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The EU-funded project, EDG²E, managed by the European Union Agency for the Space Programme made significant strides in optimizing aviation navigation with the integration of Galileo, the European GNSS system. By leveraging the advanced capabilities of Galileo and incorporating them into avionics technology, the project aims to enhance safety, precision, and reliability in air travel, ultimately benefiting the aviation industry as a whole.

The project has recently demonstrated the capabilities of the new DFMC Navigation modes using GPS + Galileo in the L1/L5 and E1/E5a frequencies. The DFMC Navigation modes showcased their functionality under various flight plans, including different latitudes and approaches such as RNP (Required Navigation Performance). The tests were conducted using a prototype avionic GNSS Receiver using high reliability hardware components in design. Realistic installation conditions were simulated on an ATR72-600 aircraft, considering installation constraints like DFMC antenna characteristics, analog front end architecture device losses, and the effects of vibrations and dynamic factors.

The EDG²E project, and the MUGG project, stand out as the only initiatives to achieve successful proof of concept through flight trials, even in scenarios with a limited number of GPS L1/L5 satellites available. This achievement has not impeded the project's ability to accomplish RNP0.1 and RNP0.3 operations, demonstrating its robustness and effectiveness.

One of the other key outcomes of the EDG²E project is the validation and consolidation of the DFMC SBAS MOPS (Minimum Operational Performance Standards) identified as EUROCAE ED-259A / RTCA DO-401. This provides a concrete means to advance and refine the receiver standard, paving the way for improved aviation navigation systems.

A webinar is now being organised to learn more about the advancements made by the EDG2E project, and discuss further the achievements in aviation navigation optimization. The webinar aims to accomplish several objectives:

• Present Galileo and EGNOS V3, highlighting the specific advantages they offer to the aviation industry. This will provide attendees with valuable insights into the potential benefits of integrating these programs into aviation navigation systems.
• Showcase the EDG²E project and share the outcomes of the recently completed flight trials using the prototype receiver that tested DFMC Navigation modes. 
• Engage the audience in a discussion about the advantages of the SBAS DFMC receiver for aviation. Attendees will have the opportunity to provide feedback and share their perspectives on the benefits of this technology. 
• Present the results of a questionnaire posted on the project website, further enriching the understanding of the receiver's potential impact.

The webinar will provide a platform to disseminate the results and discuss their implications for the aviation sector providing confidence among stakeholders regarding the imminent availability of DFMC signals and receivers in aviation. 

Join us here.

Media note: This feature can be republished without charge provided the European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) 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 EUSPA website (http://www.euspa.europa.eu).

The EU-funded project, EDG²E, managed by the European Union Agency for the Space Programme made significant strides in optimizing aviation navigation with the integration of Galileo, the European GNSS system. By leveraging the advanced capabilities of Galileo and incorporating them into avionics technology, the project aims to enhance safety, precision, and reliability in air travel, ultimately benefiting the aviation industry as a whole.

The project has recently demonstrated the capabilities of the new DFMC Navigation modes using GPS + Galileo in the L1/L5 and E1/E5a frequencies. The DFMC Navigation modes showcased their functionality under various flight plans, including different latitudes and approaches such as RNP (Required Navigation Performance). The tests were conducted using a prototype avionic GNSS Receiver using high reliability hardware components in design. Realistic installation conditions were simulated on an ATR72-600 aircraft, considering installation constraints like DFMC antenna characteristics, analog front end architecture device losses, and the effects of vibrations and dynamic factors.

The EDG²E project, and the MUGG project, stand out as the only initiatives to achieve successful proof of concept through flight trials, even in scenarios with a limited number of GPS L1/L5 satellites available. This achievement has not impeded the project's ability to accomplish RNP0.1 and RNP0.3 operations, demonstrating its robustness and effectiveness.

One of the other key outcomes of the EDG²E project is the validation and consolidation of the DFMC SBAS MOPS (Minimum Operational Performance Standards) identified as EUROCAE ED-259A / RTCA DO-401. This provides a concrete means to advance and refine the receiver standard, paving the way for improved aviation navigation systems.

A webinar is now being organised to learn more about the advancements made by the EDG²E project, and discuss further the achievements in aviation navigation optimization. The webinar aims to accomplish several objectives:

• Present Galileo and EGNOS V3, highlighting the specific advantages they offer to the aviation industry. This will provide attendees with valuable insights into the potential benefits of integrating these programs into aviation navigation systems.
• Showcase the EDG²E project and share the outcomes of the recently completed flight trials using the prototype receiver that tested DFMC Navigation modes. 
• Engage the audience in a discussion about the advantages of the SBAS DFMC receiver for aviation. Attendees will have the opportunity to provide feedback and share their perspectives on the benefits of this technology. 
• Present the results of a questionnaire posted on the project website, further enriching the understanding of the receiver's potential impact.

