European GNSS Agency

Space based services will help reduce 15% of railway maintenance costs, 25% of maintenance unscheduled events and 15% of derailments associated with the rail-wheel interface. To tackle this challenge, the SIA consortium brings together multidisciplinary and cross sector partners (EGNSS technology providers, research centres, IT companies and railway stakeholders) that will co-design EGNSS solutions truly adapted to the needs of the rail sector.

Railway infrastructure and vehicle maintenance are estimated to cost over 25 billion Euros per year in Europe, and this figure is rising1 . The distribution of maintenance expenses varies in different countries and organizations. However, in relation to the railway infrastructure, track expenses represent between 40%-70% of the operational expenses, where the defects associated with the rails and catenary are the most significant (30% and 50% respectively). Other major maintenance costs relate to vehicle equipment such as the wheelset and pantograph (typically between 30%-50% and 5%-10% of the overall vehicle’s maintenance cost respectively). These figures are similar for all the infrastructure managers (IMs) and train operating companies (TOCs), which in total accounts for 330 organizations in the EU and 1500 organisations worldwide, therefore incurring over 8 billion Euros in recurrent expenses in the EU.

SIA project (System for vehicle-infrastructure Interaction Assets health status monitoring) has been funded by EUSPA since 2018 with the objective of developing four ready-to-use new services, to provide prognostic information about the health status of railways’ most demanding assets in terms of maintenance costs, at the points of the interaction between the vehicle and the infrastructure (wheelset, pantograph, rail, and catenary).

iCatMon is a service oriented towards IMs and maintenance subcontractors. The service provides information about the status of the overhead line (e.g. geometry of the Overhead Contact Wire - OCW).

iPantMon is intended for TOCs, providing information about the status of the pantograph during its interaction with the OCW (e.g. contact dynamics).

iWheelMon is also intended for TOCs, this service provides information about the health status of the wheelset (e.g. wheel diameter, out-of-roundness).

iRailMon is a service oriented towards IMs and maintenance subcontractors, the service provides information about defects on the rails (e.g. short-wave irregularities).

To enable these services, a modular system with all of the required components from vehicle sensor networks to KPI visualization for the end user has been developed. The value proposition of SIA is to develop these components in the most cost-effective way, i.e. with the use of cost-effective sensors and systems. 

The SIA components include a sub-system for the recording of axle-box acceleration (ABA) data that can be related to defects in the track and wheelset. Another sub-system includes sensors that provide signals to characterize the interaction between the pantograph and catenary. EGNSS- based localization is performed, with real time processing of GNSS signals in multiple frequency bands including Galileo and map-supported refinement using Kalman filter methods in the back-office. A central datahub provides the onboard data management and communicates with the back-office part of SIA, for instance, to send events or detections in the monitoring data. The axle-box acceleration and pantograph data enriched with position information are further processed using component degradation models and analysis algorithms in the back-office. Finally, relevant asset key performance indicators (KPI) are displayed to the user in the visualization platform, with a rich functionality to illustrate the asset status and its evolution using different capabilities. 

To validate the results, pilot tests have been carried out since October 2020 in three different scenarios: one of them coordinated by OBB (Österreichische Bundesbahnen), the Austrian operator, using both inspection vehicles and regular in-service trains throughout Austrian rail network; another scenario coordinated by VIAS, a Spanish maintenance subcontractor, using for the installation of the system a maintenance vehicle circulating over Madrid-Córdoba high-speed line; and the third scenario was coordinated by FGC (Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat de Catalunya), a Spanish regional TOC, using regular in-service trains throughout its whole network.

The results obtained so far are very promising. The aim is to validate the use of low-cost on-board systems to assess the health status of infrastructure and vehicle assets using the four developed services. Part of this success is due to the use of digital twins and AI technologies to extract health related KPIs. Some of the activities within the project contributed to the creation of a tech startup (MainRail Solutions), dedicated to the management of railway infrastructure. This start-up, created by Ceit and Inycom (linked third party of INGECONTROL) in 2020, has initiated its activities by deploying its first commercial references, e.g. tranvía Zaragoza (Spain)  and SFM (Mallorca Railways, Spain) and PoC (Proof of Concept) pilots with other TOCs and IMs in Spain.

The implementation of the SIA system in regular service trains will enable a reduction in the costs associated with maintenance, while keeping the required levels of safety and service availability. The low-cost nature of the on-board equipment and the capabilities brought by the new services can potentially lead to reductions of 10% in the cost of the maintenance associated to the infrastructure’s assets, thanks to a reduction of unscheduled actions and MTTR (Mean Time To React).

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).

• 1. Using analytics to get European rail maintenance on track, McKinsey & Company, 2020

Space based services will help reduce 15% of railway maintenance costs, 25% of maintenance unscheduled events and 15% of derailments associated with the rail-wheel interface. To tackle this challenge, the SIA consortium brings together multidisciplinary and cross sector partners (EGNSS technology providers, research centres, IT companies and railway stakeholders) that will co-design EGNSS solutions truly adapted to the needs of the rail sector.

Railway infrastructure and vehicle maintenance are estimated to cost over 25 billion Euros per year in Europe, and this figure is rising1 . The distribution of maintenance expenses varies in different countries and organizations. However, in relation to the railway infrastructure, track expenses represent between 40%-70% of the operational expenses, where the defects associated with the rails and catenary are the most significant (30% and 50% respectively). Other major maintenance costs relate to vehicle equipment such as the wheelset and pantograph (typically between 30%-50% and 5%-10% of the overall vehicle’s maintenance cost respectively). These figures are similar for all the infrastructure managers (IMs) and train operating companies (TOCs), which in total accounts for 330 organizations in the EU and 1500 organisations worldwide, therefore incurring over 8 billion Euros in recurrent expenses in the EU.

SIA project (System for vehicle-infrastructure Interaction Assets health status monitoring) has been funded by EUSPA since 2018 with the objective of developing four ready-to-use new services, to provide prognostic information about the health status of railways’ most demanding assets in terms of maintenance costs, at the points of the interaction between the vehicle and the infrastructure (wheelset, pantograph, rail, and catenary).

iCatMon is a service oriented towards IMs and maintenance subcontractors. The service provides information about the status of the overhead line (e.g. geometry of the Overhead Contact Wire - OCW).

iPantMon is intended for TOCs, providing information about the status of the pantograph during its interaction with the OCW (e.g. contact dynamics).

iWheelMon is also intended for TOCs, this service provides information about the health status of the wheelset (e.g. wheel diameter, out-of-roundness).

iRailMon is a service oriented towards IMs and maintenance subcontractors, the service provides information about defects on the rails (e.g. short-wave irregularities).

To enable these services, a modular system with all of the required components from vehicle sensor networks to KPI visualization for the end user has been developed. The value proposition of SIA is to develop these components in the most cost-effective way, i.e. with the use of cost-effective sensors and systems. 

The SIA components include a sub-system for the recording of axle-box acceleration (ABA) data that can be related to defects in the track and wheelset. Another sub-system includes sensors that provide signals to characterize the interaction between the pantograph and catenary. EGNSS- based localization is performed, with real time processing of GNSS signals in multiple frequency bands including Galileo and map-supported refinement using Kalman filter methods in the back-office. A central datahub provides the onboard data management and communicates with the back-office part of SIA, for instance, to send events or detections in the monitoring data. The axle-box acceleration and pantograph data enriched with position information are further processed using component degradation models and analysis algorithms in the back-office. Finally, relevant asset key performance indicators (KPI) are displayed to the user in the visualization platform, with a rich functionality to illustrate the asset status and its evolution using different capabilities. 

To validate the results, pilot tests have been carried out since October 2020 in three different scenarios: one of them coordinated by OBB (Österreichische Bundesbahnen), the Austrian operator, using both inspection vehicles and regular in-service trains throughout Austrian rail network; another scenario coordinated by VIAS, a Spanish maintenance subcontractor, using for the installation of the system a maintenance vehicle circulating over Madrid-Córdoba high-speed line; and the third scenario was coordinated by FGC (Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat de Catalunya), a Spanish regional TOC, using regular in-service trains throughout its whole network.

The results obtained so far are very promising. The aim is to validate the use of low-cost on-board systems to assess the health status of infrastructure and vehicle assets using the four developed services. Part of this success is due to the use of digital twins and AI technologies to extract health related KPIs. Some of the activities within the project contributed to the creation of a tech startup (MainRail Solutions), dedicated to the management of railway infrastructure. This start-up, created by Ceit and Inycom (linked third party of INGECONTROL) in 2020, has initiated its activities by deploying its first commercial references, e.g. tranvía Zaragoza (Spain)  and SFM (Mallorca Railways, Spain) and PoC (Proof of Concept) pilots with other TOCs and IMs in Spain.

The implementation of the SIA system in regular service trains will enable a reduction in the costs associated with maintenance, while keeping the required levels of safety and service availability. The low-cost nature of the on-board equipment and the capabilities brought by the new services can potentially lead to reductions of 10% in the cost of the maintenance associated to the infrastructure’s assets, thanks to a reduction of unscheduled actions and MTTR (Mean Time To React).

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).

• 1. Using analytics to get European rail maintenance on track, McKinsey & Company, 2020

Space based services will help reduce 15% of railway maintenance costs, 25% of maintenance unscheduled events and 15% of derailments associated with the rail-wheel interface. To tackle this challenge, the SIA consortium brings together multidisciplinary and cross sector partners (EGNSS technology providers, research centres, IT companies and railway stakeholders) that will co-design EGNSS solutions truly adapted to the needs of the rail sector.

Railway infrastructure and vehicle maintenance are estimated to cost over 25 billion Euros per year in Europe, and this figure is rising1 . The distribution of maintenance expenses varies in different countries and organizations. However, in relation to the railway infrastructure, track expenses represent between 40%-70% of the operational expenses, where the defects associated with the rails and catenary are the most significant (30% and 50% respectively). Other major maintenance costs relate to vehicle equipment such as the wheelset and pantograph (typically between 30%-50% and 5%-10% of the overall vehicle’s maintenance cost respectively). These figures are similar for all the infrastructure managers (IMs) and train operating companies (TOCs), which in total accounts for 330 organizations in the EU and 1500 organisations worldwide, therefore incurring over 8 billion Euros in recurrent expenses in the EU.

SIA project (System for vehicle-infrastructure Interaction Assets health status monitoring) has been funded by EUSPA since 2018 with the objective of developing four ready-to-use new services, to provide prognostic information about the health status of railways’ most demanding assets in terms of maintenance costs, at the points of the interaction between the vehicle and the infrastructure (wheelset, pantograph, rail, and catenary).

iCatMon is a service oriented towards IMs and maintenance subcontractors. The service provides information about the status of the overhead line (e.g. geometry of the Overhead Contact Wire - OCW).

iPantMon is intended for TOCs, providing information about the status of the pantograph during its interaction with the OCW (e.g. contact dynamics).

iWheelMon is also intended for TOCs, this service provides information about the health status of the wheelset (e.g. wheel diameter, out-of-roundness).

iRailMon is a service oriented towards IMs and maintenance subcontractors, the service provides information about defects on the rails (e.g. short-wave irregularities).

To enable these services, a modular system with all of the required components from vehicle sensor networks to KPI visualization for the end user has been developed. The value proposition of SIA is to develop these components in the most cost-effective way, i.e. with the use of cost-effective sensors and systems. 

The SIA components include a sub-system for the recording of axle-box acceleration (ABA) data that can be related to defects in the track and wheelset. Another sub-system includes sensors that provide signals to characterize the interaction between the pantograph and catenary. EGNSS- based localization is performed, with real time processing of GNSS signals in multiple frequency bands including Galileo and map-supported refinement using Kalman filter methods in the back-office. A central datahub provides the onboard data management and communicates with the back-office part of SIA, for instance, to send events or detections in the monitoring data. The axle-box acceleration and pantograph data enriched with position information are further processed using component degradation models and analysis algorithms in the back-office. Finally, relevant asset key performance indicators (KPI) are displayed to the user in the visualization platform, with a rich functionality to illustrate the asset status and its evolution using different capabilities. 

To validate the results, pilot tests have been carried out since October 2020 in three different scenarios: one of them coordinated by OBB (Österreichische Bundesbahnen), the Austrian operator, using both inspection vehicles and regular in-service trains throughout Austrian rail network; another scenario coordinated by VIAS, a Spanish maintenance subcontractor, using for the installation of the system a maintenance vehicle circulating over Madrid-Córdoba high-speed line; and the third scenario was coordinated by FGC (Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat de Catalunya), a Spanish regional TOC, using regular in-service trains throughout its whole network.

The results obtained so far are very promising. The aim is to validate the use of low-cost on-board systems to assess the health status of infrastructure and vehicle assets using the four developed services. Part of this success is due to the use of digital twins and AI technologies to extract health related KPIs. Some of the activities within the project contributed to the creation of a tech startup (MainRail Solutions), dedicated to the management of railway infrastructure. This start-up, created by Ceit and Inycom (linked third party of INGECONTROL) in 2020, has initiated its activities by deploying its first commercial references, e.g. tranvía Zaragoza (Spain)  and SFM (Mallorca Railways, Spain) and PoC (Proof of Concept) pilots with other TOCs and IMs in Spain.

The implementation of the SIA system in regular service trains will enable a reduction in the costs associated with maintenance, while keeping the required levels of safety and service availability. The low-cost nature of the on-board equipment and the capabilities brought by the new services can potentially lead to reductions of 10% in the cost of the maintenance associated to the infrastructure’s assets, thanks to a reduction of unscheduled actions and MTTR (Mean Time To React).

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).

• 1. Using analytics to get European rail maintenance on track, McKinsey & Company, 2020

Space based services will help reduce 15% of railway maintenance costs, 25% of maintenance unscheduled events and 15% of derailments associated with the rail-wheel interface. To tackle this challenge, the SIA consortium brings together multidisciplinary and cross sector partners (EGNSS technology providers, research centres, IT companies and railway stakeholders) that will co-design EGNSS solutions truly adapted to the needs of the rail sector.

Railway infrastructure and vehicle maintenance are estimated to cost over 25 billion Euros per year in Europe, and this figure is rising1 . The distribution of maintenance expenses varies in different countries and organizations. However, in relation to the railway infrastructure, track expenses represent between 40%-70% of the operational expenses, where the defects associated with the rails and catenary are the most significant (30% and 50% respectively). Other major maintenance costs relate to vehicle equipment such as the wheelset and pantograph (typically between 30%-50% and 5%-10% of the overall vehicle’s maintenance cost respectively). These figures are similar for all the infrastructure managers (IMs) and train operating companies (TOCs), which in total accounts for 330 organizations in the EU and 1500 organisations worldwide, therefore incurring over 8 billion Euros in recurrent expenses in the EU.

SIA project (System for vehicle-infrastructure Interaction Assets health status monitoring) has been funded by EUSPA since 2018 with the objective of developing four ready-to-use new services, to provide prognostic information about the health status of railways’ most demanding assets in terms of maintenance costs, at the points of the interaction between the vehicle and the infrastructure (wheelset, pantograph, rail, and catenary).

iCatMon is a service oriented towards IMs and maintenance subcontractors. The service provides information about the status of the overhead line (e.g. geometry of the Overhead Contact Wire - OCW).

iPantMon is intended for TOCs, providing information about the status of the pantograph during its interaction with the OCW (e.g. contact dynamics).

iWheelMon is also intended for TOCs, this service provides information about the health status of the wheelset (e.g. wheel diameter, out-of-roundness).

iRailMon is a service oriented towards IMs and maintenance subcontractors, the service provides information about defects on the rails (e.g. short-wave irregularities).

To enable these services, a modular system with all of the required components from vehicle sensor networks to KPI visualization for the end user has been developed. The value proposition of SIA is to develop these components in the most cost-effective way, i.e. with the use of cost-effective sensors and systems. 

The SIA components include a sub-system for the recording of axle-box acceleration (ABA) data that can be related to defects in the track and wheelset. Another sub-system includes sensors that provide signals to characterize the interaction between the pantograph and catenary. EGNSS- based localization is performed, with real time processing of GNSS signals in multiple frequency bands including Galileo and map-supported refinement using Kalman filter methods in the back-office. A central datahub provides the onboard data management and communicates with the back-office part of SIA, for instance, to send events or detections in the monitoring data. The axle-box acceleration and pantograph data enriched with position information are further processed using component degradation models and analysis algorithms in the back-office. Finally, relevant asset key performance indicators (KPI) are displayed to the user in the visualization platform, with a rich functionality to illustrate the asset status and its evolution using different capabilities. 

To validate the results, pilot tests have been carried out since October 2020 in three different scenarios: one of them coordinated by OBB (Österreichische Bundesbahnen), the Austrian operator, using both inspection vehicles and regular in-service trains throughout Austrian rail network; another scenario coordinated by VIAS, a Spanish maintenance subcontractor, using for the installation of the system a maintenance vehicle circulating over Madrid-Córdoba high-speed line; and the third scenario was coordinated by FGC (Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat de Catalunya), a Spanish regional TOC, using regular in-service trains throughout its whole network.

The results obtained so far are very promising. The aim is to validate the use of low-cost on-board systems to assess the health status of infrastructure and vehicle assets using the four developed services. Part of this success is due to the use of digital twins and AI technologies to extract health related KPIs. Some of the activities within the project contributed to the creation of a tech startup (MainRail Solutions), dedicated to the management of railway infrastructure. This start-up, created by Ceit and Inycom (linked third party of INGECONTROL) in 2020, has initiated its activities by deploying its first commercial references, e.g. tranvía Zaragoza (Spain)  and SFM (Mallorca Railways, Spain) and PoC (Proof of Concept) pilots with other TOCs and IMs in Spain.

The implementation of the SIA system in regular service trains will enable a reduction in the costs associated with maintenance, while keeping the required levels of safety and service availability. The low-cost nature of the on-board equipment and the capabilities brought by the new services can potentially lead to reductions of 10% in the cost of the maintenance associated to the infrastructure’s assets, thanks to a reduction of unscheduled actions and MTTR (Mean Time To React).

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).

• 1. Using analytics to get European rail maintenance on track, McKinsey & Company, 2020

Space based services will help reduce 15% of railway maintenance costs, 25% of maintenance unscheduled events and 15% of derailments associated with the rail-wheel interface. To tackle this challenge, the SIA consortium brings together multidisciplinary and cross sector partners (EGNSS technology providers, research centres, IT companies and railway stakeholders) that will co-design EGNSS solutions truly adapted to the needs of the rail sector.

Railway infrastructure and vehicle maintenance are estimated to cost over 25 billion Euros per year in Europe, and this figure is rising1 . The distribution of maintenance expenses varies in different countries and organizations. However, in relation to the railway infrastructure, track expenses represent between 40%-70% of the operational expenses, where the defects associated with the rails and catenary are the most significant (30% and 50% respectively). Other major maintenance costs relate to vehicle equipment such as the wheelset and pantograph (typically between 30%-50% and 5%-10% of the overall vehicle’s maintenance cost respectively). These figures are similar for all the infrastructure managers (IMs) and train operating companies (TOCs), which in total accounts for 330 organizations in the EU and 1500 organisations worldwide, therefore incurring over 8 billion Euros in recurrent expenses in the EU.

SIA project (System for vehicle-infrastructure Interaction Assets health status monitoring) has been funded by EUSPA since 2018 with the objective of developing four ready-to-use new services, to provide prognostic information about the health status of railways’ most demanding assets in terms of maintenance costs, at the points of the interaction between the vehicle and the infrastructure (wheelset, pantograph, rail, and catenary).

iCatMon is a service oriented towards IMs and maintenance subcontractors. The service provides information about the status of the overhead line (e.g. geometry of the Overhead Contact Wire - OCW).

iPantMon is intended for TOCs, providing information about the status of the pantograph during its interaction with the OCW (e.g. contact dynamics).

iWheelMon is also intended for TOCs, this service provides information about the health status of the wheelset (e.g. wheel diameter, out-of-roundness).

iRailMon is a service oriented towards IMs and maintenance subcontractors, the service provides information about defects on the rails (e.g. short-wave irregularities).

