echoed by European Commission Director-General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs Lowri Evans. “We are in the midst of an important and exciting economic moment for the European pace sector, but we need to shift our attention away from the hardware and towards the applications,” she says. “We need to get the data flowing, and this requires us to focus on research and innovation, unlocking skills, ensuring investment and looking at appropriate regulatory tools.”

But this isn’t to say that applications aren’t already benefiting from the technology. For example, in aviation EGNOS is facilitating the safe operation of aircraft at over 200 European airports – a number set to double by 2018. “This innovation represents the biggest technological revolution in aviation since the invention of radar, and the lessons we are learning here are now being exported to such domains as the rail sector,” says des Dorides.

Des Dorides also pointed to the area of location based services (LBS) and the geopositioning market, where the ubiquitous positioning provided by GNSS is being integrated with other technologies to deliver robust, reliable and secure positioning information. “GNSS receivers capable of capturing positioning, navigation and timing data will generate huge, rich data flows – making for a very interesting future for Galileo and its applications,” he concludes.

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 Galileo Reference Centre (GRC), to be located in the Netherlands, will play a crucial role in monitoring Galileo’s performance. The European GNSS Agency (GSA) made the announcement during this week’s European Space Solutions conference in The Hague. 

This week during the 4th European Space Solutions conference in The Hague, the GSA announced the establishment of the Galileo Reference Centre (GRC) in Noordwijk, the Netherlands. The GRC’s core mission is to perform independent monitoring of Galileo’s performance and report on its findings. 

European Commissioner for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs Elżbieta Bieńkowska and Dutch Minister of Infrastructure and the Environment Melanie Schultz van Haegen joined GSA Executive Director Carlo des Dorides to officially sign the GRC hosting agreement during the conference’s opening session.  

“The use of space data is becoming more urgent and relevant in many areas, for example in maritime safety and smart mobility,” says Minister Schultz van Haegen. “The Galileo Reference Centre will help ensure the provision of high quality satellite data so users can better rely on and benefit from Galileo.”

With Galileo Initial Services set to be declared this year, the GRC will play a pivotal role in the programme’s operations. “When operational, the GRC will provide the GSA with an independent system to evaluate the performance of the Galileo Service Operator and the quality of the signals in space,” says des Dorides. 

GRC’s core facility in Noordwijk will also actively integrate contributions from the EU Member States, Norway and Switzerland. The core facility is charged with generating performance evaluation products, reporting and performing dedicated campaign-based analyses. It will also rely on a range of facilities and expertise available in the Member States. 

The GRC will be implemented using a versioning approach. The first step is expected to be in place at the time of declaration of Galileo Initial Services. The core facility is set to become operational in 2017.

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).