The webinar will provide a platform to disseminate the results and discuss their implications for the aviation sector providing confidence among stakeholders regarding the imminent availability of DFMC signals and receivers in aviation. 

Join us here.

Media note: This feature can be republished without charge provided the European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) 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 EUSPA website (http://www.euspa.europa.eu).

The EU-funded project, EDG²E, managed by the European Union Agency for the Space Programme made significant strides in optimizing aviation navigation with the integration of Galileo, the European GNSS system. By leveraging the advanced capabilities of Galileo and incorporating them into avionics technology, the project aims to enhance safety, precision, and reliability in air travel, ultimately benefiting the aviation industry as a whole.

The project has recently demonstrated the capabilities of the new DFMC Navigation modes using GPS + Galileo in the L1/L5 and E1/E5a frequencies. The DFMC Navigation modes showcased their functionality under various flight plans, including different latitudes and approaches such as RNP (Required Navigation Performance). The tests were conducted using a prototype avionic GNSS Receiver using high reliability hardware components in design. Realistic installation conditions were simulated on an ATR72-600 aircraft, considering installation constraints like DFMC antenna characteristics, analog front end architecture device losses, and the effects of vibrations and dynamic factors.

The EDG²E project, and the MUGG project, stand out as the only initiatives to achieve successful proof of concept through flight trials, even in scenarios with a limited number of GPS L1/L5 satellites available. This achievement has not impeded the project's ability to accomplish RNP0.1 and RNP0.3 operations, demonstrating its robustness and effectiveness.

One of the other key outcomes of the EDG²E project is the validation and consolidation of the DFMC SBAS MOPS (Minimum Operational Performance Standards) identified as EUROCAE ED-259A / RTCA DO-401. This provides a concrete means to advance and refine the receiver standard, paving the way for improved aviation navigation systems.

A webinar is now being organised to learn more about the advancements made by the EDG²E project, and discuss further the achievements in aviation navigation optimization. The webinar aims to accomplish several objectives:

• Present Galileo and EGNOS V3, highlighting the specific advantages they offer to the aviation industry. This will provide attendees with valuable insights into the potential benefits of integrating these programs into aviation navigation systems.
• Showcase the EDG²E project and share the outcomes of the recently completed flight trials using the prototype receiver that tested DFMC Navigation modes. 
• Engage the audience in a discussion about the advantages of the SBAS DFMC receiver for aviation. Attendees will have the opportunity to provide feedback and share their perspectives on the benefits of this technology. 
• Present the results of a questionnaire posted on the project website, further enriching the understanding of the receiver's potential impact.

The webinar will provide a platform to disseminate the results and discuss their implications for the aviation sector providing confidence among stakeholders regarding the imminent availability of DFMC signals and receivers in aviation. 

Join us here.

Media note: This feature can be republished without charge provided the European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) 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 EUSPA website (http://www.euspa.europa.eu).

The implementation of GOVSATCOM, Europe’s Governmental Satellite Communications programme, continues to move forward. Most recently, on 30 May 2023, the European Commission adopted three Implementing Acts. These Acts provide the legal foundation for the services that GOVSATCOM, along with IRIS² (Infrastructure for Resilience, Interconnectivity and Security by Satellite), will offer. 

GOVSATCOM, the fourth pillar of the EU Space Programme, will provide secure and cost-efficient communication capabilities to security and safety critical missions and operations managed by the EU and its Member States, including national security actors and EU agencies and institutions. EUSPA has been entrusted with the procurement of GOVSATCOM’s secure operational ground segment (GOVSATCOM Hubs), its operations and the coordination of the user-related aspects of the programme, all in close collaboration with Member States and other involved entities.

Check this: EUSPA is hiring a GOVSATCOM Hub Operations Manager

The IRIS² satellite constellation will provide secure communication services to the EU and its Member States, as well as broadband connectivity for European citizens, private companies and governmental authorities. The EUSPA Security Accreditation Board (SAB), where Members States take accreditation decisions, will become the IRIS² security accreditation authority, providing security assurance to users with regards to IRIS² services and infrastructure.