To enable these services, a modular system with all of the required components from vehicle sensor networks to KPI visualization for the end user has been developed. The value proposition of SIA is to develop these components in the most cost-effective way, i.e. with the use of cost-effective sensors and systems. 

The SIA components include a sub-system for the recording of axle-box acceleration (ABA) data that can be related to defects in the track and wheelset. Another sub-system includes sensors that provide signals to characterize the interaction between the pantograph and catenary. EGNSS- based localization is performed, with real time processing of GNSS signals in multiple frequency bands including Galileo and map-supported refinement using Kalman filter methods in the back-office. A central datahub provides the onboard data management and communicates with the back-office part of SIA, for instance, to send events or detections in the monitoring data. The axle-box acceleration and pantograph data enriched with position information are further processed using component degradation models and analysis algorithms in the back-office. Finally, relevant asset key performance indicators (KPI) are displayed to the user in the visualization platform, with a rich functionality to illustrate the asset status and its evolution using different capabilities. 

To validate the results, pilot tests have been carried out since October 2020 in three different scenarios: one of them coordinated by OBB (Österreichische Bundesbahnen), the Austrian operator, using both inspection vehicles and regular in-service trains throughout Austrian rail network; another scenario coordinated by VIAS, a Spanish maintenance subcontractor, using for the installation of the system a maintenance vehicle circulating over Madrid-Córdoba high-speed line; and the third scenario was coordinated by FGC (Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat de Catalunya), a Spanish regional TOC, using regular in-service trains throughout its whole network.

The results obtained so far are very promising. The aim is to validate the use of low-cost on-board systems to assess the health status of infrastructure and vehicle assets using the four developed services. Part of this success is due to the use of digital twins and AI technologies to extract health related KPIs. Some of the activities within the project contributed to the creation of a tech startup (MainRail Solutions), dedicated to the management of railway infrastructure. This start-up, created by Ceit and Inycom (linked third party of INGECONTROL) in 2020, has initiated its activities by deploying its first commercial references, e.g. tranvía Zaragoza (Spain)  and SFM (Mallorca Railways, Spain) and PoC (Proof of Concept) pilots with other TOCs and IMs in Spain.

The implementation of the SIA system in regular service trains will enable a reduction in the costs associated with maintenance, while keeping the required levels of safety and service availability. The low-cost nature of the on-board equipment and the capabilities brought by the new services can potentially lead to reductions of 10% in the cost of the maintenance associated to the infrastructure’s assets, thanks to a reduction of unscheduled actions and MTTR (Mean Time To React).

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).

• 1. Using analytics to get European rail maintenance on track, McKinsey & Company, 2020

Just 60 nautical miles off Svalbard, in the freezing arctic waters, the second-largest rescue operation was deemed successful thanks to Galileo Search and Rescue capabilities. 

Receding sea ice is opening up the Arctic Ocean and is enabling longer seasons of ship navigation and new access to previously difficult-to-reach ports. According to an Arctic Council report, the number of ships entering the Arctic grew by 25% between 2013-2019. Increased maritime traffic in polar regions presents many challenges mainly due to the remoteness from shore. In the event of ship grounding or collision Search and Rescue crews need to defy, rough seas and freezing temperatures to timely evacuate the ship.

To ensure preparedness in case of emergency, exercises and drills are often conducted by local authorities. AMRO 2021 which stands for Arctic Mass Rescue Operation was a full-scale live exercise that took place on Friday 8 October 2021 organized by the Norwegian authorities.  

The scenario surrounded a cruise ship that caught on fire with around 200 passengers onboard, located northwest of Spitsbergen far from roads, cabins, rescue crews and other infrastructure. To send the distress signal the crew onboard the vessel activated a Galileo-enabled EPIRB compatible with the Return Link Service, a unique Galileo feature. Upon activation, it took only 2:20 minutes for the Galileo System to track down the ship with an accuracy below one kilometer and deliver an SOS acknowledgement to the active EPIRB. Once the Mission Control Centers received the distress signal and established the location, two Super Puma helicopters from the Governor of Svalbard, a Sea King from 330 squadron of the Royal Norwegian Air Force and the Norwegian coast guard support vessel were scrambled to support the massive evacuation of the passengers.

Read this: The Galileo Search and Rescue ground facilities are now upgraded for MEOSAR Full Operational Capability performance

‘’The AMRO 2021 exercise was an excellent opportunity for the European Union Agency for the Space Programme to showcase the power of Galileo SAR but also the robust performance of Galileo at high latitudes in comparison to other GNSS constellations’’ says Guerric Pont, Head of Galileo Department at EUSPA. 

A Galileo-enabled EPIRB

Since the declaration of its Initial Services in December 2016, Galileo has enabled a multitude of new solutions across all market segments. One of the system’s unique features is the pioneering Galileo Return Link Service (RLS). The Galileo RLS allows people in distress to receive an automatic acknowledgement that their signal has been picked up by the first responders. Galileo’s contribution to the Medium Earth Orbit Satellites Search and Rescue System (MEOSAR) managed by the International COSPAS-SARSAT Programme translates into 2000 lives saved per year. 

Galileo’s SAR operations can be further supported thanks to the valuable contribution of Copernicus data on the state of seas and oceans. The Copernicus Marine Service can provide authorities and rescue centers input such as wave height, sea current direction as well as and water temperature among others.  

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).

Just 60 nautical miles off Svalbard, in the freezing arctic waters, the second-largest rescue operation was deemed successful thanks to Galileo Search and Rescue capabilities. 

Receding sea ice is opening up the Arctic Ocean and is enabling longer seasons of ship navigation and new access to previously difficult-to-reach ports. According to an Arctic Council report, the number of ships entering the Arctic grew by 25% between 2013-2019. Increased maritime traffic in polar regions presents many challenges mainly due to the remoteness from shore. In the event of ship grounding or collision Search and Rescue crews need to defy, rough seas and freezing temperatures to timely evacuate the ship.

To ensure preparedness in case of emergency, exercises and drills are often conducted by local authorities. AMRO 2021 which stands for Arctic Mass Rescue Operation was a full-scale live exercise that took place on Friday 8 October 2021 organized by the Norwegian authorities.  

The scenario surrounded a cruise ship that caught on fire with around 200 passengers onboard, located northwest of Spitsbergen far from roads, cabins, rescue crews and other infrastructure. To send the distress signal the crew onboard the vessel activated a Galileo-enabled EPIRB compatible with the Return Link Service, a unique Galileo feature. Upon activation, it took only 2:20 minutes for the Galileo System to track down the ship with an accuracy below one kilometer and deliver an SOS acknowledgement to the active EPIRB. Once the Mission Control Centers received the distress signal and established the location, two Super Puma helicopters from the Governor of Svalbard, a Sea King from 330 squadron of the Royal Norwegian Air Force and the Norwegian coast guard support vessel were scrambled to support the massive evacuation of the passengers.

Read this: The Galileo Search and Rescue ground facilities are now upgraded for MEOSAR Full Operational Capability performance

‘’The AMRO 2021 exercise was an excellent opportunity for the European Union Agency for the Space Programme to showcase the power of Galileo SAR but also the robust performance of Galileo at high latitudes in comparison to other GNSS constellations’’ says Guerric Pont, Head of Galileo Department at EUSPA. 

A Galileo-enabled EPIRB

Since the declaration of its Initial Services in December 2016, Galileo has enabled a multitude of new solutions across all market segments. One of the system’s unique features is the pioneering Galileo Return Link Service (RLS). The Galileo RLS allows people in distress to receive an automatic acknowledgment that their signal has been picked up by the first responders. Galileo’s contribution to the Medium Earth Orbit Satellites Search and Rescue System (MEOSAR) managed by the International COSPAS-SARSAT Programme translates into 2000 lives saved per year. 

Galileo’s SAR operations can be further supported thanks to the valuable contribution of Copernicus data on the state of seas and oceans. The Copernicus Marine Service can provide authorities and rescue centers input such as wave height, sea current direction as well as and water temperature among others.  

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 EGNOS ground segment in Torrejon de Ardoz, Spain and Ciampino, Italy is currently undergoing an important upgrade to ensure further robustness and integrity of services to the users of Europe’s Satellite-Based-Augmentation System (SBAS).

EGNOS, the European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service, has been augmenting GPS signal and providing services to users in Europe since June 2005. The provision of EGNOS services is generating tangible benefits to numerous market segments, including road, rail, maritime, geomatics, agriculture and in particular aviation. About to celebrate its 10th Safety of Life (SoL) anniversary, the system is currently replacing its five Central Processing Facilities (CPF) of first generation with new, second generation ones.

The role of CPFs is to process the data received from the network of more than 40 reference stations (RIMS) to elaborate clock and ephemeris corrections for each GPS satellite in view. CPFs generate a model for ionospheric induced delays over the EGNOS service area to compensate for ionospheric perturbations to the navigation signals ensuring the integrity of the broadcast corrections. The second generation CPFs, developed by Thales Alenia Space, come together with the entry into service of a new EGNOS System Release "ESR-242A". 

A step-wise approach

The changes in the EGNOS ground segment were performed in a seamless manner without any interruption from an EGNOS user point of view, and without compromising at any moment the EGNOS performance. The deployment plan ensures the service continuity on the two geostationary satellites, with just few minutes outage in each. A two-month testing period will follow before decommissioning the old CPF, allowing for a rollback in case of need.

"The CPF upgrade is an important building block which will further ensure the uninterrupted and robust provision of service to our diverse group of users that grows daily," says Jean-Marc Piéplu, Head of EGNOS Services Department. "Congratulations to all teams involved, industry, the service provider, ESA and EUSPA teams," Piéplu concludes.

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).

Two out of the six challenges included in the #myEUSpace competition are targeting solutions that will power Europe’s efforts to become climate neutral by 2050.

The EU space technology has a fundamental role in the delivery of innovative solutions and #myEUspace competition is the perfect tool at the fingertips of entrepreneurs and visionaries with deeper technical knowledge of EGNSS and/or Copernicus. In the "Our Green Planet" challenge "environmental entrepreneurs" are tasked with developing trailblazing solutions to address environmental challenges, promote sustainable life, consumption and production, but also mitigate climate change, by relying on space services from the EU Space Programme.

Since their inception, the EU’s flagships, Galileo and EGNOS have been contributing to the rollout of sustainable transport modes by reducing emissions, when optimizing routes in the air, on land and at sea. In particular, the use of satellite navigation systems such as Galileo, in road vehicles, can reduce journey times by more than ten per cent, and thus contribute to cutting down emissions. Likewise, geospatial data by Copernicus can also be used to improve site selection of assets such as solar panels or wind turbines. Imagery from the Sentinel satellites offers greater situational awareness and help mitigate risks such as vegetation encroachment on power grids and turbines. 

EUSPA supporting EU Green Deal objectives

The EU Green Deal is a multilayered package of well though-out policies and initiatives aimed not only at reversing climate change but also shifting the European economic model to a new more sustainable path. To do so, significant investment is needed in new digital technologies that will help curb greenhouse gas emissions, support the development of green infrastructure and promote the circular economy model. The two challenges are, to a large extend, interlinked with the objectives of the Deal.

EUSPA has previously founded applications with an eco-friendly approach such as the autonomous robotic solution 10Lines, or ThunderFly, a drone performing atmosphere analyses, leveraging services and data from Galileo and Copernicus.

Farming by Satellite in line with the Farm to Fork Strategy

The aim of the challenge is to promote Galileo, Europe’s Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) and Copernicus, the EU Earth Observation (EO) services in agriculture.

Grassland and cropland together make up 39 % of Europe's land cover. Today’s agricultural landscape is facing the challenge of producing enough food to respond to a rapid world population growth, while reducing its environmental footprint in terms of emissions, soil degradation, water consumption, fertilizer and pesticide application. To tackle these challenges more and more farmers and agriculturists across the European Union resort to precision agriculture.

When working in synergy, Galileo, EGNOS and Copernicus contribute to smart and sustainable farming techniques. With around 70% of new GNSS tractors using Galileo and another 97% using EGNOS, the EU space technology is becoming the preferred technology for precision farming in Europe. With Galileo’s capability of combining signals from other constellations (GPS, GLONASS) and with corrections coming from EGNOS coupled with the upcoming Galileo High Accuracy Service, service provision becomes more seamless than ever. EU farmers are able to steer their machinery precisely and, fertilise exactly where needed. Thanks to the joint usage of EU Space assets, it is estimated that EU farmers can save up to 20% of pesticides and fertilisers. 

The "Farming by Satellite" challenge is built around the unlimited opportunities the EU Space Programme components generate to the benefit of agribusiness. Participants are asked to get creative and come up with solutions to manage the variability of agricultural production, improve crop yield, reduce environmental impact and optimize the food chain in line with the EU’s Farm to Fork strategy and Green Deal.

For more information about the competition, the next steps and the evaluation criteria please consult our page 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).

Two out of the six challenges included in the #myEUSpace competition are targeting solutions that will power Europe’s efforts to become climate neutral by 2050.

The EU space technology has a fundamental role in the delivery of innovative solutions and #myEUspace competition is the perfect tool at the fingertips of entrepreneurs and visionaries with deeper technical knowledge of EGNSS and/or Copernicus. In the "Our Green Planet" challenge "environmental entrepreneurs" are tasked with developing trailblazing solutions to address environmental challenges, promote sustainable life, consumption and production, but also mitigate climate change, by relying on space services from the EU Space Programme.

Since their inception, the EU’s flagships, Galileo and EGNOS have been contributing to the rollout of sustainable transport modes by reducing emissions, when optimizing routes in the air, on land and at sea. In particular, the use of satellite navigation systems such as Galileo, in road vehicles, can reduce journey times by more than ten per cent, and thus contribute to cutting down emissions. Likewise, geospatial data by Copernicus can also be used to improve site selection of assets such as solar panels or wind turbines. Imagery from the Sentinel satellites offers greater situational awareness and help mitigate risks such as vegetation encroachment on power grids and turbines. 

EUSPA supporting EU Green Deal objectives

The EU Green Deal is a multilayered package of well though-out policies and initiatives aimed not only at reversing climate change but also shifting the European economic model to a new more sustainable path. To do so, significant investment is needed in new digital technologies that will help curb greenhouse gas emissions, support the development of green infrastructure and promote the circular economy model. The two challenges are, to a large extend, interlinked with the objectives of the Deal.

For this particular challenge, EUSPA will rely on the expertise of the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) when reviewing the proposals. The ECMWF is a research institute and a 24/7 operational service, producing global numerical weather predictions and other data for our Member and Co-operating States and the broader community. The Centre has one of the largest supercomputer facilities and meteorological data archives in the world. Other strategic activities include delivering advanced training and assisting the WMO in implementing its programmes.

EUSPA has previously founded applications with an eco-friendly approach such as the autonomous robotic solution 10Lines, or ThunderFly, a drone performing atmosphere analyses, leveraging services and data from Galileo and Copernicus.

Farming by Satellite in line with the Farm to Fork Strategy

The aim of the challenge is to promote Galileo, Europe’s Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) and Copernicus, the EU Earth Observation (EO) services in agriculture.

Grassland and cropland together make up 39 % of Europe's land cover. Today’s agricultural landscape is facing the challenge of producing enough food to respond to a rapid world population growth, while reducing its environmental footprint in terms of emissions, soil degradation, water consumption, fertilizer and pesticide application. To tackle these challenges more and more farmers and agriculturists across the European Union resort to precision agriculture.

When working in synergy, Galileo, EGNOS and Copernicus contribute to smart and sustainable farming techniques. With around 70% of new GNSS tractors using Galileo and another 97% using EGNOS, the EU space technology is becoming the preferred technology for precision farming in Europe. With Galileo’s capability of combining signals from other constellations (GPS, GLONASS) and with corrections coming from EGNOS coupled with the upcoming Galileo High Accuracy Service, service provision becomes more seamless than ever. EU farmers are able to steer their machinery precisely and, fertilise exactly where needed. Thanks to the joint usage of EU Space assets, it is estimated that EU farmers can save up to 20% of pesticides and fertilisers. 

The "Farming by Satellite" challenge is built around the unlimited opportunities the EU Space Programme components generate to the benefit of agribusiness. Participants are asked to get creative and come up with solutions to manage the variability of agricultural production, improve crop yield, reduce environmental impact and optimize the food chain in line with the EU’s Farm to Fork strategy and Green Deal.

For more information about the competition, the next steps and the evaluation criteria please consult our page 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).

Two out of the six challenges included in the #myEUSpace competition are targeting solutions that will power Europe’s efforts to become climate neutral by 2050.

The EU space technology has a fundamental role in the delivery of innovative solutions and #myEUspace competition is the perfect tool at the fingertips of entrepreneurs and visionaries with deeper technical knowledge of EGNSS and/or Copernicus. In the "Our Green Planet" challenge "environmental entrepreneurs" are tasked with developing trailblazing solutions to address environmental challenges, promote sustainable life, consumption and production, but also mitigate climate change, by relying on space services from the EU Space Programme.

Since their inception, the EU’s flagships, Galileo and EGNOS have been contributing to the rollout of sustainable transport modes by reducing emissions, when optimizing routes in the air, on land and at sea. In particular, the use of satellite navigation systems such as Galileo, in road vehicles, can reduce journey times by more than ten per cent, and thus contribute to cutting down emissions. Likewise, geospatial data by Copernicus can also be used to improve site selection of assets such as solar panels or wind turbines. Imagery from the Sentinel satellites offers greater situational awareness and help mitigate risks such as vegetation encroachment on power grids and turbines. 

EUSPA supporting EU Green Deal objectives

The EU Green Deal is a multilayered package of well though-out policies and initiatives aimed not only at reversing climate change but also shifting the European economic model to a new more sustainable path. To do so, significant investment is needed in new digital technologies that will help curb greenhouse gas emissions, support the development of green infrastructure and promote the circular economy model. The two challenges are, to a large extend, interlinked with the objectives of the Deal.

For this particular challenge, EUSPA will rely on the expertise of the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) when reviewing the proposals. The ECMWF is a research institute and a 24/7 operational service, producing global numerical weather predictions and other data for our Member and Co-operating States and the broader community.  ECMWF operates two services from the EU’s Copernicus Earth observation programme, the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS) and the Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) while it also contributes to the Copernicus Emergency Management Service (CEMS). 

EUSPA has previously founded applications with an eco-friendly approach such as the autonomous robotic solution 10Lines, or ThunderFly, a drone performing atmosphere analyses, leveraging services and data from Galileo and Copernicus.

Farming by Satellite in line with the Farm to Fork Strategy

The aim of the challenge is to promote Galileo, Europe’s Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) and Copernicus, the EU Earth Observation (EO) services in agriculture.

Grassland and cropland together make up 39 % of Europe's land cover. Today’s agricultural landscape is facing the challenge of producing enough food to respond to a rapid world population growth, while reducing its environmental footprint in terms of emissions, soil degradation, water consumption, fertilizer and pesticide application. To tackle these challenges more and more farmers and agriculturists across the European Union resort to precision agriculture.

When working in synergy, Galileo, EGNOS and Copernicus contribute to smart and sustainable farming techniques. With around 70% of new GNSS tractors using Galileo and another 97% using EGNOS, the EU space technology is becoming the preferred technology for precision farming in Europe. With Galileo’s capability of combining signals from other constellations (GPS, GLONASS) and with corrections coming from EGNOS coupled with the upcoming Galileo High Accuracy Service, service provision becomes more seamless than ever. EU farmers are able to steer their machinery precisely and, fertilise exactly where needed. Thanks to the joint usage of EU Space assets, it is estimated that EU farmers can save up to 20% of pesticides and fertilisers. 

The "Farming by Satellite" challenge is built around the unlimited opportunities the EU Space Programme components generate to the benefit of agribusiness. Participants are asked to get creative and come up with solutions to manage the variability of agricultural production, improve crop yield, reduce environmental impact and optimize the food chain in line with the EU’s Farm to Fork strategy and Green Deal.

For more information about the competition, the next steps and the evaluation criteria please consult our page 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).

Safety of life at sea and ocean protection have always been a top priority in the maritime sector. EUSPA is developing space services, tailored to the needs of this sector that generate tangible benefits to end users.

Maritime transportation is the backbone of the worldwide economic growth, representing 80% of the global merchant traffic. Europe is one of the leading maritime centres in the world with 329 key seaports along its coastline. In particular, the EU controls c.a. 30% of the world merchant fleet with five Member States claiming top fifteen positions (1st Greece 17.6%, 7th Germany 4.1%, 10th France 2.7%, 14th Denmark 2%, 15th Belgium 1.5%). 

For Europe to remain a top player in the waterborne transportation, the European Commission is investing in digital technologies that ensure safety of passengers and crew and minimise the environmental impact of maritime operations. Many of these new technologies rely on data and services generated by the EU Space Programme. 

Safety of human life at sea with Galileo SAR-RLS beacons

The launch of the Galileo constellation means a lot more than accurate navigation. The system was set up to also protect EU citizens through various services, one of them being the Galileo Search and Rescue (SAR) service, which in January 2020 announced a breakthrough feature: the Galileo Return Link Service (RLS).

Thanks to Galileo RLS, sailors in distress, with the appropriate beacon, will see a light indicating that their location has been established and the signal has been picked up by the first responders. So far, Galileo is the only constellation to offer such service to end users. The Galileo RLS increases survival rates by giving an important psychological boost to people in distress. Experts of Cospas-Sarsat estimated that the international SAR system, with the contribution of the Galileo Search and Rescue service, saves more than 2000 lives a year. To promote the market uptake of Galileo RLS beacons across the Union, EUSPA funded the HELIOS project, which equips beacons with this new feature. The first beacon with return link capability, the FastFind ReturnLink PLB, became available in Europe in March 2021.

Authentication of Galileo navigation message onboard vessels

Intentional satellite interreference is not a new issue. Lately, however the maritime industry has been increasingly facing GNSS spoofing incidents (Black Sea in 2017, Shanghai 2019, Louisiana 2020). Erroneous data of a vessel’s position, speed and direction poses real threats to its own operations but also to surrounding ships, especially those carrying dangerous goods. From leaving both crew and shipments vulnerable to hijacking and theft to guiding a vessel off course, the implications of falsifying GNSS signals can negatively impact the Union’s blue economy.

To contribute to the detection of GNSS attacks, the EU is currently testing the Galileo OS-NMA service. This forthcoming service is an authentication mechanism that allows GNSS receivers to verify the authenticity of GNSS information, making sure that the data they receive are indeed from Galileo and have not been modified in any way. Such a service will ensure the integrity of Europe’s own positioning system and will make it a pioneer in GNSS spoofing detection. Two projects funded by EUSPA, ASGARD and  Blueblox-Porbeagle are integrating this capability in Galileo DF shipborne receiver for navigation (ASGARD) and for position reporting in fishing vessels (Bluebox-Porbeagle). 

90% of maritime receivers are EGNOS-enabled and 30% Galileo-enabled.

Trusted precision in shallow waterways and heavy marine traffic

Global waterborne trade is on the rise and expected to double by 2030. The addition of new built vessels and their respective increase in size are squeezing shipping lanes. Coupled with the sprouting of wind offshore farms and the designation of new protected aquatic areas, marine traffic now requires new levels of stringent accuracy.

Galileo is the basis of an important layer of accuracy in open waters while the use of EGNOS corrections Europe wide is already making a difference in many inland waterways and ports.

Going one step ahead, EUSPA is currently developing a new EGNOS service dedicated to the maritime users, which will complement and serve as an alternative to the local DGNSS networks currently deployed along the European coasts. Additionally, in the maritime and inland waterways sector, EUSPA is supporting members states with the upgrade of shore station equipment that enables the transmission of EGNOS corrections over IALA Radio beacons and AIS stations. 

Below-meter accuracy provided by the EU Space Programme allows for precise manoeuvring at congested ports or constricted waterways while it also improves safety at sea.

Marine protection goes hand in hand with safety

Satellite images offer valuable input in decision and policy making as well as emergency response. From rapidly tracking oil spills to supporting authorities in managing incidents such as the Suez Canal Obstruction, Copernicus is a decisive resource of the European Union in ocean protection in line with Sustainable Development Goals 13 and 14.

Copernicus services include a Maritime Surveillance component that, in addition to other products, allows for the monitoring of ships and supports authorities in managing maritime traffic emergencies.

Copernicus services include a Maritime Surveillance component that, in addition to other products, allows for the monitoring of ships and supports authorities in managing maritime traffic emergencies.

Also, by combining satellite technologies maritime operators are able to better plan and execute the itineraries of their fleet. For instance, Copernicus can generate precious data on the strength and direction of ocean streams. Combing this knowledge with precise navigation offered by Galileo and EGNOS (in Europe) vessels can optimize their routes, spend less fuel and curb emissions. Prepare-Ships Project funded by EUSPA is developing such an application.

Jotun, for example, a leading manufacturer of antifouling paint and coatings uses data from the Copernicus Marine Service, in order to optimize the application of antifouling paint on the hulls and propellers of vessels and consequently reduce fuel and CO2 emissions.  

‘’The EU Space Programme supports European maritime operators, seafarers and national authorities with tools to enhance safety at sea, optimize navigation performance and protect the oceans. EUSPA, as a user-oriented agency, follows closely the needs of various markets, maritime included, to shape and deliver new space-based services,’’ says Rodrigo da Costa, EUSPA Executive Director. I would like to take this opportunity to wish all seafarers safe journeys, fair winds and following seas,’’ concludes da Costa.

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 2-day event, scheduled for November 8-9, will offer participants the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the latest funding opportunities for innovators, businesses and researchers but also an overview of latest novelties in the EU Space Programme and its services. You’ll be able to join us both physically and virtually!

The EU Space downstream sector has been experiencing a large growth over the last years as space data is becoming more and more accessible to end users. Businesses are turning into geospatial data from Copernicus or GNSS data from Galileo and EGNOS to take their businesses to new levels and optimize their operations. To help aspiring entrepreneurs, start-ups or SMEs incubate their ideas, EUSPA is organizing its first Space Downstream Innovation Days from the 8th of November 2021 to the 9th. The event will be held physically at our Prague Headquarters but also digitally through online means. 

Why attend?

The event aims at giving an overview to prospective applicants of the latest EUSPA/EU financial instruments for space business development. More specifically the programme will include: 

- an intro to the Horizon Europe Space Work Programme 2021-2022

- all you need to know about the EGNSS and Copernicus market uptake call

- an intro to the EIC Horizon and CASSINI Prize for digital space applications

Other funding opportunities include Fundamental Elements, EUSPA’s R&D tool to support the development of EGNSS-enabled chipsets, receivers and antennas and grants and procurements for the Galileo Public Regulated Service (PRS).

Opportunities for networking

Starting with Galileo, the second day will feature a session on new EU Space services and activities such as public testing opportunities for the Galileo High Accuracy Service (HAS) and Open Service Navigation Message Authentication (OS-NMA). The session will conclude with the current market uptake opportunities on Copernicus as well as a recap on the status development of the EU’s upcoming programme for governmental satellite communications, GOVSATCOM. A half-day event, Receiver Manufacturers Info Day, is scheduled for the afternoon of November 9th meant mainly for chipset and receiver manufacturers.

Participants will be able to pitch their ideas and find potential partners through a matchmaking service EUSPA will provide, while social networking events are planned for both days.  

"After the series of ‘virtual gatherings’ the past year, we finally have the opportunity to open our doors and connect with the vibrant EU Space community. It’s a great opportunity for EUSPA to interact with users, listen to their concerns, ideas, and answer to questions, so I encourage participants to join us for the physical event,’’ says Fiammetta Diani, Head of EUSPA Market Development Department. "Besides, it it’s a great time to explore cosmopolitan Prague, which by then will be in a wintry mode!’’ concludes Diani.

EUSPA is committed to observing all the necessary hygiene rules and therefore the capacity for the physical event will be limited. 

Registration will soon open on this page and a preliminary agenda can be found here. Stay tuned for more updates!

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 2-day event, scheduled for November 8-9, will offer participants the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the latest funding opportunities for innovators, businesses and researchers but also an overview of latest novelties in the EU Space Programme and its services. You’ll be able to join us both physically and virtually!

The EU Space downstream sector has been experiencing a large growth over the last years as space data is becoming more and more accessible to end users. Businesses are turning into geospatial data from Copernicus or GNSS data from Galileo and EGNOS to take their businesses to new levels and optimize their operations. To help aspiring entrepreneurs, start-ups or SMEs incubate their ideas, EUSPA is organizing its first Space Downstream Innovation Days from the 8th of November 2021 to the 9th. The event will be held physically at our Prague Headquarters but also digitally through online means. 

Why attend?

The event aims at giving an overview to prospective applicants of the latest EUSPA/EU financial instruments for space business development. More specifically the programme will include: 

- an intro to the Horizon Europe Space Work Programme 2021-2022

- all you need to know about the EGNSS and Copernicus market uptake call

- an intro to the EIC Horizon and CASSINI Prize for digital space applications

Other funding opportunities include Fundamental Elements, EUSPA’s R&D tool to support the development of EGNSS-enabled chipsets, receivers and antennas and grants and procurements for the Galileo Public Regulated Service (PRS).

Opportunities for networking

Starting with Galileo, the second day will feature a session on new EU Space services and activities such as public testing opportunities for the Galileo High Accuracy Service (HAS) and Open Service Navigation Message Authentication (OS-NMA). The session will conclude with the current market uptake opportunities on Copernicus as well as a recap on the status development of the EU’s upcoming programme for governmental satellite communications, GOVSATCOM. A workshop on EGNSS receivers is scheduled for the afternoon of November 9th reserved for chipset manufacturers only.

Participants will be able to pitch their ideas and find potential partners through a matchmaking service EUSPA will provide, while social networking events are planned for both days.  

"After the series of ‘virtual gatherings’ the past year, we finally have the opportunity to open our doors and connect with the vibrant EU Space community. It’s a great opportunity for EUSPA to interact with users, listen to their concerns, ideas, and answer to questions, so I encourage participants to join us for the physical event,’’ says Fiammetta Diani, Head of EUSPA Market Development Department. "Besides, it it’s a great time to explore cosmopolitan Prague, which by then will be in a wintry mode!’’ concludes Diani.

EUSPA is committed to observing all the necessary hygiene rules and therefore the capacity for the physical event will be limited. 

Registration will soon open on this page and a preliminary agenda can be found here. Stay tuned for more updates!

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 2-day event, scheduled for November 8-9, will offer participants the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the latest funding opportunities for innovators, businesses and researchers but also an overview of latest novelties in the EU Space Programme and its services. You’ll be able to join us both physically and virtually!

The EU Space downstream sector has been experiencing a large growth over the last years as space data is becoming more and more accessible to end users. Businesses are turning into geospatial data from Copernicus or GNSS data from Galileo and EGNOS to take their businesses to new levels and optimize their operations. To help aspiring entrepreneurs, start-ups or SMEs incubate their ideas, EUSPA is organizing its first Space Downstream Innovation Days from the 8th of November 2021 to the 9th. The event will be held physicallyat our Prague Headquarters but also digitally through online means. 

Why attend?

The event aims at giving an overview to prospective applicants of the latest EUSPA/EU financial instruments for space business development. More specifically the programme will include: 

- an intro to the Horizon Europe Space Work Programme 2021-2022

- all you need to know about the EGNSS and Copernicus market uptake call

- an intro to the EIC Horizon and CASSINI Prize for digital space applications

Other funding opportunities include Fundamental Elements, EUSPA’s R&D tool to support the development of EGNSS-enabled chipsets, receivers and antennas and grants and procurements for the Galileo Public Regulated Service (PRS).

Opportunities for networking

Starting with Galileo, the second day will feature a session on new EU Space services and activities such as public testing opportunities for the Galileo High Accuracy Service (HAS) and Open Service Navigation Message Authentication (OS-NMA). The session will conclude with the current market uptake opportunities on Copernicus as well as a recap on the status development of the EU’s upcoming programme for governmental satellite communications, GOVSATCOM. A workshop on EGNSS receivers is scheduled for the afternoon of November 9th reserved for chipset manufacturers only.

Participants will be able to pitch their ideas and find potential partners through a matchmaking service EUSPA will provide, while social networking events are planned for both days.  

"After the series of ‘virtual gatherings’ the past year, we finally have the opportunity to open our doors and connect with the vibrant EU Space community. It’s a great opportunity for EUSPA to interact with users, listen to their concerns, ideas, and answer to questions, so I encourage participants to join us for the physical event,’’ says Fiammetta Diani, Head of EUSPA Market Development Department. "Besides, it it’s a great time to explore cosmopolitan Prague, which by then will be in a wintry mode!’’ concludes Diani.

EUSPA is committed to observing all the necessary hygiene rules and therefore the capacity for the physical event will be limited. 

Registration will soon open on this page and a preliminary agenda can be found here. Stay tuned for more updates!

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).

INTERGEO, one of the major live events for the geospatial community, wrapped up yesterday at Hannover. Participating companies showcased their innovations and solutions in the fields of geodesy, geo-IT, Building Information Modelling (BIM), drones and Smart Cities. EUSPA was there to introduce its new mission to the geomatics community and highlight the importance of the forthcoming High Accuracy Service of Galileo.  

In line with the moto ‘’inspiration for a smarter world'’ and with sessions such as ‘’Green Data for All’’, the three-day event approached questions on sustainability with a particular focus on smart cities and urban planning. Machine Learning, Autonomous Driving and Virtual Reality were also trending topics among the participants together with the new possibilities that Precise Point Positioning (PPP) services are opening up to the geomatics user community.

Galileo High Accuracy Service HAS target markets include geomatics, precision agriculture and consumer solutions.

For the first time since its creation, EUSPA was present with Eduard Escalona, Space Downstream Market Officer, presenting the agency’s new mission, current funding opportunities as well as highlighting what the Galileo High Accuracy Service (HAS) will bring to the geospatial industry.

Standard high-accuracy services allow users to achieve sub-decimetre level positioning accuracy. In recent years, such services and their associated market are experiencing a massive uptick in interest thanks to the evolution of GNSS receivers and the rapid emergence of new applications requiring accurate location, which is making both equipment and services more affordable. Currently, high accuracy is mainly used in professional applications such as surveying, precision agriculture, civil engineering and geodesy, and is provided by the main GNSS augmentation service providers. However, new and emerging applications such as autonomous driving, unmanned vehicles (aerial, terrestrial and maritime), location-based services (LBS) or robotics are future markets.

With HAS, Galileo will be the first constellation able to provide a high-accuracy PPP service globally directly through the Signal in Space. Typically, high-accuracy services are based on the provision of accurate satellite data (clocks, orbits and biases) and atmospheric data (mainly ionospheric and tropospheric corrections) on a regional level. For Galileo, high-accuracy data will be transmitted using an open format in the Galileo E6-B signal and via the internet.

Read this: Precise Point Positioning opens up new possibilities for mass market applications

In synergy with Copernicus, the Galileo HAS will open up new market possibilities and help design new services.  

We are excited because the first ever Galileo HAS signal was broadcasted earlier this year and several external entities are already participating in a testing campaign. With this campaign, we wanted to work close with receiver manufacturers to ensure market readiness as soon as the initial services will be declared”.  

In March 2021, EUSPA together with the European Commission published an Information Note on the Galileo High Accuracy Service, providing an overview of the main characteristics of the service, along with information on features such as service levels, target performance, an implementation roadmap, and an overview of the target markets for the service. You can find the info note 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).

A few months after the entry into force of the EU Space Regulation and the subsequent signature of the Financial Framework Partnership Agreement (FFPA) between EC, EUSPA and ESA, EUSPA Executive Director da Costa welcomed Director General of DG DEFIS, T Pesonen and ESA, Director General, J Aschbacher for the first time at the headquarters of EUSPA in Prague.

In the coming years, the EU space industry will see many developments in the area of satellite navigation, satellite communication or Earth observation. Europe must team up to deliver innovative, value-adding applications based on EU Space technologies to compete worldwide. Cooperation between all the partners of the EU Space Programme is thus essential.

To reaffirm their commitment for collaboration, EUSPA Executive Director, Rodrigo da Costa, European Commission’s Director General Timo Pesonen and ESA’s Director General Josef Aschbacher met for the first time in Prague to discuss the implementation of the governance between the three entities, as set out in the EU Space Programme regulation. Pesonen, da Costa, and Aschbacher also participated in an open dialogue with EUSPA, EC and ESA staff to exchange views on upcoming joint activities. Cooperation between the three parties is at the heart of the FFPA concluded in late June 2021. As a capstone of this agreement, a Joint Office is being set up in Brussels. 

Read this: The new European Union Space Programme a successful European cooperation paradigm

"The collaboration between EUSPA, EC and ESA is fundamental to the success of the EU Space Programme. The staff of the three organisations will work together in many frames in day to day tasks, to streamline the programmatic and administrative processes and ensure the smooth delivery of the Union’s first ever integrated space programme," remarked EUSPA Director, Rodrigo da Costa.

"Together with Josef Aschbacher and Rodrigo da Costa, we have reset the cooperation between the Commission, the European Space Agency and EUSPA. The three organisations are fully committed to making Europe stronger in space and delivering on the priorities defined by Commissioner Breton: modernisation of Galileo and Copernicus, development of the Secure Connectivity Initiative and fostering the space ecosystem including New Space companies. Time has come to combine forces and talents!’’ said Director General of DG DEFIS, Timo Pesonen.

‘’On 22 June of this year, ESA signed the Financial Framework Partnership Agreement (FFPA) with DG DEFIS and EUSPA, formally stabilising the governance and tasks for each partner agency. Now, we need to ensure that the implementation runs smoothly. Together with Timo Pesonen and Rodrigo da Costa, I presented the fresh start of the EU-ESA cooperation and answered questions from colleagues at EUSPA Headquarters in Prague,’’ added ESA Director General, Josef Aschbacher.

During the first half of the day, guests had the time to acquaint themselves with the latest and most innovative applications that utilise data from the EU Space Programme such as H-GEAR. The EUSPA H2020-funded project developed a solution that combines the eCall technology with the forthcoming OS-NMA service of Galileo to offer both safety and security on the road.

Attracting entrepreneurial spirit with space innovation competitions 

The second half of the visit was dedicated to interacting with entrepreneurs and innovators from the host country. The Czech Republic has a flourishing ecosystem of start-ups and SMEs. Many are applying EU space technology in their operations. Recent examples of Czech space start-ups include #MyGalileoSolution winner, ThunderFly, an unmanned aerial vehicle designed to operate in unfavourable weather conditions using Galileo’s positioning services and data from Copernicus to perform atmosphere measurements. 

"Boosting the market uptake of all the EU Space Programme components is within EUSPA’s extended mandate. With #myEUspace we will provide funding to more than 50 start-ups and entrepreneurs to develop products that use EU Space data and technology. I encourage innovators from all backgrounds to apply. Space is ubiquitous and you do not need to be a rocket scientist to make use of it, so go for it!" says EUSPA Director, Rodrigo da Costa.

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 construction of a new Galileo Sensor Station in the Kerguelen Islands, in the French Southern and Antarctic Lands (TAAF), was recently completed. The installation of the infrastructure has now begun and will be followed by integration and testing of the GSS apparatuses, which will continue until May 2022 to ensure its robust functioning in view of the forthcoming Galileo satellites launches.