EUSPA contributes to Implementing Acts 

Through the Implementing Acts, the Commission establishes which satellite communications service categories are to be pooled and shared and defines the services IRIS² will provide. The Acts also outline the GOVSATCOM Hubs’ functionalities and operational aspects, presentation of the pooled capacities to the users through the service portfolio, service selection process and use of GOVSATCOM services by the users.  

EUSPA supported the Commission in preparing the Acts, contributing to their drafting and helping assess and integrate comments from the Member States. The Agency also lent their technical expertise and provided input from governmental users, the latter of which came from the EU-funded ENTRUSTED project. The project was established to provide a concrete set of governmental user requirements for GOVSATCOM services.

The full text of the Implementing Acts, as published in the Official Journal of the EU, can be found via the following links: 

• Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2023/1054 of 30 May 2023 laying down rules for the application of Regulation (EU) 2021/696 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the service portfolio for the Governmental Satellite Communications services offered by the system established under the Union Space Programme OJ L 141, 31.5.2023, p. 49–56.
• Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2023/1055 of 30 May 2023 setting out the rules on the sharing and prioritisation of satellite communication capacities, services, and user equipment to fulfil the function referred to in Article 66(2) of Regulation (EU) 2021/696 of the European Parliament and of the Council OJ L 141, 31.5.2023, p. 57–66.
• Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2023/1053 of 30 May 2023 laying down rules for the application of Regulation (EU) 2023/588 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards operational requirements for governmental services provided under Union Secure Connectivity Programme and its service portfolio OJ L 141, 31.5.2023, p. 44–48.

Media note: This feature can be republished without charge provided the European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) 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 EUSPA website (http://www.euspa.europa.eu).

EUSPA plays a crucial role in supporting the EU Space industry throughout the innovation cycle, providing funding and market intelligence. One of the notable tools that has significantly contributed to the adoption of Galileo is the Fundamental Elements programme. This R&D funding mechanism is specifically designed to support the development of innovative chipset, antenna, and receiver technologies.

By leveraging the Fundamental Elements programme, EUSPA accelerates the integration of Galileo into market-ready devices and solutions. 

The objectives can be summarized as follows:

• Facilitate the adoption of EGNSS (European Global Navigation Satellite Systems), leveraging innovative services and differentiators.
• Enhance the competitiveness of the EU industry in the global market.
• Address user needs in critical market segments.
• Maximize the benefits of Galileo for European citizens.

Projects funded through the Fundamental Elements programme play a pivotal role in EUSPA's mission to drive the development and market uptake of Galileo-enabled receivers. These initiatives contribute to the growth and success of the EU Space industry, fostering innovation and ensuring the wide availability of reliable and advanced positioning, navigation, and timing services.

The new call currently open is looking to support the development of a hybrid terminal for connectivity for cutting-edge devices.

Connectivity: Enabling next generation NAV/COM Hybrid Terminal

As the number of connected devices is growing exponentially, the focus has shifted to solution owners locating all assets simultaneously with minimal power drain. It's no longer about individual assets locating themselves, but about efficient, centralized asset tracking solutions. This approach optimizes power consumption while providing real-time visibility and operational efficiency.

In this context, integrating Terrestrial Networks (TN) and Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) have the potential of connecting the unconnected and enhancing the user experience for the already-connected devices, with technological and societal implications of the greatest long-term significance. 

Objectives: 

Development of a unified hybrid user terminal, that shall support (and process):

• From communication perspective: TN and NTN communication signals
• From Navigation perspective: signals from GNSS and LEO for PNT

And optionally can support (and process):

• From communication to navigation perspective (COM2NAV): communication signals to provide localization services according to several wireless communication methods
• From navigation to communication perspective (NAV2COM): (considering GNSS and all other PNT functions) positioning, ranging and time synchronization to improve data acquisition task by channel estimation, beam alignment, medium access control, routing, and network optimization.

Foreseen result:

Unified hybrid user terminal capable to support TN and NTN communication together with GNSS, and Galileo in particular, and LEO satellite signals in order to support joint Data & PNT services, reaching TRL 7. 

The maximum budget is set to 3 M€ and the indicative number of projects to be awarded is four.

Deadline for submission: 15 September 2023

More details about this call will be made available during EUSPA’s upcoming Fundamental Elements online Workshop via Webex, to be held on 30 June from 11.00 to 12.30 CEST. The workshop will include in-depth information on the funding programme and the application process. More information is available at this link. 

The Fundamental Elements Industry Days Workshop: Developing cutting-edge devices for connectivity, will include in-depth information on the funding programme and the application process as well as insights about the calls.

Join us here

Media note: This feature can be republished without charge provided the European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) 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 EUSPA website (http://www.euspa.europa.eu).