To make the best use of the Galileo services, users rely on much more than the satellites orbiting the earth at an altitude of 23.000km. Dedicated facilities such as the Galileo Control Centers (GCCs), the sensor and uplink stations are some of the most important components that make up the so-called ‘’Galileo Ground Segment’’ the role of which is to support the service provision of Europe’s own Global Navigation Satellite System. 

The Galileo Sensor Stations (GSS) are a network of antennas deployed at remote sites located around the world for real-time monitoring of the signal precision and quality, as well as establishing the satellite orbits with precision.

A new infrastructure was recently built in the Kerguelen Islands to host the newest, state-of-the art GSS. The new station will replace the previous one, built in the earliest stages of the programme, as part of an update of the world-wide network of the Galileo Ground Segment. These upgrades will further increase the performance of the European navigation and positioning system and guarantee an accurate, precise signal at all times across the globe. 

A remote EU location of significant importance. 

Situated in the sub-Antarctic region of the Indian Ocean, with a population of about 150 scientists, researchers and soldiers, the Kerguelen Islands are among the world’s most isolated places, 3500 km away from the Reunion island. Under French jurisdiction, these volcanic islands are part of Europe.

"Placing the GSS in the Kerguelen islands is of major importance. Galileo is the EU’s largest and most ambitious industrial project - maintaining its integrity and performance is of utmost importance for Europe and its citizens. This is a perfect location for both operational and security reasons" says Executive Director, Rodrigo da Costa.

Putting together the infrastructure was not easy due to the weather conditions and the island’s remote location. It is reached only four times a year by “Marion Dufresne”, a vessel departing from La Réunion, and anchoring off the Kerguelen Islands only after 15 days of sailing. The new GSS worth 2 million euros is fully funded by the European Union and is set to undergo tests until May 2022 to ensure its robust functioning in view of the forthcoming Galileo satellites launches.  

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 construction of a new Galileo Sensor Station in the Kerguelen Islands, in the French Southern and Antarctic Lands (TAAF), was recently completed. The installation of the infrastructure has now begun and will be followed by integration and testing of the GSS apparatuses, which will continue until May 2022 to ensure its robust functioning in view of the forthcoming Galileo satellites launches.

To make the best use of the Galileo services, users rely on much more than the satellites orbiting the Earth at an altitude of 23.000km. Dedicated facilities such as the Galileo Control Centers (GCCs), sensor and uplink stations are some of the most important components that make up the so-called ‘’Galileo Ground Segment’’ the role of which is to support the service provision of Europe’s own Global Navigation Satellite System. 

The Galileo Sensor Stations (GSS) are a network of antennas deployed at remote sites located around the world for real-time monitoring of the signal precision and quality, as well as establishing the satellite orbits with precision.

A new infrastructure was recently built in the Kerguelen Islands to host the newest, state-of-the art GSS. The new station will replace the previous one, built in the earliest stages of the programme, as part of an update of the world-wide network of the Galileo Ground Segment. These upgrades will further increase the performance of the European navigation and positioning system and guarantee an accurate, precise signal at all times across the globe. 

A remote EU location of significant importance. 

Situated in the sub-Antarctic region of the Indian Ocean, with a population of about 150 scientists, researchers and soldiers, the Kerguelen Islands are among the world’s most isolated places, 3500 km away from the Reunion Island. Under French jurisdiction, these volcanic islands are part of Europe.

"Placing the GSS in the Kerguelen islands is of major importance. Galileo is the EU’s largest and most ambitious industrial project - maintaining its integrity and performance is of utmost importance for Europe and its citizens. This is a perfect location for both operational and security reasons" says Executive Director, Rodrigo da Costa.

Putting together the infrastructure was not easy due to the weather conditions and the island’s remote location. It is reached only four times a year by “Marion Dufresne”, a vessel departing from La Réunion, and anchoring off the Kerguelen Islands only after 15 days of sailing. The new GSS of 2 million euros worth  is fully funded by the European Union and is set to undergo tests until May 2022 to ensure its robust functioning in view of the forthcoming Galileo satellites launches.  

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 20th EUROPEAN MOBILITY WEEK is on! This year’s motto is ‘Safe and Healthy with Sustainable Mobility’ paying tribute to the hardships felt by Europe – and the world – throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Space is a significant booster in the development of new, intelligent mobility solutions as well as the monitoring of important urban infrastructures. 

The European Mobility Week is the European Commission’s flagship awareness-raising campaign on sustainable urban mobility, promoting new ways of living in favour of active mobility, public transport, and other clean, intelligent transport solutions. The benefits of space services and data for sustainability and smart mobility are currently under the spotlight as the Union is investing more on its EU Space Programme for the definition of its green and digital policies. Here are 5 ways the EU Space Programme is positively impacting sustainable mobility: 

1. Streamlining urban traffic

Transport is one of the main sources of air pollution, which is known to have direct effect on mortality as well as respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. The use of satellite navigation systems such as Galileo in vehicles can reduce journey times by more than 10%, and thus contribute to reducing emissions of harmful and polluting substances. Copernicus services can support emissions monitoring by validating the measurements from existing sensors and providing data from areas not covered otherwise. 

2. Contributing to Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS)

ITS systems rely on positioning data, which has now become much more precise thanks to Galileo services. With the help of the EU’s GNSS, advanced implementation of Intelligent Transport System (ITS) is now becoming a reality for transport and mobility companies. The city of Madrid was among the first to integrate Galileo’s enhanced positioning services into its Transport System to improve public transport services in the Spanish capital. EU Space technology is becoming fundamental for the development of smart mobility solutions targeting the EU Green Deal.

3. Mobility infrastructure monitoring

Copernicus offers a broad range of products and services based on satellite optical data. Lidar images, can for instance, help urban planning authorities to identify changes in the terrain such as land subsidence or vegetation that could encroach rail tracks or power grids supplying the city with electricity. The combination of imagery from Copernicus with the very accurate positioning provided by Galileo allows for the monitoring of critical infrastructures tunnels, motorways and bridges.

4. Easing the flow of goods between EU cities during COVID-19

Developed by EUSPA in collaboration with the European Commission, the Galileo Green Lane app is a key tool in the EU’s COVID-19 pandemic response. By easing traffic flow through the EU’s borders, the app is helping to support a fundamental EU principle - the free movement of goods and freight in the internal market.

5. Faster emergency response on the road

As of April 2018, all new car models in the European Union are equipped with eCall technology. In the event of a serious accident, eCall automatically dials 112 - Europe's single emergency number - to provide faster assistance. Leveraging Galileo, the system sends the accurate position of the crashed vehicle and the direction of travel to the emergency services, enabling the emergency responders to get to the accident site faster. By speeding up emergency response times by 40% in urban areas and 50% in the countryside, it is estimated that eCall could help prevent 2,500 road deaths and save EUR 26 billion every year.

Towns and cities worldwide are invited to participate in the EUROPEANMOBILITYWEEK, which takes place 16-22 September each year, check out the interactive map to see if your city is taking part. 

More info and registration 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).

After a year of digital events, EUSPA greeted autumn with two events in physical format. Startup OLÉ and European Rover Challenger were two great opportunities for EUSPA to showcase EU Space success stories and opportunities to the old and new EU Space community.

Providing satellite-based services to a broad spectrum of industries has always been at the core of EUSPA’s mission. To do so, and to keep abreast of their needs, the agency has since its inception been interacting with users through various fora, consultation platforms, industry days and exhibitions. While last year found our EUSPA teams wired to digital events, this September our colleagues hit the road to introduce our revamped agency to the EU Space community.

‘’Engaging in live events with users whose businesses and operations rely on GNSS and EO data, is pivotal for the development of a robust downstream space sector. EUSPA stays in the know by closely monitoring market trends and adapting, devising and implementing strategic plans that guarantee the market uptake of the EU Space Programme,’’ says Fiammetta Diani, Head of Market Development at EUSPA. ‘’Every year, we try to participate at events across Europe to bring ‘’more space’’ to entrepreneurship and innovation,’’ concludes Diani.

While observing all the necessary hygiene measures, our EUSPA team flew to Salamanca, Spain and Kielc, Poland for two special events:

Sparking space entrepreneurship at Startup OLÉ

Held in Salamanca, Startup OLÉ is a conference that brings together start-ups, accelerators, investors, and public institutions, and through activities such as matchmaking, panels and roundtables, helps them develop synergies and secure financing opportunities. EUSPA hosted a panel on innovative solutions driven by space data, which featured Marco Nisi, Head of Integrated space-based solutions at Sistematica S.p.A. and CEO of  SARA Project and Iñigo Adin, Director of the Electronic Systems and Communications Group at CEIT (Centro de Estudios e Investigaciones Técnicas de Gipuzkoa)  as main speakers. Both Nisi and Adin talked about their experience with developing projects under the H2020 funding mechanism, challenges and lessons learned.

Quotes:

Mike Rhodes, CEO at Allerayde and previous participant in #MyGalileoSolution competition explained how thanks to EUSPA he managed to develop a prototype much faster and why such innovation competitions are a great booster for start-ups.

#EUSpace robotic solutions turning the planet greener

The European Rover Challenge is a prestigious space and robotics event combining international competitions of mobile robots with scientific and technological shows. Sunday September 12th was dedicated to robotic solutions and Earth protection. Justyna Redełkiewicz, Head of Sector LBS, Market & Technology at EUSPA presented the agency’s new scope as well as the key contributions of the EU Space Programme to environmental protection.

From IoT and Augmented Reality to autonomous robotic systems, space data is enabling many of the current market and tech trends. Robotics rely on various sources to position themselves and navigate ranging from LiDAR sensors to GNSS data. The contribution of Galileo’s positioning services and the extra precision guaranteed by EGNOS help robotic applications optimise their routes and thus calibrate their overall performance.

In the past, EUSPA has funded various robotic ideas some of which include, GreenPatrol,  a robotic solution for Integrated Pest Management in Greenhouses, and 10Lines, a Galileo-enabled autonomous parking lot solution. 10Lines robots can strip parking lots seven times faster than current processes, requiring less supervision, eliminating the time-consuming measuring and pre-marking phases while significantly reducing CO2 emissions.

Next stop…Copenhagen for Tech BBQ (Denmark, 16th and 17th of September): the festival for tech start-ups and entrepreneurs to promote innovation and technology in the Nordic start-up ecosystem.

See you all there!

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).

After a year of digital events, EUSPA greeted autumn with two events in physical format. Startup OLÉ and European Rover Challenger were two great opportunities for EUSPA to showcase EU Space success stories and opportunities to the old and new EU Space community.

Providing satellite-based services to a broad spectrum of industries has always been at the core of EUSPA’s mission. To do so, and to keep abreast of their needs, the agency has since its inception been interacting with users through various fora, consultation platforms, industry days and exhibitions. While last year found our EUSPA teams wired to digital events, this September our colleagues hit the road to introduce our revamped agency to the EU Space community.

‘’Engaging in live events with users whose businesses and operations rely on GNSS and EO data, is pivotal for the development of a robust downstream space sector. EUSPA stays in the know by closely monitoring market trends and adapting, devising and implementing strategic plans that guarantee the market uptake of the EU Space Programme,’’ says Fiammetta Diani, Head of Market Development at EUSPA. ‘’Every year, we try to participate at events across Europe to bring ‘’more space’’ to entrepreneurship and innovation,’’ concludes Diani.

While observing all the necessary hygiene measures, our EUSPA team flew to Salamanca, Spain and Kielc, Poland for two special events:

Sparking space entrepreneurship at Startup OLÉ

Held in Salamanca, Startup OLÉ is a conference that brings together start-ups, accelerators, investors, and public institutions, and through activities such as matchmaking, panels and roundtables, helps them develop synergies and secure financing opportunities. EUSPA hosted a panel on innovative solutions driven by space data, which featured Marco Nisi, Head of Integrated space-based solutions at Sistematica S.p.A. and CEO of  SARA Project and Iñigo Adin, Director of the Electronic Systems and Communications Group at CEIT (Centro de Estudios e Investigaciones Técnicas de Gipuzkoa)  as main speakers. Both Nisi and Adin talked about their experience with developing projects under the H2020 funding mechanism, challenges and lessons learned.

Mike Rhodes, CEO at Allerayde and previous participant in #MyGalileoSolution competition explained how thanks to EUSPA he managed to develop a prototype much faster and why such innovation competitions are a great booster for start-ups.

#EUSpace robotic solutions turning the planet greener

The European Rover Challenge is a prestigious space and robotics event combining international competitions of mobile robots with scientific and technological shows. Sunday September 12th was dedicated to robotic solutions and Earth protection. Justyna Redełkiewicz, Head of Sector LBS, Market & Technology at EUSPA presented the agency’s new scope as well as the key contributions of the EU Space Programme to environmental protection.

From IoT and Augmented Reality to autonomous robotic systems, space data is enabling many of the current market and tech trends. Robotics rely on various sources to position themselves and navigate ranging from LiDAR sensors to GNSS data. The contribution of Galileo’s positioning services and the extra precision guaranteed by EGNOS help robotic applications optimise their routes and thus calibrate their overall performance.

In the past, EUSPA has funded various robotic ideas some of which include, GreenPatrol,  a robotic solution for Integrated Pest Management in Greenhouses, and 10Lines, a Galileo-enabled autonomous parking lot solution. 10Lines robots can strip parking lots seven times faster than current processes, requiring less supervision, eliminating the time-consuming measuring and pre-marking phases while significantly reducing CO2 emissions.

Next stop…Copenhagen for Tech BBQ (Denmark, 16th and 17th of September): the festival for tech start-ups and entrepreneurs to promote innovation and technology in the Nordic start-up ecosystem.

See you all there!

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 2nd CASSINI Hackathon is set for 5-7 November 2021 and will tackle the challenge of connecting the Arctic with European satellite technologies. But where will the Hackathon take place? From Croatia to Iceland, this truly pan-European project is set to make an impact all across Europe!

The second CASSINI Hackathon will focus on the extraordinary region Arctic and is challenging you to develop ideas that help maintain safe passage at sea, assist life on land, and safeguard its native wildlife. With your help, we can protect, support and strengthen the Arctic using European space data, signals, and technologies.

The CASSINI Hackathons and Mentoring, initiated by the European Union and its space programmes, is a series of six hackathons that tackle global challenges using European space technologies. Now, in its second edition, this hackathon provides access to pre-processed Arctic data, on-demand training, and other valuable tools to help participants take on one of our three challenges. The best ideas will be awarded at both local and EU levels, and the overall winners will enter a six-month mentoring programme that includes 100 hours of customised expert mentoring.

Here’s what to expect: if you are a skilful innovator in Europe, you are invited to participate in the CASSINI Hackathon at one of our ten locations. Each hackathon location features its own unique set of experts, prizes, and additional special features. Once you select a location, it’s time for registration, team formation and ideation! Your team will choose to solve one of three challenges, all related to the theme of connecting the Arctic:

Safe passage at sea: design products, devices or services that enable container ships, cruise liners and fishing trawlers to navigate safely across our Nordic Seas. If you choose this challenge, you’ll be encouraged to dive into the areas of navigation route optimisation, extreme weather and sea ice warnings, the development and connectivity of future shipping lanes, and environmental disaster and emergency management.

Life on land: design products, devices or services that enable human societies, plants and wildlife to better adapt to the Arctic climate. If you choose this challenge, you’ll be encouraged to explore topics such as environmental monitoring and climate change mitigation, renewable energy advancements, environmental protection, and the improved connectivity for research stations in remote areas.

Caring for our wildlife: design products, devices or services that can help protect biodiversity and the natural habitat of wildlife in the Arctic. If you choose this challenge, you’ll be encouraged to focus on protecting marine biodiversity, understanding and forecasting migration routes, understanding and mitigating the effects of exploration and development on wildlife, and the impact of climate change on natural habitats.

Remember, no previous space experience is required. This is your chance to engage with the sector, even if it’s for the first time. The application process couldn’t be easier: Simply choose a challenge and decide how you’ll leverage EU space technologies to connect the Arctic. Register here: hackathons.cassini.eu/hackers   

It’s your chance to become part of this exciting European initiative to promote EU Space technology and its many applications. Hack with a purpose and leverage EU space data, services and signals to access, understand and protect the Arctic!

More information: hackathons.cassini.eu

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 convoy composed of rolling stock provided by various European rail operators has already started its journey of 20.000 km. It is set to travel across the Union. To keep passengers, train spotters and rail aficionados in the loop about its location, we have equipped CEE with a Galileo and EGNOS device, which is retransmitting its precise position. Ready to catch it?

On September 2nd Connecting Europe Express (CEE) departed from Lisbon, Portugal to complete a 36-day journey and cover more than 20.000 kilometers across Europe before reaching its end destination, Paris, France on October 7th 2021. #ConnectingEurope Express is a European Commission initiative to celebrate the European Year of Rail, and raise awareness on the green benefits of trains and some challenges that the sector needs to overcome EU-wide.

Travelling by train means picturesque sceneries, comfort, safety and reduced environmental footprint. Rail is largely electrified and emits far less CO2 than equivalent travel by road or air. It accounts for only 0.4 % of greenhouse gas emissions from EU transport, while all EU transport accounts for 25% of the EU’s total emissions. Europe boasts over 201.000 kilometers of railway lines making it the 2nd largest on a global scale just after the US. Connecting Express is a reminder of the large rail infrastructure investment Europe has been supporting, and how this is benefiting citizens and business alike.

There are, however, certain impediments that are preventing the Union from exploiting the full potential of railways such the existence of a multitude of signaling systems or three different train gauges. Connecting Europe Express will ride on: the Iberian, covering Portugal and Spain; the so-called standard, covering most of EU countries; and the Baltic. The final goal is to gradually upgrade the Iberian and Baltic networks to the standard gauge. This will make it easier to travel back and forth between these geographical areas, and literally connect more European countries.

The lack of a unified signaling and speed control system is another challenge the sector is confronted with. The European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS), the largest industrial rail EU project, currently under development, is set to replace Europe’s different national train control and command systems with a single, coordinated solution.

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 convoy composed of rolling stock provided by various European rail operators has already started its journey of 20.000 km. It is set to travel across the Union. To keep passengers, train spotters and rail aficionados in the loop about its location, we have equipped CEE with a Galileo and EGNOS device, which is retransmitting its precise position. Ready to catch it?

On September 2nd Connecting Europe Express (CEE) departed from Lisbon, Portugal to complete a 36-day journey and cover more than 20.000 kilometers across Europe before reaching its end destination, Paris, France on October 7th 2021. #ConnectingEurope Express is a European Commission initiative to celebrate the European Year of Rail, and raise awareness on the green benefits of trains and some challenges that the sector needs to overcome EU-wide.

Travelling by train means picturesque sceneries, comfort, safety and reduced environmental footprint. Rail is largely electrified and emits far less CO2 than equivalent travel by road or air. It accounts for only 0.4 % of greenhouse gas emissions from EU transport, while all EU transport accounts for 25% of the EU’s total emissions. Europe boasts over 201.000 kilometers of railway lines making it the 2nd largest on a global scale just after the US. Connecting Express is a reminder of the large rail infrastructure investment Europe has been supporting, and how this is benefiting citizens and business alike.

There are, however, certain impediments that are preventing the Union from exploiting the full potential of railways such the existence of a multitude of signaling systems or three different train gauges. Connecting Europe Express will ride on: the Iberian, covering Portugal and Spain; the so-called standard, covering most of EU countries; and the Baltic. The final goal is to gradually upgrade the Iberian and Baltic networks to the standard gauge. This will make it easier to travel back and forth between these geographical areas, and literally connect more European countries.

The lack of a unified signaling and speed control system is another challenge the sector is confronted with. The European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS), the largest industrial rail EU project, currently under development, is set to replace Europe’s different national train control and command systems with a single, coordinated solution.

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 convoy composed of rolling stock provided by various European rail operators has already started its journey of 20.000 km. It is set to travel across the Union. To keep passengers, train spotters and rail aficionados in the loop about its location, we have equipped CEE with a Galileo and EGNOS device, which is retransmitting its precise position. Ready to catch it?

On September 2nd Connecting Europe Express (CEE) departed from Lisbon, Portugal to complete a 36-day journey and cover more than 20.000 kilometers across Europe before reaching its end destination, Paris, France on October 7th 2021. #ConnectingEurope Express is a European Commission initiative to celebrate the European Year of Rail, and raise awareness on the green benefits of trains and some challenges that the sector needs to overcome EU-wide.

Travelling by train means picturesque sceneries, comfort, safety and reduced environmental footprint. Rail is largely electrified and emits far less CO2 than equivalent travel by road or air. It accounts for only 0.4 % of greenhouse gas emissions from EU transport, while all EU transport accounts for 25% of the EU’s total emissions. Europe boasts over 201.000 kilometers of railway lines making it the 2nd largest on a global scale just after the US. Connecting Express is a reminder of the large rail infrastructure investment Europe has been supporting, and how this is benefiting citizens and business alike.

There are, however, certain impediments that are preventing the Union from exploiting the full potential of railways such the existence of a multitude of signaling systems or three different train gauges. Connecting Europe Express will ride on: the Iberian, covering Portugal and Spain; the so-called standard, covering most of EU countries; and the Baltic. The final goal is to gradually upgrade the Iberian and Baltic networks to the standard gauge. This will make it easier to travel back and forth between these geographical areas, and literally connect more European countries.

The lack of a unified signaling and speed control system is another challenge the sector is confronted with. The European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS), the largest industrial rail EU project, currently under development, is set to replace Europe’s different national train control and command systems with a single, coordinated solution.

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 convoy composed of rolling stock provided by various European rail operators has already started its journey of 20.000 km. It is set to travel across the Union. To keep passengers, train spotters and rail aficionados in the loop about its location, we have equipped CEE with a Galileo and EGNOS device, which is retransmitting its precise position. Ready to catch it?

On September 2nd Connecting Europe Express (CEE) departed from Lisbon, Portugal to complete a 36-day journey and cover more than 20.000 kilometers across Europe before reaching its end destination, Paris, France on October 7th 2021. #ConnectingEurope Express is a European Commission initiative to celebrate the European Year of Rail, and raise awareness on the green benefits of trains and some challenges that the sector needs to overcome EU-wide.

Travelling by train means picturesque sceneries, comfort, safety and reduced environmental footprint. Rail is largely electrified and emits far less CO2 than equivalent travel by road or air. It accounts for only 0.4 % of greenhouse gas emissions from EU transport, while all EU transport accounts for 25% of the EU’s total emissions. Europe boasts over 201.000 kilometers of railway lines making it the 2nd largest on a global scale just after the US. Connecting Express is a reminder of the large rail infrastructure investment Europe has been supporting, and how this is benefiting citizens and business alike.

There are, however, certain impediments that are preventing the Union from exploiting the full potential of railways such the existence of a multitude of signaling systems or three different train gauges. Connecting Europe Express will ride on: the Iberian, covering Portugal and Spain; the so-called standard, covering most of EU countries; and the Baltic. The final goal is to gradually upgrade the Iberian and Baltic networks to the standard gauge. This will make it easier to travel back and forth between these geographical areas, and literally connect more European countries.

The lack of a unified signaling and speed control system is another challenge the sector is confronted with. The European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS), the largest industrial rail EU project, currently under development, is set to replace Europe’s different national train control and command systems with a single, coordinated solution.

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 convoy composed of rolling stock provided by various European rail operators has already started its journey of 20.000 km. It is set to travel across the Union. To keep passengers, train spotters and rail aficionados in the loop about its location, we have equipped CEE with a Galileo and EGNOS device, which is retransmitting its precise position. Ready to catch it?

On September 2nd Connecting Europe Express (CEE) departed from Lisbon, Portugal to complete a 36-day journey and cover more than 20.000 kilometers across Europe before reaching its end destination, Paris, France on October 7th, 2021. #ConnectingEurope Express is a European Commission initiative to celebrate the European Year of Rail, and raise awareness on the green benefits of trains and some challenges that the sector needs to overcome EU-wide.

Travelling by train means picturesque sceneries, comfort, safety and reduced environmental footprint. Rail is largely electrified and emits far less CO2 than equivalent travel by road or air. It accounts for only 0.4 % of greenhouse gas emissions from EU transport, while all EU transport accounts for 25% of the EU’s total emissions. Europe boasts over 201.000 kilometers of railway lines making it the 2nd largest on a global scale just after the US. Connecting Express is a reminder of the large rail infrastructure investment Europe has been supporting, and how this is benefiting citizens and business alike.

There are, however, certain impediments that are preventing the Union from exploiting the full potential of railways such as the existence of a multitude of signaling systems or three different train gauges. Connecting Europe Express will ride on: the Iberian, covering Portugal and Spain; the so-called standard, covering most of EU countries; and the Baltic. The final goal is to gradually upgrade the Iberian and Baltic networks to the standard gauge. This will make it easier to travel back and forth between these geographical areas, and literally connect more European countries.

The lack of a unified signaling and speed control system is another challenge the sector is confronted with. The European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS), the largest industrial rail EU project, currently under development, is set to replace Europe’s different national train control and command systems with a single, coordinated solution.

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 EUSPA Executive Director, Rodrigo da Costa welcomed Prime Minister Andrej Babiš at the agency’s headquarters on the occasion of 9 years of #EUSpace in Prague. Mr Babiš had the opportunity to experience first-hand cutting-edge applications that leverage data from the EU Space Programme.

In 2012, the European GNSS Agency (GSA) moved its operations from Brussels, Belgium to Prague, Czech Republic. The Agency has since then become a point of reference in the European space industry particularly when it comes to building Europe’s independent capacity in satellite navigation with Galileo and EGNOS.

On May 12th 2021, the European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) was created on the basis of GSA but with extended scope and with the task to underpin the first-ever integrated space programme of the European Union. EUSPA takes on responsibility for various new Space Programme components and leverages the GSA’s technical expertise, market intelligence, security and know-how to create synergies that will take EU space services and applications to a new level.

Read this: The new European Union Space Programme a successful European cooperation paradigm.

Today, to commemorate the 9th anniversary of EUSPA in the host country, Czech Republic, the Executive Director, Rodrigo da Costa, welcomed Prime Minister, Andrej Babiš, at the headquarters of the agency. Mr Babiš had the opportunity to experience first-hand EU Space applications such as a Galileo-enabled beacon with the Return Link Service, land a commercial plane with the help of EGNOS and fly a drone equipped with a Galileo and EGNOS receiver. “EUSPA is turning the EU space ambitions into a reality” declared the EUSPA Executive Director.

Rodrigo da Costa presented to the guests how the EU Space Programme can be a lever to drive digitization across the Union and support the achievement of EU Green Deal goals such as curbing CO2 emissions in road and air transportation with powerful synergies between Galileo, Copernicus and EGNOS. The upcoming secure satellite communications system for governmental users, GOVSATCOM, was among the main topics discussed during the visit.

Rodrigo da Costa acquainting Prime Minister, Andrej Babiš, with the Galileo Return Link Service, a unique feature of the Galileo SAR. 

‘’We are well aware of the growing strategic importance of the space industry and services provided by satellite systems in our everyday lives. Europe cannot afford to remain on the sidelines in this arena and must maintain its position among the world’s leading nations. That is why I am very pleased that the Czech Republic will be able to build on its successful cooperation with the GSA and host the GSA´s successor, EUSPA, here in Prague," said Prime Minister of the Czech Republic Andrej Babiš.

Prime Minister Babiš was accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister, Karel Havlíček and top government officials while at this special ceremony Members of the European Parliement and European Commission representatives were present.

‘’It was an honour to have the Prime Minister of the host country on such a special day for the agency. EUSPA will continue working, together with all Member States, towards building a robust EU space sector that will secure Europe’s autonomy, economic growth and resilience’’, concluded da Costa.

Deputy Prime Minister, Karel Havlíček flying a drone with the help of Galileo satellites. 

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 EUSPA Executive Director, Rodrigo da Costa welcomed Prime Minister Andrej Babiš at the agency’s headquarters on the occasion of 9 years of #EUSpace in Prague. Mr Babiš had the opportunity to experience first-hand cutting-edge applications that leverage data from the EU Space Programme.

In 2012, the European GNSS Agency (GSA) moved its operations from Brussels, Belgium to Prague, Czech Republic. The Agency has since then become a point of reference in the European space industry particularly when it comes to building Europe’s independent capacity in satellite navigation with Galileo and EGNOS.

On May 12th 2021, the European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) was created on the basis of GSA but with extended scope and with the task to underpin the first-ever integrated space programme of the European Union. EUSPA takes on responsibility for various new Space Programme components and leverages the GSA’s technical expertise, market intelligence, security and know-how to create synergies that will take EU space services and applications to a new level.

Read this: The new European Union Space Programme a successful European cooperation paradigm.

Today, to commemorate the 9th anniversary of EUSPA in the host country, Czech Republic, the Executive Director, Rodrigo da Costa welcomed Prime Minister Andrej Babiš at the headquarters of the agency. Mr Babiš had the opportunity to experience first-hand EU Space applications such as a Galileo-enabled beacon with the Return Link Service, land a commercial plane with the help of EGNOS and fly a drone equipped with a Galileo and EGNOS receiver. “EUSPA is turning the EU space ambitions into a reality” declared the EUSPA Executive Director.

Rodrigo da Costa presented to the guests how the EU Space Programme can be a lever to drive digitization across the Union and support the achievement of EU Green Deal goals such as curbing CO2 emissions in road and air transportation with powerful synergies between Galileo, Copernicus and EGNOS. The upcoming secure satellite communications system for governmental users, GOVSATCOM, was among the main topics discussed during the visit.

Rodrigo da Costa acquainting Prime Minister, Andrej Babiš with the Galileo Return Link Service, a unique feature of the Galileo SAR. 

‘’We are well aware of the growing strategic importance of the space industry and services provided by satellite systems in our everyday lives. Europe cannot afford to remain on the sidelines in this arena and must maintain its position among the world’s leading nations. That is why I am very pleased that the Czech Republic will be able to build on its successful cooperation with the GSA and host the GSA´s successor, EUSPA, here in Prague," said Prime Minister of the Czech Republic Andrej Babiš.

Prime minister Babis was accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister Karel Havlíček and top government officials while at this special ceremony Members of the European Parliement and European Commission representatives were present.

‘’It was an honour to have the Prime Minister of the host country on such a special day for the agency. EUSPA will continue working, together with all Member States, towards building a robust EU space sector that will secure Europe’s autonomy, economic growth and resilience’’, concluded da Costa.

Deputy Prime Minister, Karel Havlíček flying a drone with the help of Galileo satellites. 

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 EUSPA Executive Director, Rodrigo da Costa welcomed Prime Minister Andrej Babiš at the agency’s headquarters on the occasion of 9 years of #EUSpace in Prague. Mr Babiš had the opportunity to experience first-hand cutting-edge applications that leverage data from the EU Space Programme.

In 2012, the European GNSS Agency (GSA) moved its operations from Brussels, Belgium to Prague, Czech Republic. The Agency has since then become a point of reference in the European space industry particularly when it comes to building Europe’s independent capacity in satellite navigation with Galileo and EGNOS.

On May 12th 2021, the European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) was created on the basis of GSA but with extended scope and with the task to underpin the first-ever integrated space programme of the European Union. EUSPA takes on responsibility for various new Space Programme components and leverages the GSA’s technical expertise, market intelligence, security and know-how to create synergies that will take EU space services and applications to a new level.

Read this: The new European Union Space Programme a successful European cooperation paradigm.

Today, to commemorate the 9th anniversary of EUSPA in the host country, Czech Republic, the Executive Director, Rodrigo da Costa welcomed Prime Minister Andrej Babiš at the headquarters of the agency. Mr Babiš had the opportunity to experience first-hand EU Space applications such as a Galileo-enabled beacon with the Return Link Service, land a commercial plane with the help of EGNOS and fly a drone equipped with a Galileo and EGNOS receiver. “EUSPA is turning the EU space ambitions into a reality” declared the EUSPA Executive Director.

Rodrigo da Costa presented to the guests how the EU Space Programme can be a lever to drive digitization across the Union and support the achievement of EU Green Deal goals such as curbing CO2 emissions in road and air transportation with powerful synergies between Galileo, Copernicus and EGNOS. The upcoming secure satellite communications system for governmental users, GOVSATCOM, was among the main topics discussed during the visit.

Rodrigo da Costa acquainting Prime Minister, Andrej Babiš with the Galileo Return Link Service, a unique feature of the Galileo SAR. 

‘’We are well aware of the growing strategic importance of the space industry and services provided by satellite systems in our everyday lives. Europe cannot afford to remain on the sidelines in this arena and must maintain its position among the world’s leading nations. That is why I am very pleased that the Czech Republic will be able to build on its successful cooperation with the GSA and host the GSA´s successor, EUSPA, here in Prague," said Prime Minister of the Czech Republic Andrej Babiš.

Prime minister Babis was accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister Karel Havlíček and top government officials while at this special ceremony Members of the European Parliement and European Commission representatives were present.

‘’It was an honour to have the Prime Minister of the host country on such a special day for the agency. EUSPA will continue working, together with all Member States, towards building a robust EU space sector that will secure Europe’s autonomy, economic growth and resilience’’, concluded da Costa.

Deputy Prime Minister, Karel Havlíček flying a drone with the help of Galileo satellites. 

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 interactive world map is an online tool to help find information about augmentation service providers that support Galileo. By clicking on each country, the map shows the names of the Galileo-ready providers along with the name and type of service and coverage.

Standard GNSS positioning is often affected by several errors. These errors can be corrected using augmentation services to provide a more accurate and precise position. With augmentation services, users can operate their receivers virtually anywhere on the globe and, by means of receiving data from a control centre, are able to achieve accuracies ranging from meter to centimetre-level, depending on the hardware, platform and application.

Today, there are different augmentation techniques based on the use of a network of ground-based reference or monitoring stations with known locations that enable to calculate corrections (e.g. differential corrections for RTK or clocks and orbits corrections for PPP). These corrections can then be disseminated, for instance, over the internet or satellites.  

There is a wide range of GNSS augmentation service providers worldwide, tailored both for professional and consumer markets, some of them utilizing all available satellite constellations (GPS, Galileo, GLONASS, and Beidou ) to ensure consistent and uninterrupted coverage and provide solutions for all classes of GNSS based location services. These solutions can be utilised in a number of markets including: mapping, surveying, construction, agriculture, automotive or aviation, to name a few.

The augmentation service provider map is a thematic map updated on a quarterly basis that provides an easy way to visualize the service providers that are able to operate in each country. Clicking on each country shows the names of the Galileo-ready providers along with the name and type of service and coverage. 

You can access the map 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 interactive world map is an online tool to help find information about augmentation service providers that support Galileo. By clicking on each country, the map shows the names of the Galileo-ready providers along with the name and type of service and coverage.

Standard GNSS positioning is often affected by several errors. These errors can be corrected using augmentation services to provide a more accurate and precise position. With augmentation services, users can operate their receivers virtually anywhere on the globe and, by means of receiving data from a control centre, are able to achieve accuracies ranging from meter to centimetre-level, depending on the hardware, platform and application.

Today, there are different augmentation techniques based on the use of a network of ground-based reference or monitoring stations with known locations that enable to calculate corrections (e.g. differential corrections for RTK or clocks and orbits corrections for PPP). These corrections can then be disseminated, for instance, over the internet or satellites.  

There is a wide range of GNSS augmentation service providers worldwide, tailored both for professional and consumer markets, some of them utilizing all available satellite constellations (GPS, Galileo, GLONASS, and Beidou ) to ensure consistent and uninterrupted coverage and provide solutions for all classes of GNSS based location services. These solutions can be utilised in a number of markets including: mapping, surveying, construction, agriculture, automotive or aviation, to name a few.

The augmentation service provider map is a thematic map updated on a quarterly basis that provides an easy way to visualize the service providers that are able to operate in each country. Clicking on each country shows the names of the Galileo-ready providers along with the name and type of service and coverage. 

You can access the map 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 interactive world map is an online tool to help find information about augmentation service providers that support Galileo. By clicking on each country, the map shows the names of the Galileo-ready providers along with the name and type of service and coverage.

Standard GNSS positioning is often affected by several errors. These errors can be corrected using augmentation services to provide a more accurate and precise position. With augmentation services, users can operate their receivers virtually anywhere on the globe and, by means of receiving data from a control centre, are able to achieve accuracies ranging from meter to centimetre-level, depending on the hardware, platform and application.

Today, there are different augmentation techniques based on the use of a network of ground-based reference or monitoring stations with known locations that enable to calculate corrections (e.g. differential corrections for RTK or clocks and orbits corrections for PPP). These corrections can then be disseminated, for instance, over the internet or satellites.  

There is a wide range of GNSS augmentation service providers worldwide, tailored both for professional and consumer markets, some of them utilizing all available satellite constellations (GPS, Galileo, GLONASS, and Beidou ) to ensure consistent and uninterrupted coverage and provide solutions for all classes of GNSS based location services. These solutions can be utilised in a number of markets including: mapping, surveying, construction, agriculture, automotive or aviation, to name a few.

The augmentation service provider map is a thematic map updated on a quarterly basis that provides an easy way to visualize the service providers that are able to operate in each country. Clicking on each country shows the names of the Galileo-ready providers along with the name and type of service and coverage. 

You can access the map 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 interactive world map is an online tool to help find information about augmentation service providers that support Galileo. By clicking on each country, the map shows the names of the Galileo-ready providers along with the name and type of service and coverage.

Standard GNSS positioning is often affected by several errors. These errors can be corrected using augmentation services to provide a more accurate and precise position. With augmentation services, users can operate their receivers virtually anywhere on the globe and, by means of receiving data from a control centre, are able to achieve accuracies ranging from meter to centimetre-level, depending on the hardware, platform and application.

Today, there are different augmentation techniques based on the use of a network of ground-based reference or monitoring stations with known locations that enable to calculate corrections (e.g. differential corrections for RTK or clocks and orbits corrections for PPP). These corrections can then be disseminated, for instance, over the internet or satellites.  

There is a wide range of GNSS augmentation service providers worldwide, tailored both for professional and consumer markets, some of them utilizing all available satellite constellations (GPS, Galileo, GLONASS, and Beidou ) to ensure consistent and uninterrupted coverage and provide solutions for all classes of GNSS based location services. These solutions can be utilised in a number of markets including: mapping, surveying, construction, agriculture, automotive or aviation, to name a few.

The augmentation service provider map is a thematic map updated on a quarterly basis that provides an easy way to visualize the service providers that are able to operate in each country. Clicking on each country shows the names of the Galileo-ready providers along with the name and type of service and coverage. 

You can access the map 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).

It is official! Following the success of the previous innovation competitions, the European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) announces today #myEUSpace! The EUSPA-led competition targets innovators and entrepreneurs ready to develop and commercialise innovative solutions that leverage EU space data and services. It goes beyond the current space-applications horizon, fusing and testing new technologies in location-based services, smart mobility, smart agriculture, geomatics, and for the first time, quantum technologies.

Free and easily accessible EU Space data have allowed the creation of original and iinnovative projects and services in sectors such as IoT, precision farming, robotics and drones among others. Accurate positioning offered by Galileo, data and high-resolution imagery from Copernicus paired with the use of quantum technology will set European innovation on a new trajectory.

With a prize pool of € 1 million and over 50 awards up for grabs, #myEUspace competition - part of the European Commission Cassini initiative will help innovators develop and market  disruptive, space-based commercial solutions able to respond to emerging societal needs and serve various domains such as smart mobility and agriculture,  health and leisure, and logistics and smart cities, among others. 

The competition consists of two independent and parallel tracks, each one with a list of goals and deliverables. 

Track 1 - From Idea to Prototype/customer validation – aims to turn a theoretical idea into a product prototype/beta version. Track 2 - From Prototype to Product /Market entry – aims to develop a prototype or beta idea into a Minimum Viable Product (MVP). 

The competition looks at solutions where the use and integration of EU Space data and services can disrupt the following six thematic areas:

Sounds interesting? Find out how to win 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).

It is official! Following the success of the previous innovation competitions, the European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) announces today #myEUSpace! The EUSPA-led competition targets innovators and entrepreneurs ready to develop and commercialise innovative solutions that leverage EU space data and services. It goes beyond the current space-applications horizon, fusing and testing new technologies in location-based services, smart mobility, smart agriculture, geomatics, and for the first time, quantum technologies.

Free and easily accessible EU Space data have allowed the creation of original and iinnovative projects and services in sectors such as IoT, precision farming, robotics and drones among others. Accurate positioning offered by Galileo, data and high-resolution imagery from Copernicus paired with the use of quantum technology will set European innovation on a new trajectory.

With a prize pool of € 1 million and over 50 awards up for grabs, #myEUspace competition - part of the European Commission Cassini initiative will help innovators develop and market  disruptive, space-based commercial solutions able to respond to emerging societal needs and serve various domains such as smart mobility and agriculture,  health and leisure, and logistics and smart cities, among others. 

The competition consists of two independent and parallel tracks, each one with a list of goals and deliverables. 

Track 1 - From Idea to Prototype/customer validation – aims to turn a theoretical idea into a product prototype/beta version. Track 2 - From Prototype to Product /Market entry – aims to develop a prototype or beta idea into a Minimum Viable Product (MVP). 

The competition looks at solutions where the use and integration of EU Space data and services can disrupt the following six thematic areas:

Sounds interesting? Find out how to win 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).

It is official! Following the success of the previous innovation competitions, the European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) announces today #myEUSpace! The EUSPA-led competition targets innovators and entrepreneurs ready to develop and commercialise innovative solutions that leverage EU space data and services. It goes beyond the current space-applications horizon, fusing and testing new technologies in location-based services, smart mobility, smart agriculture, geomatics, and for the first time, quantum technologies.

Free and easily accessible EU Space data have allowed the creation of original and innovative projects and services in sectors such as IoT, precision farming, robotics and drones among others. Accurate positioning offered by Galileo, data and high-resolution imagery from Copernicus paired with the use of quantum technology will set European innovation on a new trajectory.

With a prize pool of € 1 million and over 50 awards up for grabs, #myEUspace competition - part of the European Commission Cassini initiative will help innovators develop and market  disruptive, space-based commercial solutions able to respond to emerging societal needs and serve various domains such as smart mobility and agriculture,  health and leisure, and logistics and smart cities, among others. 

The competition consists of two independent and parallel tracks, each one with a list of goals and deliverables. 

Track 1 - From Idea to Prototype/customer validation – aims to turn a theoretical idea into a product prototype/beta version. Track 2 - From Prototype to Product /Market entry – aims to develop a prototype or beta idea into a Minimum Viable Product (MVP). 

The competition looks at solutions where the use and integration of EU Space data and services can disrupt the following six thematic areas:

Sounds interesting? Find out how to win 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).

It is official! Following the success of the previous innovation competitions, the European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) announces today #myEUSpace! The EUSPA-led competition targets innovators and entrepreneurs ready to develop and commercialise innovative solutions that leverage EU space data and services. It goes beyond the current space-applications horizon, fusing and testing new technologies in location-based services, smart mobility, smart agriculture, geomatics, and for the first time, quantum technologies.

Free and easily accessible EU Space data have allowed the creation of original and iinnovative projects and services in sectors such as IoT, precision farming, robotics and drones among others. Accurate positioning offered by Galileo, data and high-resolution imagery from Copernicus paired with the use of quantum technology will set European innovation on a new trajectory.

With a prize pool of € 1 million and over 50 awards up for grabs, #myEUspace competition - part of the European Commission Cassini initiative will help innovators develop and market  disruptive, space-based commercial solutions able to respond to emerging societal needs and serve various domains such as smart mobility and agriculture,  health and leisure, and logistics and smart cities, among others. 

The competition consists of two independent and parallel tracks, each one with a list of goals and deliverables. 

Track 1 - From Idea to Prototype/customer validation – aims to turn a theoretical idea into a product prototype/beta version. Track 2 - From Prototype to Product /Market entry – aims to develop a prototype or beta idea into a Minimum Viable Product (MVP). 

The competition looks at solutions where the use and integration of EU Space data and services can disrupt the following six thematic areas:

Sounds interesting? Find out how to win 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).

To ensure EU-wide interoperability, real-time, precise train positioning and high levels of safety, ERTMS could switch to EU space solutions. EUSPA-funded project CLUG, has made concrete steps towards providing a cost-efficient train tracking solution based on satellite technology together with other sensors and data.

Travelling around Europe by train comes with a lot of benefits. It is a great way to get a sense of the country you are visiting just by looking outside of the window while it is also a comfortable means of transport that enables you to make new acquaintances with fellow travelers. What’s more, rail is one of the most environmentally friendly modes of transport. In the EU, rail is responsible for less than 0.5% of transport-related greenhouse gas emissions. This makes it one of the most sustainable forms of passenger and freight transport. 

Knowing the exact position of a train is at the heart of rail operations across the Union. Real-time train localisation allows passengers to know whether their train is delayed but also aids rail operators in train traffic management. The European Railway Traffic Management System (ERTMS), is a major industrial project being implemented by the European Union, which will create an interoperable railway system in Europe that is more efficient and safer. 

To ensure EU-wide interoperability, real-time, precise train positioning and high levels of safety, the ERTMS currently relies on a series of costly ground instruments. In the coming years, this is set to change and ERTMS could switch to EU space solutions. EUSPA-funded project CLUG, has made concrete steps towards providing a cost-efficient train tracking solution based on EU satellite technology together with other sensors and data.

Project CLUG at a glance 

Experienced rail operators and infrastructure managers came together to define a set of specifications and operational scenarios that meet the stringiest safety needs of the rail sector. The specifications are used by the architects of the CLUG consortium who are currently in the process of rolling out the system. 

Read this: EU Parliament calls for fast adoption of satellite-based train localization in railway signalling

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).

To ensure EU-wide interoperability, real-time, precise train positioning and high levels of safety, ERTMS could switch to EU space solutions. EUSPA-funded project CLUG, has made concrete steps towards providing a cost-efficient train tracking solution based on satellite technology together with other sensors and data.

Travelling around Europe by train comes with a lot of benefits. It is a great way to get a sense of the country you are visiting just by looking outside of the window while it is also a comfortable means of transport that enables you to make new acquaintances with fellow travelers. What’s more, rail is one of the most environmentally friendly modes of transport. In the EU, rail is responsible for less than 0.5% of transport-related greenhouse gas emissions. This makes it one of the most sustainable forms of passenger and freight transport. 

Knowing the exact position of a train is at the heart of rail operations across the Union. Real-time train localisation allows passengers to know whether their train is delayed but also aids rail operators in train traffic management. The European Railway Traffic Management System (ERTMS), is a major industrial project being implemented by the European Union, which will create an interoperable railway system in Europe that is more efficient and safer. 

To ensure EU-wide interoperability, real-time, precise train positioning and high levels of safety, the ERTMS currently relies on a series of costly ground instruments. In the coming years, this is set to change and ERTMS could switch to EU space solutions. EUSPA-funded project CLUG, has made concrete steps towards providing a cost-efficient train tracking solution based on EU satellite technology together with other sensors and data.

Project CLUG at a glance 

Experienced rail operators and infrastructure managers came together to define a set of specifications and operational scenarios that meet the stringiest safety needs of the rail sector. The specifications are used by the architects of the CLUG consortium who are currently in the process of rolling out the system. 

Read this: EU Parliament calls for fast adoption of satellite-based train localization in railway signalling

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 EGNOS Annual Workshop is the opportunity to catch up on the latest developments of Europe’s Satellite-Based Augmentation System (SBAS). This year, the workshop will be live-streamed on 2 December 2021. 

In the last decade, EGNOS user community has grown rapidly - especially within the aviation sector - with more and more airports and airlines embracing the European SBAS technology and services. EGNOS is getting ready to augment Galileo, paving the way for the development of new services that require even greater precision. The system is also expected to be more robust to respond to the needs of more diverse user base relying on EGNOS and its multi-modal applications.

Read this: EGNOS Safety of Life: Serving aviation for 10 years

Organised by the EU Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) and the EGNOS Service Provider (ESSP), the EGNOS Annual Workshop provides first-hand information on the status and roadmap of EGNOS services, its development and its implementation in fields such as Aviation, Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS), Maritime, Rail and Agriculture. 

The workshop will be built around presentations and videos, focusing on success stories and concrete examples of the benefits that EGNOS keeps offering to European users. You will also have the opportunity to interact with all the speakers during Q&A sessions. Click here to discover the provisional agenda. 

This year, the workshop will be live-streamed on 2 December 2021. Registrations will open in September, stay tuned!

Watch this: EGNOS and Galileo for Waterborne Transport

About EGNOS

EGNOS is Europe's regional SBAS that is used to improve the performance of GNSS, such as GPS and in the future Galileo. EGNOS has been deployed to provide safety of life navigation services to aviation, maritime and land-based users over most of Europe.

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 EGNOS Annual Workshop is the opportunity to catch up on the latest developments of Europe’s Satellite-Based Augmentation System (SBAS). This year, the workshop will be live-streamed on 2 December 2021. 

In the last decade, EGNOS user community has grown rapidly - especially within the aviation sector - with more and more airports and airlines embracing the European SBAS technology and services. EGNOS is getting ready to augment Galileo, paving the way for the development of new services that require even greater precision. The system is also expected to be more robust to respond to the needs of more diverse user base relying on EGNOS and its multi-modal applications.

Read this: EGNOS Safety of Life: Serving aviation for 10 years

Organised by the EU Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) and the EGNOS Service Provider (ESSP), the EGNOS Annual Workshop provides first-hand information on the status and roadmap of EGNOS services, its development and its implementation in fields such as Aviation, Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS), Maritime, Rail and Agriculture. 

The workshop will be built around presentations and videos, focusing on success stories and concrete examples of the benefits that EGNOS keeps offering to European users. You will also have the opportunity to interact with all the speakers during Q&A sessions. Click here to discover the provisional agenda. 

This year, the workshop will be live-streamed on 2 December 2021. Registrations will open in September, stay tuned!

Watch this: EGNOS and Galileo for Waterborne Transport

About EGNOS

EGNOS is Europe's regional SBAS that is used to improve the performance of GNSS, such as GPS and in the future Galileo. EGNOS has been deployed to provide safety of life navigation services to aviation, maritime and land-based users over most of Europe.

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 is hitting the road in September after more than a year of hiatus in physical events! Starting from IoT World Europe Summit from 1-3 of September, and while observing the necessary COVID hygiene rules, our staff will be present in set of conferences and exhibitions! 

September is bound to be a busy month for EUSPA and EU Space and we could not be more excited!  After a year of digital events, we are greeting autumn with a series of events, many of them in a physical or hybrid format.

From Spain to Poland and from Denmark to France, our EUSPA team will be present at events around Europe to share the latest developments in EU space services and applications, and promote some of the exciting new initiatives in store for entrepreneurs and innovators. 

‘’Going hybrid was not a problem, it allowed us to reach out to even larger EU space user communities’’ says Fiammetta Diani, Head of EUSPA Market Development Department. ‘’I am excited that we will be able to meet again physically and forge new connections. The transition to EUSPA and the creation of the EU Space Programme has paved the way for more synergies between satellite navigation, Earth observation and telecommunications, which I am sure are of interest to many start-ups and SME’s among others.’’ Diani concludes. 

Here is our events roster/line up:

- Startup Ole (Spain, 6th to 10th of September): held in Salamanca, Startup Ole will gather start-ups, accelerators, investors, and public institutions, and through activities such as matchmaking, panels and roundtables, will help them develop synergies, secure financing opportunities and boost the EU’s digital transformation.

- European Rover Challenge (Poland, 10th to 12th of September): the European Rover Challenge (ERC, ERC Space & Robotics) is a prestigious space & robotics event combining international competitions of mobile robots with scientific and technological shows. ERC is also a meeting place for representatives of the European world of science and business interested in the use of space and robotic technologies.

- Tech BBQ (Denmark, 16th and 17th of September): an entrepreneurship festival for tech start-ups and entrepreneurs to promote innovation and technology in the Nordic start-up ecosystem.

More details about our stands, registration links will become available soon. Hope to see you there!

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 is hitting the road in September after more than a year of hiatus in physical events! Starting from Startup Ole from 6-10 of September, and while observing the necessary COVID hygiene rules, our staff will be present in a set of conferences and exhibitions!

September is bound to be a busy month for EUSPA and EU Space and we could not be more excited!  After a year of digital events, we are greeting autumn with a series of events, many of them in a physical or hybrid format.

From Spain to Poland and Denmark, our EUSPA team will be present at events around Europe to share the latest developments in EU space services and applications, and promote some of the exciting new initiatives in store for entrepreneurs and innovators. 

‘’Going hybrid was not a problem, it allowed us to reach out to even larger EU space user communities’’ says Fiammetta Diani, Head of EUSPA Market Development Department. ‘’I am excited that we will be able to meet again physically and forge new connections. The transition to EUSPA and the creation of the EU Space Programme has paved the way for more synergies between satellite navigation, Earth observation and telecommunications, which I am sure are of interest to many start-ups and SME’s among others.’’ Diani concludes. 

Here is our events roster/line up:

- Startup Ole (Spain, 6th to 10th of September): held in Salamanca, Startup Ole will gather start-ups, accelerators, investors, and public institutions, and through activities such as matchmaking, panels and roundtables, will help them develop synergies, secure financing opportunities and boost the EU’s digital transformation.

- European Rover Challenge (Poland, 10th to 12th of September): the European Rover Challenge (ERC, ERC Space & Robotics) is a prestigious space & robotics event combining international competitions of mobile robots with scientific and technological shows. ERC is also a meeting place for representatives of the European world of science and business interested in the use of space and robotic technologies.

- Tech BBQ (Denmark, 16th and 17th of September): an entrepreneurship festival for tech start-ups and entrepreneurs to promote innovation and technology in the Nordic start-up ecosystem.

More details about our stands, registration links will become available soon. Hope to see you there!

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 is hitting the road in September after more than a year of hiatus in physical events! Starting from IoT World Europe Summit from 1-3 of September, and while observing the necessary COVID hygiene rules, our staff will be present in set of conferences and exhibitions! 

September is bound to be a busy month for EUSPA and EU Space and we could not be more excited!  After a year of digital events, we are greeting autumn with a series of events, many of them in physical or hybrid format.

From Spain to Poland and from Denmark to France, our EUSPA team will be present at events around Europe to share the latest developments in EU space services and applications, and promote some of the exciting new initiatives in store for entrepreneurs and innovators. 

‘’Going hybrid was not a problem, it allowed us to reach out to even larger EU space user communities’’ says Fiammetta Diani, Head of EUSPA Market Development Department. ‘’I am excited that we will be able to meet again physically and forge new connections. The transition to EUSPA and the creation of the EU Space Programme has paved the way for more synergies between satellite navigation, Earth observation and telecommunications, which I am sure are of interest to many start-ups and SME’s among others.’’ Diani concludes. 

Here is our events roster/line up:

- IoT World Europe Summit (1st to 3rd of September):  part of the IoT World series, the summit will bring together business leaders and provide participants with knowledge to develop a realistic strategy and implement IoT technologies and solutions. 

- Startup Ole (Spain, 6th to 10th of September): held in Salamanca, Startup Ole will gather start-ups, accelerators, investors, and public institutions, and through activities such as matchmaking, panels and roundtables, will help them develop synergies, secure financing opportunities and boost the EU’s digital transformation.

- Innov-Agri (France, 7th to 9th of September): an open-air event where agribusiness players come together to share their latest innovations and showcase their state-of-the-art equipment tailored for applications ranging from smart precision agriculture to smart irrigation systems. 

European Rover Challenge (Poland, 10th to 12th of September): the European Rover Challenge (ERC, ERC Space & Robotics) is a prestigious space & robotics event combining international competitions of mobile robots with scientific and technological shows. ERC is also a meeting place for representatives of the European world of science and business interested in the use of space and robotic technologies.

- Tech BBQ (Denmark, 16th and 17th of September): an entrepreneurship festival for tech start-ups and entrepreneurs to promote innovation and technology in the Nordic start-up ecosystem.

More details about our stands, registration links will become available soon. Hope to see you there!

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 is hitting the road in September after more than a year of hiatus in physical events! Starting from IoT World Europe Summit from 1-3 of September, and while observing the necessary COVID hygiene rules, our staff will be present in set of conferences and exhibitions! 

September is bound to be a busy month for EUSPA and EU Space and we could not be more excited!  After a year of digital events, we are greeting autumn with a series of events, many of them in physical or hybrid format.

From Spain to Poland and from Denmark to France, our EUSPA team will be present at events around Europe to share the latest developments in EU space services and applications, and promote some of the exciting new initiatives in store for entrepreneurs and innovators. 

‘’Going hybrid was not a problem, it allowed us to reach out to even larger EU space user communities’’ says Fiammetta Diani, Head of EUSPA Market Development Department. ‘’I am excited that we will be able to meet again physically and forge new connections. The transition to EUSPA and the creation of the EU Space Programme has paved the way for more synergies between satellite navigation, Earth observation and telecommunications, which I am sure are of interest to many start-ups and SME’s among others.’’ Diani concludes. 

Here is our events roster/line up:

- IoT World Europe Summit (1st to 3rd of September):  part of the IoT World series, the summit will bring together business leaders and provide participants with knowledge to develop a realistic strategy and implement IoT technologies and solutions. 

- Startup Ole (Spain, 6th to 10th of September): held in Salamanca, Startup Ole will gather start-ups, accelerators, investors, and public institutions, and through activities such as matchmaking, panels and roundtables, will help them develop synergies, secure financing opportunities and boost the EU’s digital transformation.

- Innov-Agri (France, 7th to 9th of September): an open-air event where agribusiness players come together to share their latest innovations and showcase their state-of-the-art equipment tailored for applications ranging from smart precision agriculture to smart irrigation systems. 

- European Rover Challenge (Poland, 10th to 12th of September): the European Rover Challenge (ERC, ERC Space & Robotics) is a prestigious space & robotics event combining international competitions of mobile robots with scientific and technological shows. ERC is also a meeting place for representatives of the European world of science and business interested in the use of space and robotic technologies.

- Tech BBQ (Denmark, 16th and 17th of September): an entrepreneurship festival for tech start-ups and entrepreneurs to promote innovation and technology in the Nordic start-up ecosystem.

More details about our stands, registration links will become available soon. Hope to see you there!

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 is hitting the road in September after more than a year of hiatus in physical events! Starting from IoT World Europe Summit from 1-3 of September, and while observing the necessary COVID hygiene rules, our staff will be present in set of conferences and exhibitions! 

September is bound to be a busy month for EUSPA and EU Space and we could not be more excited!  After a year of digital events, we are greeting autumn with a series of events, many of them in physical or hybrid format.

From Spain to Poland and from Denmark to France, our EUSPA team will be present at events around Europe to share the latest developments in EU space services and applications, and promote some of the exciting new initiatives in store for entrepreneurs and innovators. 

‘’Going hybrid was not a problem, it allowed us to reach out to even larger EU space user communities’’ says Fiammetta Diani, Head of EUSPA Market Development Department. ‘’I am excited that we will be able to meet again physically and forge new connections. The transition to EUSPA and the creation of the EU Space Programme has paved the way for more synergies between satellite navigation, Earth observation and telecommunications, which I am sure are of interest to many start-ups and SME’s among others.’’ Diani concludes. 

Here is our events roster/line up:

- IoT World Europe Summit (1st to 3rd of September):  part of the IoT World series, the summit will bring together business leaders and provide participants with knowledge to develop a realistic strategy and implement IoT technologies and solutions. 

- Startup Ole (Spain, 6th to 10th of September): held in Salamanca, Startup Ole will gather start-ups, accelerators, investors, and public institutions, and through activities such as matchmaking, panels and roundtables, will help them develop synergies, secure financing opportunities and boost the EU’s digital transformation.

- Innov-Agri (France, 7th to 9th of September): an open-air event where agribusiness players come together to share their latest innovations and showcase their state-of-the-art equipment tailored for applications ranging from smart precision agriculture to smart irrigation systems. 

- European Rover Challenge (Poland, 10th to 12th of September): the European Rover Challenge (ERC, ERC Space & Robotics) is a prestigious space & robotics event combining international competitions of mobile robots with scientific and technological shows. ERC is also a meeting place for representatives of the European world of science and business interested in the use of space and robotic technologies.

- Tech BBQ (Denmark, 16th and 17th of September): an entrepreneurship festival for tech start-ups and entrepreneurs to promote innovation and technology in the Nordic start-up ecosystem.

More details about our stands, registration links will become available soon. Hope to see you there!

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 is hitting the road in September after more than a year of hiatus in physical events! Starting from IoT World Europe Summit from 1-3 of September, and while observing the necessary COVID hygiene rules, our staff will be present in set of conferences and exhibitions! 

September is bound to be a busy month for EUSPA and EU Space and we could not be more excited!  After a year of digital events, we are greeting autumn with a series of events, many of them in a physical or hybrid format.

From Spain to Poland and from Denmark to France, our EUSPA team will be present at events around Europe to share the latest developments in EU space services and applications, and promote some of the exciting new initiatives in store for entrepreneurs and innovators. 

‘’Going hybrid was not a problem, it allowed us to reach out to even larger EU space user communities’’ says Fiammetta Diani, Head of EUSPA Market Development Department. ‘’I am excited that we will be able to meet again physically and forge new connections. The transition to EUSPA and the creation of the EU Space Programme has paved the way for more synergies between satellite navigation, Earth observation and telecommunications, which I am sure are of interest to many start-ups and SME’s among others.’’ Diani concludes. 

Here is our events roster/line up:

- IoT World Europe Summit (1st to 3rd of September):  part of the IoT World series, the summit will bring together business leaders and provide participants with knowledge to develop a realistic strategy and implement IoT technologies and solutions. 

- Startup Ole (Spain, 6th to 10th of September): held in Salamanca, Startup Ole will gather start-ups, accelerators, investors, and public institutions, and through activities such as matchmaking, panels and roundtables, will help them develop synergies, secure financing opportunities and boost the EU’s digital transformation.

- Innov-Agri (France, 7th to 9th of September): an open-air event where agribusiness players come together to share their latest innovations and showcase their state-of-the-art equipment tailored for applications ranging from smart precision agriculture to smart irrigation systems. 

- European Rover Challenge (Poland, 10th to 12th of September): the European Rover Challenge (ERC, ERC Space & Robotics) is a prestigious space & robotics event combining international competitions of mobile robots with scientific and technological shows. ERC is also a meeting place for representatives of the European world of science and business interested in the use of space and robotic technologies.

- Tech BBQ (Denmark, 16th and 17th of September): an entrepreneurship festival for tech start-ups and entrepreneurs to promote innovation and technology in the Nordic start-up ecosystem.

More details about our stands, registration links will become available soon. Hope to see you there!

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).

Hundreds of participants came together from 18-20 June 2021 to hack the future of our green spaces with European space technologies. EUSPA supported the hackathon with various experts and market development professionals who helped participants elaborate and finetune their solutions.

From monitoring forest changes and developing ‘green’ indicators and optimal access routes to forecasting air pollutants, UV indexes and park congestion, the possibilities offered by the EU Space Programme are infinite. The 1st CASSINI Hackathon took place in 10 European locations and tasked participants with leveraging geospatial information from Copernicus Earth observation data and its services, together with positioning technologies from Galileo and EGNOS, to digitise Europe’s green spaces. 

At the end of the weekend 18-20 June, each location selected their top team to move forward to the European demo day and awards ceremony on 24th June. Each team pitched their solution to a jury of experts who engaged the winners in question and answer sessions before evaluating each idea. 

And now, without further ado, the three winning teams are:

1st Place: SportCasts,  from the Netherlands for the Challenge: Staying fit & healthy

Idea: “Taking the hassle out of the outdoors" is our slogan. Tired of the unpredictable environment while doing sport? SportCasts provide you with several data of the environment around you such as wave height for sailing sports and track the pollution within the location.

2nd Place: TreeCount&Care from Czechia for the challenge: Discover your city

Idea: TreeCount&Care helps municipalities and citizens identify unhealthy trees that need watering or other care such as pruning or pesticide application.

3rd Place: Sandless from France for the challenge: Protecting our rural areas

Idea: Sandless software analyses the past satellite images of other cities around the world to help you decide how to build your city of tomorrow!

CASSINI sequel on the horizon! 

The 2nd CASSINI Hackathon is set for 5-7 November 2021 and will tackle the challenge of connecting the Arctic with European satellite technologies. But where will the Hackathon take place? From Croatia to Iceland, this truly pan-European project is set to make an impact all across Europe! Find all you need to know about the CASSINI 2nd Hackathon here!

About CASSINI Space Entrepreneurship Initiative

The CASSINI Space Entrepreneurship Initiative is European Commission’s new initiative to support innovative entrepreneurs, start-ups and SMEs in the space industry, including New Space, during 2021-2027. It offers actions targeted at the full entrepreneurial lifecycle - from idea generation to market entry and growth – it is open to all areas of the EU Space Programme and covers both the upstream and downstream sectors. Read more 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).

Hundreds of participants came together from 18-20 June 2021 to hack the future of our green spaces with European space technologies. EUSPA supported the hackathon with various experts and market development professionals who helped participants elaborate and finetune their solutions.

From monitoring forest changes and developing ‘green’ indicators and optimal access routes to forecasting air pollutants, UV indexes and park congestion, the possibilities offered by the EU Space Programme are infinite. The 1st CASSINI Hackathon took place in 10 European locations and tasked participants with leveraging geospatial information from Copernicus Earth observation data and its services, together with positioning technologies from Galileo and EGNOS, to digitise Europe’s green spaces. 

At the end of the weekend 18-20 June, each location selected their top team to move forward to the European demo day and awards ceremony on 24th June. Each team pitched their solution to a jury of experts who engaged the winners in question and answer sessions before evaluating each idea. 

And now, without further ado, the three winning teams are:

1st Place: SportCasts, from the Netherlands for the Challenge: Staying fit & healthy

Idea: “Taking the hassle out of the outdoors" is our slogan. Tired of the unpredictable environment while doing sport? SportCasts provides you with several data of the environment around you such as wave height for sailing sports and tracks the pollution within the location.

2nd Place: TreeCount&Care from Czechia for the challenge: Discover your city

Idea: TreeCount&Care helps municipalities and citizens identify unhealthy trees that need watering or other care such as pruning or pesticide application.

3rd Place: Sandless from France for the challenge: Protecting our rural areas

Idea: Sandless software analyses the past satellite images of other cities around the world to help you decide how to build your city of tomorrow!

CASSINI sequel on the horizon! 

The 2nd CASSINI Hackathon is set for 5-7 November 2021 and will tackle the challenge of connecting the Arctic with European satellite technologies. But where will the Hackathon take place? From Croatia to Iceland, this truly pan-European project is set to make an impact all across Europe! Find all you need to know about the CASSINI 2nd Hackathon here!

About CASSINI Space Entrepreneurship Initiative

The CASSINI Space Entrepreneurship Initiative is European Commission’s new initiative to support innovative entrepreneurs, start-ups and SMEs in the space industry, including New Space, during 2021-2027. It offers actions targeted at the full entrepreneurial lifecycle - from idea generation to market entry and growth – it is open to all areas of the EU Space Programme and covers both the upstream and downstream sectors. Read more 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 European Union Agency for the Space Programme has been supporting on a long-term basis the EU railway industry, infrastructure managers, and operators in the complex task of introducing satellite-based localization into the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) as the flagship for interoperable railway signaling within the EU.

Precise train localization has been essential for the development of non-safety critical applications such as passenger information systems and asset tracking. Today, satellite-based positioning is set to have an even greater impact on the rail industry by reducing the infrastructure needed for train control systems and improving the efficiency of railway signalling. Augmented GNSS, when complemented by other sensors can, for example, replace costly physical balises, used for speed monitoring, and streamline rail operations in Europe in line with the ERTMS objectives. 

EUSPA together with Shift2Rail has been funding, under Horizon 2020, several research and development projects with the aim to develop systems that enable the safe use of GNSS as a source of positioning for trains. Nevertheless, existing gaps are preventing EU railway industry from making the technological leap needed and fully adopt Galileo and EGNOS.

With Galileo and ERTMS being one of the largest EU infrastructure projects and with clear synergies between them, the European Parliament highlighted the need to take advantage of the potential cost savings GNSS offers. The recently adopted report of the European Parliament on railway safety and signalling (assessing the state of play of the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) deployment (2019/2191(INI)) from 7th of July, the Parliament calls specifically on:

• The EU rail industry to develop technical solutions in order for the GNSS to enable the ERTMS on a large scale 
• The European Commission (EC), to consider introducing the GNSS in the upcoming ERTMS TSI CCS revision in order to close the remaining technological gaps and embrace innovation
• European Railway Agency (ERA) to closely coordinate, support and streamline research and development projects of space and rail stakeholders in order to include GNSS train location data in the ERTMS as early as possible
• The cooperation between ERA and the European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) to be stepped up in order to phase the GNSS into ERTMS standards

Furthermore, the Parliament Points out the need to ensure synergies between the ERTMS and the European Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) as soon as possible, especially since GNSS signal availability relies on virtual balises, which would be less costly to deploy and to maintain, since it would speed up the ERTMS roll-out and since it would enhance the competitiveness of the ERTMS outside the EU.

To ensure the European rail segment is able to take full advantage of satellite-based technology, EUSPA is working with rail and space stakeholders to further develop the European Train Control System (ETCS). At present EUSPA, Shift2Rail as well as the ESA run various projects to help EU Railway industry, infrastructure managers and railway operators cover the residual gaps linked to the introduction of GNSS into the ERTMS. 

GNSS-based rail signalling can speed up the smooth roll-out of ERTMS by cutting down operational expenditures while it can support many regional types of railway lines which could otherwise face the risk of shutting down due to the associated high maintenance costs. 

The establishment of a regulatory framework with an emphasis on digitalization and EU space technologies can remove obstacles that are holding back the rail sector in terms of evolution and interoperability and ensure the transition to a more integrated, efficient and safe EU railway market. EUSPA will continue to work on the definition of necessary satellite-based services, that will enable the safe use of the localization information for rails.

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 European Union Agency for the Space Programme has been supporting on a long-term basis the EU railway industry, infrastructure managers, and operators in the complex task of introducing satellite-based localization into the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) as the flagship for interoperable railway signaling within the EU.

Precise train localization has been essential for the development of non-safety critical applications such as passenger information systems and asset tracking. Today, satellite-based positioning is set to have an even greater impact on the rail industry by reducing the infrastructure needed for train control systems and improving the efficiency of railway signalling. Augmented GNSS, when complemented by other sensors can, for example, replace costly physical balises, used for speed monitoring, and streamline rail operations in Europe in line with the ERTMS objectives. 

EUSPA together with Shift2Rail has been funding, under Horizon 2020, several research and development projects with the aim to develop systems that enable the safe use of GNSS as a source of positioning for trains. Nevertheless, existing gaps are preventing EU railway industry from making the technological leap needed and fully adopt Galileo and EGNOS.

With Galileo and ERTMS being one of the largest EU infrastructure projects and with clear synergies between them, the European Parliament highlighted the need to take advantage of the potential cost savings GNSS offers. The recently adopted report of the European Parliament on railway safety and signalling (assessing the state of play of the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) deployment (2019/2191(INI)) from 7th of July, the Parliament calls specifically on:

• The EU rail industry to develop technical solutions in order for the GNSS to enable the ERTMS on a large scale 
• The European Commission (EC), to consider introducing the GNSS in the upcoming ERTMS TSI CCS revision in order to close the remaining technological gaps and embrace innovation
• European Railway Agency (ERA) to closely coordinate, support and streamline research and development projects of space and rail stakeholders in order to include GNSS train location data in the ERTMS as early as possible
• The cooperation between ERA and the European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) to be stepped up in order to phase the GNSS into ERTMS standards

Furthermore, the Parliament points out the need to ensure synergies between the ERTMS and the European Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) as soon as possible, especially since GNSS signal availability relies on virtual balises, which would be less costly to deploy and to maintain, since it would speed up the ERTMS roll-out and since it would enhance the competitiveness of the ERTMS outside the EU.

To ensure the European rail segment is able to take full advantage of satellite-based technology, EUSPA is working with rail and space stakeholders to further develop the European Train Control System (ETCS). At present EUSPA, Shift2Rail as well as the ESA run various projects to help EU Railway industry, infrastructure managers and railway operators cover the residual gaps linked to the introduction of GNSS into the ERTMS. 

GNSS-based rail signalling can speed up the smooth roll-out of ERTMS by cutting down operational expenditures while it can support many regional types of railway lines which could otherwise face the risk of shutting down due to the associated high maintenance costs. 

The establishment of a regulatory framework with an emphasis on digitalization and EU space technologies can remove obstacles that are holding back the rail sector in terms of evolution and interoperability and ensure the transition to a more integrated, efficient and safe EU railway market. EUSPA will continue to work on the definition of necessary satellite-based services, that will enable the safe use of the localization information for rails.

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 European Union Agency for the Space Programme has been supporting on a long-term basis the EU railway industry, infrastructure managers, and operators in the complex task of introducing satellite-based localization into the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) as the flagship for interoperable railway signaling within the EU.

Precise train localization has been essential for the development of non-safety critical applications such as passenger information systems and asset tracking. Today, satellite-based positioning is set to have an even greater impact on the rail industry by reducing the infrastructure needed for train control systems and improving the efficiency of railway signalling. Augmented GNSS, when complemented by other sensors can, for example, replace costly physical balises, used for speed monitoring, and streamline rail operations in Europe in line with the ERTMS objectives. 

EUSPA together with Shift2Rail has been funding, under Horizon 2020, several research and development projects with the aim to develop systems that enable the safe use of GNSS as a source of positioning for trains. Nevertheless, existing gaps are preventing EU railway industry from making the technological leap needed and fully adopt Galileo and EGNOS.

With Galileo and ERTMS being one of the largest EU infrastructure projects and with clear synergies between them, the European Parliament highlighted the need to take advantage of the potential cost savings GNSS offers. The recently adopted report of the European Parliament on railway safety and signalling (assessing the state of play of the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) deployment (2019/2191(INI)) from 7th of July, the Parliament calls specifically on:

• The EU rail industry to develop technical solutions in order for the GNSS to enable the ERTMS on a large scale 
• The European Commission (EC), to consider introducing the GNSS in the upcoming ERTMS TSI CCS revision in order to close the remaining technological gaps and embrace innovation
• European Railway Agency (ERA) to closely coordinate, support and streamline research and development projects of space and rail stakeholders in order to include GNSS train location data in the ERTMS as early as possible
• The cooperation between ERA and the European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) to be stepped up in order to phase the GNSS into ERTMS standards

Furthermore, the Parliament points out the need to ensure synergies between the ERTMS and the European Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) as soon as possible, especially since GNSS signal availability relies on virtual balises, which would be less costly to deploy and to maintain, since it would speed up the ERTMS roll-out and since it would enhance the competitiveness of the ERTMS outside the EU.

To ensure the European rail segment is able to take full advantage of satellite-based technology, EUSPA is working with rail and space stakeholders to further develop the European Train Control System (ETCS). At present EUSPA, Shift2Rail as well as the ESA run various projects to help EU Railway industry, infrastructure managers and railway operators cover the residual gaps linked to the introduction of GNSS into the ERTMS. 

GNSS-based rail signalling can speed up the smooth roll-out of ERTMS by cutting down operational expenditures while it can support many regional types of railway lines which could otherwise face the risk of shutting down due to the associated high maintenance costs. 

The establishment of a regulatory framework with an emphasis on digitalization and EU space technologies can remove obstacles that are holding back the rail sector in terms of evolution and interoperability and ensure the transition to a more integrated, efficient and safe EU railway market. EUSPA will continue to work on the definition of necessary satellite-based services, that will enable the safe use of the localization information for rails.

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 European Union Agency for the Space Programme has been supporting on a long-term basis the EU railway industry, infrastructure managers, and operators in the complex task of introducing satellite-based localization into the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) as the flagship for interoperable railway signaling within the EU.

Precise train localization has been essential for the development of non-safety critical applications such as passenger information systems and asset tracking. Today, satellite-based positioning is set to have an even greater impact on the rail industry by reducing the infrastructure needed for train control systems and improving the efficiency of railway signalling. Augmented GNSS, when complemented by other sensors can, for example, replace costly physical balises, used for speed monitoring, and streamline rail operations in Europe in line with the ERTMS objectives. 

EUSPA together with Shift2Rail has been funding, under Horizon 2020, several research and development projects with the aim to develop systems that enable the safe use of GNSS as a source of positioning for trains. Nevertheless, existing gaps are preventing EU railway industry from making the technological leap needed and fully adopt Galileo and EGNOS.

With Galileo and ERTMS being one of the largest EU infrastructure projects and with clear synergies between them, the European Parliament highlighted the need to take advantage of the potential cost savings GNSS offers. The recently adopted report of the European Parliament on railway safety and signalling (assessing the state of play of the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) deployment (2019/2191(INI)) from 7th of July, the Parliament calls specifically on:

• The EU rail industry to develop technical solutions in order for the GNSS to enable the ERTMS on a large scale 
• The European Commission (EC), to consider introducing the GNSS in the upcoming ERTMS TSI CCS revision in order to close the remaining technological gaps and embrace innovation
• European Railway Agency (ERA) to closely coordinate, support and streamline research and development projects of space and rail stakeholders in order to include GNSS train location data in the ERTMS as early as possible
• The cooperation between ERA and the European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) to be stepped up in order to phase the GNSS into ERTMS standards

To ensure the European rail segment is able to take full advantage of satellite-based technology, EUSPA is working with rail and space stakeholders to further develop the European Train Control System (ETCS). At present EUSPA, Shift2Rail as well as the ESA run various projects to help EU Railway industry, infrastructure managers and railway operators cover the residual gaps linked to the introduction of GNSS into the ERTMS. 

GNSS-based rail signalling can speed up the smooth roll-out of ERTMS by cutting down operational expenditures while it can support many regional types of railway lines which could otherwise face the risk of shutting down due to the associated high maintenance costs. 

The establishment of a regulatory framework with an emphasis on digitalization and EU space technologies can remove obstacles that are holding back the rail sector in terms of evolution and interoperability and ensure the transition to a more integrated, efficient and safe EU railway market. EUSPA will continue to work on the definition of necessary satellite-based services, that will enable the safe use of the localization information for rails.

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).

Galileo and EGNOS contribute to the rollout of sustainable transport modes by reducing aviation emissions, and optimizing routes on land and at sea. At the same time, when working in synergy, EGNSS and Copernicus can contribute to smart and sustainable farming techniques.

Transport is one of the main sources of air pollution, which is known to have direct effect on mortality as well as respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. According to the European Environment Agency, greenhouse gas emissions deriving from transportation increased in 2018 and 2019 EU-wide. Cutting down by 55% greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) by 2030, as defined in the latest EC legislation package, will require robust action particularly in road transport, the highest contributor to transport emissions, as well as aviation and shipping. European satellite technology is a helping hand on the road to climate neutrality.

Rolling-out greener modes of transportation 

The way we are driving is changing. Many of today's cars and trucks are already equipped with advanced driver assistance systems, including lane departure warning systems, automated breaking and adaptive cruise control. These systems are using Galileo, the European Global Navigation Satellite System to provide, reliable, robust and accurate positioning. Increasingly, transport services are operating in a cooperative environment with communication between drivers and road infrastructure. This cooperative intelligent transport systems (ITS) will allow road users and traffic managers to share and use information. This is set to improve safety and reduce congestion by helping drivers to make the right decision based on real-time traffic situation. The use of satellite navigation systems such as Galileo in road vehicles can reduce journey times by more than 10%, and thus contribute to curbing emissions of harmful and polluting substances. 

In the EU in 2017, direct emissions from aviation accounted for 3.8% of total CO2 emissions. The aviation sector creates 13.9% of the emissions from transport, making it the second biggest source of transport greenhouse gas emissions after road transport. By enabling aircrafts to land safely under challenging weather conditions such as fog EGNOS helps reduce the frequency of aborted landings (go-arounds) and therefore emissions. An estimated 80.000 flight delays and 20.000 diversions will be avoided EU-wide thanks to EGNOS by 2025. 

Maritime industry and especially large vessels such as bulk carriers or tankers also benefit from the EU Space Programme. EGNOS and Galileo can provide energy efficient, accurate manoeuvring especially in congested ports or inland waterways. At the same time, information on currents coming from Copernicus can optimize a vessel´s routing and thus further decrease emissions while saving costs. This results in fewer emissions in line with "Fit for 55" targets. 

EUSpace data supporting European farmers in their day to day tasks 

In the farming sector, when working in synergy, EGNSS and Copernicus contribute to smart and sustainable farming techniques. Using ground sensors and satellite imagery from Copernicus, farmers can generate maps with soil moisture and fertility information. Pairing this data with precise guidance by the Galileo and EGNOS satellites, EU farmers can steer their tractors precisely and, for example, fertilise exactly where needed. Thanks to the cooperation between the EU Space assets, it is estimated that EU farmers can save up to 20% of pesticides and fertilisers. 

There’s more! Landscape watering consumes great amount of urban water usage and water conservation is a vital part of environmental protection. The use Earth Observation (EO) and positioning data can help reduce its overconsumption and therefore turn the agribusiness sector both digital and greener. Copernicus can generate calibrated rainfall data that can be used for the development of smart irrigation solutions. Knowing the amount of rain accumulated on the ground through forecasts, autonomous sprinklers can spray water in an optimized way. A great example of a smart irrigation system was developed by Proxima Systems. Its products, utilise information from space to enable the automation and remote control of irrigation systems, allowing farmers to enhance their yields while saving costs. 

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 online series Space Crossroads has just concluded its first season. During 7 episodes, EUSPA hosted experts, investors, and big players sharing their experience with space and innovation. The webcasts have created a supportive environment to bring ideas closer to the market and have enabled a networking space in the Q&A session of each episode.

Launched in April 2021, EUSPA Space Crossroads is an online series dedicated to the people and businesses whose paths keep crossing with space, enabling the creation of innovative ideas and new businesses and start-ups.

The idea was born out of the different competitions and hackathons hosted by GSA/EUSPA, which attracted more than 600 start-ups and SMEs. EUSPA’s “incubator” role gives them support and guidance through the competitions and hackathons and enables a networking space for them to grow and bring their projects closer to the market. The series was created with the aim to further bridge the growing EUSpace start-ups ecosystem with experts, investors and other relevant industry stakeholders. 

The first series touched upon a variety of topics in a laid-back atmosphere where participants asked questions and tested their ideas. From elevator pitches and scale up strategies to insights about the latest space trends, Space Crossroads hosted a very diverse line up of speakers from companies such as, Google, XPRENEURS, SpaceTech Partners, Rokubun and more. In the last episodes we heard about the dos and don’ts of entrepreneurship across different sectors and environments.

“Start-ups and SMEs make EUSpace community grow and by leveraging synergies between the EU Space Programme components they are contributing to EU priorities such as the GreenDeal, and the digitisation of the economy,” says Justyna Redelkiewicz, head of sector, LBS, Market and Technology at EUSPA Market Development Department. “With the amplification of the agency’s scope, more opportunities are on the horizon, so stay tuned for our next announcements,” she concluded. 

Here you can see a full recap of the first season of EU Space Crossroads.   

EUSPA would like to thank all the participants who shared their experiences and knowledge with us as well as those who joined the webcasts! Space Crossroads is resuming in September with fresh episodes, and new distinguished guests. 

Stay tuned!

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).

Copernicus imagery and reference data coupled with EGNOS and Galileo positioning data enable the development of new services and applications that can act as a protective shield to the natural habitats of our planet.

Forests together with oceans are the Earth’s lungs. They provide us with fresh oxygen and purify water and air in addition to being home to thousands of species.  Deforestation, illegal activities such as logging or natural disasters such as wildfires pose a threat to forests and the biodiversity of our planet. Earth Observation (EO) images and in situ data from the Copernicus Land Monitoring Service are used to generate nearly real time forest change maps, that can be of use to national forest inventories and relevant ministries.

Synergies between EO and navigation are key in the preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation of natural disasters. In the unfortunate event of wildfires for instance, it is important to have access to precise and up-to-date information for the delivery of an effective disaster management response. Copernicus can detect active fires and monitored their emissions to be prepare smoke forecasts. The forecasts are used in air quality applications to help people limit their exposure to pollution, and policymakers and local authorities to manage the impact of fires. EGNOS and Galileo support the response and recovery phases of disaster management by providing accurate and reliable positioning when rescue teams need guidance to reach the affected area especially and visibility is reduced due to the fire, smoke, or fog.

At sea, both Copernicus and Galileo are game changers in assisting local authorities enforce existing regulations and measures, such as preventing vessels from remaining at a protected area for a prolonged time. Likewise, Copernicus can track oil spills or maritime incidents such as the recent Suez Canal obstruction and thus contribute to a quicker crisis management. 

Most importantly, data and services deriving from the EU Space Programme are valuable tools at the disposal of Member States and EU policymakers that allow them to develop informed and future-proof environmental policies. By monitoring for example, the increase or decrease in the levels of methane leaks or CO2 emissions we are able to assess if the policies in place are effective and adapt them accordingly if needed. For Europe to become the first climate-neutral continent by 2050, it is going to be an uphill climb, yet EU Space promises to unlock challenges and help the Union step up its game in the fight against climate change. 

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).

Copernicus imagery and reference data coupled with EGNOS and Galileo positioning data enable the development of new services and applications that can act as a protective shield to the natural habitats of our planet.

Forests together with oceans are the Earth’s lungs. They provide us with fresh oxygen and purify water and air in addition to being home to thousands of species.  Deforestation, illegal activities such as logging or natural disasters such as wildfires pose a threat to forests and the biodiversity of our planet. Earth Observation (EO) images and in situ data from the Copernicus Land Monitoring Service are used to generate nearly real time forest change maps, that can be of use to national forest inventories and relevant ministries.

Synergies between EO and navigation are key in the preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation of natural disasters. In the unfortunate event of wildfires for instance, it is important to have access to precise and up-to-date information for the delivery of an effective disaster management response. Copernicus can detect active fires, monitor their emissions, and prepare smoke forecasts. The forecasts are used in air quality applications to help people limit their exposure to pollution, and policymakers and local authorities to manage the impact of fires. EGNOS and Galileo support the response and recovery phases of disaster management by providing accurate and reliable positioning when rescue teams need guidance to reach the affected area especially and visibility is reduced due to the fire, smoke, or fog.

At sea, both Copernicus and Galileo are game changers in assisting local authorities enforce existing regulations and measures, such as preventing vessels from remaining at a protected area for a prolonged time. Likewise, Copernicus can track oil spills or maritime incidents such as the recent Suez Canal obstruction and thus contribute to a quicker crisis management. 

Most importantly, data and services deriving from the EU Space Programme are valuable tools at the disposal of Member States and EU policymakers that allow them to develop informed and future-proof environmental policies. By monitoring for example, the increase or decrease in the levels of methane leaks or CO2 emissions we are able to assess if the policies in place are effective and adapt them accordingly if needed. For Europe to become the first climate-neutral continent by 2050, it is going to be an uphill climb, yet EU Space promises to unlock challenges and help the Union step up its game in the fight against climate change. 

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).

Copernicus, Galileo, and EGNOS, when working in conjunction or -as standalone systems- are key assets to implementing green energy solutions and to making the construction sector more efficient. 

Decoupling economic growth from resource extraction and environmental degradation is in the heart of the EU Green Deal to. Turning into clean forms of energy such as solar, wind and tidal power will enable the Union to curb emissions, transform Europe’s energy mix and thus reverse climate change.

Green infrastructures, such as solar panels or wind turbines are costly installations. They require monitoring to ensure their proper functioning and performance optimization. Often, natural hazards such land subsidence, or landslides can negatively affect the operations of these infrastructures. That’s where EU Space kicks in!

#EUSpace supporting the use of green power 

Satellite-based remote sensing from Copernicus is a cost-effective solution which keeps an eye on clean energy infrastructures, offering precious information on their integrity and targeted maintenance. Geospatial data by the EU’s Earth Observation system can also be used to enable a better planning of these assets by offering greater situational awareness and help mitigate risks such as vegetation encroachment on power grids and turbines. Moreover, Copernicus, can optimize the performance of tidal power generators, by offering data on the rise and fall of tide through tidal currents prediction systems. Likewise, the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service uses information from satellites and its models to provide policymakers and solar industry companies, with quality metrics on sunshine or cloud coverage over specific areas. This helps the sector to better plan the installation of panels and thus to maximise their outputs.

The concept of smart power grids is gaining more and more momentum and electric utility companies are investing into them to reduce costs and optimise user experience and more efficiently manage their electric power networks. 

Smart grid systems require precise timing and synchronization down to a nanosecond level and GNSS clocks are used a prime source or as a backup time reference source in case of outages. Ultra-precise clocks on board Galileo satellites can provide accurate time and frequency synchronization to smart grids making them more robust.  

#EUSpace for a cleaner and more efficient construction sector 

Population growth and urbanisation are pushing the boundaries for resource exploitation and are creating a huge demand for civil infrastructure such as buildings, subways and train lines, bridges, dams, highways and airports. According to the EUSPA market report, by 2025 83% of geomatics equipment used for cadastral surveying and construction applications is GNSS-enabled. As of today, more than 80% of newly manufactured geomatics equipment and instruments use Galileo.

Both the construction sector and urban planning are directly benefitting from the EU Space Programme namely from the additional accuracy of Galileo and EGNOS which allows surveyors to accurately pinpoint structures and reference points. Copernicus offers high resolution images to assess the state of civil infrastructure including dams, or pipelines and track water loss. What is more, Galileo and EGNOS-enabled drones can accurately and safely fly across points of interest and assess for example heat loss in buildings and facilities. 

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).

Copernicus, Galileo, and EGNOS, when working in conjunction or -as standalone systems- are key assets to implementing green energy solutions and to making the construction sector more efficient. 

Decoupling economic growth from resource extraction and environmental degradation is at the heart of the EU Green Deal. Turning into clean forms of energy such as solar, wind and tidal power will enable the Union to curb emissions, transform Europe’s energy mix and thus reverse climate change.

Green infrastructures, such as solar panels or wind turbines are costly installations. They require monitoring to ensure their proper functioning and performance optimization. Often, natural hazards such land subsidence, or landslides can negatively affect the operations of these infrastructures. That’s where EU Space kicks in!

#EUSpace supporting the use of green power 

Satellite-based remote sensing from Copernicus is a cost-effective solution which keeps an eye on clean energy infrastructures, offering precious information on their integrity and targeted maintenance. Geospatial data by the EU’s Earth Observation system can also be used to enable better planning of these assets by offering greater situational awareness and help mitigate risks such as vegetation encroachment on power grids and turbines. Moreover, Copernicus can optimize the performance of tidal power generators, by offering data on the rise and fall of the tide through tidal currents prediction systems. Likewise, the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service uses information from satellites and its models to provide policymakers and solar industry companies, with quality metrics on sunshine or cloud coverage over specific areas. This helps the sector to better plan the installation of panels and thus to maximise their outputs.

The concept of smart power grids is gaining more and more momentum and electric utility companies are investing into them to reduce costs and optimise user experience and more efficiently manage their electric power networks. 

Smart grid systems require precise timing and synchronization down to a nanosecond level and GNSS clocks are used as a prime source or as a backup time reference source in case of outages. Ultra-precise clocks onboard Galileo satellites can provide accurate time and frequency synchronization to smart grids making them more robust.  

#EUSpace for a cleaner and more efficient construction sector 

Population growth and urbanisation are pushing the boundaries for resource exploitation and are creating a huge demand for civil infrastructures such as buildings, subways, and train lines, bridges, dams, highways, and airports. According to the EUSPA market report, by 2025 83% of geomatics equipment used for cadastral surveying and construction applications will be GNSS-enabled. As of today, more than 80% of newly manufactured geomatics equipment and instruments use Galileo.

Both the construction sector and urban planning are directly benefitting from the EU Space Programme namely from the additional accuracy of Galileo and EGNOS which allows surveyors to accurately pinpoint structures and reference points. Copernicus offers high-resolution images to assess the state of civil infrastructure including dams, or pipelines and track water loss. What is more, Galileo and EGNOS-enabled drones can accurately and safely fly across points of interest and assess for example heat loss in buildings and facilities. 

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).

Copernicus, Galileo, and EGNOS, when working in conjunction or -as standalone systems- are key assets to implementing green energy solutions and to making the construction sector more efficient. 

Decoupling economic growth from resource extraction and environmental degradation is at the heart of the EU Green Deal. Turning into clean forms of energy such as solar, wind and tidal power will enable the Union to curb emissions, transform Europe’s energy mix and thus reverse climate change.

Green infrastructures, such as solar panels or wind turbines are costly installations. They require monitoring to ensure their proper functioning and performance optimization. Often, natural hazards such as land subsidence, or landslides can negatively affect the operations of these infrastructures. That’s where EU Space kicks in!

#EUSpace supporting the use of green power 

Satellite-based remote sensing from Copernicus is a cost-effective solution which keeps an eye on clean energy infrastructures, offering precious information on their integrity and targeted maintenance. Geospatial data by the EU’s Earth Observation system can also be used to enable better planning of these assets by offering greater situational awareness and help mitigate risks such as vegetation encroachment on power grids and turbines. Moreover, Copernicus can optimize the performance of tidal power generators, by offering data on the rise and fall of the tide through tidal currents prediction systems. Likewise, the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service uses information from satellites and its models to provide policymakers and solar industry companies, with quality metrics on sunshine or cloud coverage over specific areas. This helps the sector to better plan the installation of panels and thus to maximise their outputs.

The concept of smart power grids is gaining more and more momentum and electric utility companies are investing into them to reduce costs and optimise user experience and more efficiently manage their electric power networks. 

Smart grid systems require precise timing and synchronization down to a nanosecond level and GNSS clocks are used as a prime source or as a backup time reference source in case of outages. Ultra-precise clocks onboard Galileo satellites can provide accurate time and frequency synchronization to smart grids making them more robust.  

#EUSpace for a cleaner and more efficient construction sector 

Population growth and urbanisation are pushing the boundaries for resource exploitation and are creating a huge demand for civil infrastructures such as buildings, subways, and train lines, bridges, dams, highways, and airports. According to the EUSPA market report, by 2025 83% of geomatics equipment used for cadastral surveying and construction applications will be GNSS-enabled. As of today, more than 80% of newly manufactured geomatics equipment and instruments use Galileo.

Both the construction sector and urban planning are directly benefitting from the EU Space Programme namely from the additional accuracy of Galileo and EGNOS which allows surveyors to accurately pinpoint structures and reference points. Copernicus offers high-resolution images to assess the state of civil infrastructure including dams, or pipelines and track water loss. What is more, Galileo and EGNOS-enabled drones can accurately and safely fly across points of interest and assess for example heat loss in buildings and facilities. 

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 Galileo-enabled autonomous parking lot solution from Estonia signed a 700.000 euro deal with Tera Ventures to scale up in Europe and the US, and to expand to road, airports, and harbours markings too.

10Lines is an Estonian start-up led by Tarmo Prints and Jano Paas that uses autonomous robots to deliver high calibre surface marking for parking lots. To do so, the company’s robots use Galileo’s additional accuracy in combination with other sensors to offer a positioning down to 1-2cm.  10Lines robots can strip parking lots seven times faster than current processes, require less supervision, eliminate the time-consuming measuring and pre-marking phases while significantly reducing CO2 emissions.

Moreover, 10Lines allows users to map sites digitally and set the robot in motion, cutting out much of the measuring and pre-marking process that currently accounts for 70% of the time required to mark parking lots, while at the same time reducing errors. 

The European start-up recently raised €700,000 in a seed round led by Estonian venture capital firm Tera Ventures with co-investment from US investor Perot Jain. The deal will further facilitate the development and production of the solution as well as jumpstart the scaling and the expansion of the team in the EU and across the pond.

‘’I am excited to see one of the innovative start-ups of our network that leverages Galileo’s increased performances spreading its wings! These are the kind of solutions we need in Europe, especially within the EU Green Deal context. This project touches both the green and the digital transition that are set out in the pact. Way to go 10Lines’’ said Fiammetta Diani, Head of Market Development at EUSPA.

10Lines won the first prize of the EUSPA-organized MyGalileoSolution Track 2 competition that was concluded in early 2021, worth a total €100,000.

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 Galileo-enabled autonomous parking lot solution from Estonia signed a 700.000 euro deal with Tera Ventures to scale up in Europe and the US, and to expand to road, airports, and harbours markings too.

10Lines is an Estonian start-up led by Tarmo Prints and Janno Paas that uses autonomous robots to deliver high calibre surface marking for parking lots. To do so, the company’s robots use Galileo’s additional accuracy in combination with other sensors to offer a positioning down to 1-2cm.  10Lines robots can strip parking lots seven times faster than current processes, require less supervision, eliminate the time-consuming measuring and pre-marking phases while significantly reducing CO2 emissions.

Moreover, 10Lines allows users to map sites digitally and set the robot in motion, cutting out much of the measuring and pre-marking process that currently accounts for 70% of the time required to mark parking lots, while at the same time reducing errors. 

The European start-up recently raised €700,000 in a seed round led by Estonian venture capital firm Tera Ventures with co-investment from US investor Perot Jain. The deal will further facilitate the development and production of the solution as well as jumpstart the scaling and the expansion of the team in the EU and across the pond.

‘’I am excited to see one of the innovative start-ups of our network that leverages Galileo’s increased performances spreading its wings! These are the kind of solutions we need in Europe, especially within the EU Green Deal context. This project touches both the green and the digital transition that are set out in the pact. Way to go 10Lines’’ said Fiammetta Diani, Head of Market Development at EUSPA.

10Lines won the first prize of the EUSPA-organized MyGalileoSolution Track 2 competition that was concluded in early 2021, worth a total €100,000.

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 Galileo-enabled autonomous parking lot solution from Estonia signed a 700.000 euro deal with Terra Ventures to scale up in Europe and the US, and to expand to road, airports, and harbours markings too.

10Lines is an Estonian start-up led by Tarmo Prints and Jano Paas that uses autonomous robots to deliver high calibre surface marking for parking lots. To do so, the company’s robots use Galileo’s additional accuracy in combination with other sensors to offer a positioning down to 1-2cm.  10Lines robots can strip parking lots seven times faster than current processes, require less supervision, eliminate the time-consuming measuring and pre-marking phases while significantly reducing CO2 emissions.

Moreover, 10Lines allows users to map sites digitally and set the robot in motion, cutting out much of the measuring and pre-marking process that currently accounts for 70% of the time required to mark parking lots, while at the same time reducing errors. 

The European start-up recently raised €700,000 in a seed round led by Estonian venture capital firm Tera Ventures with co-investment from US investor Perot Jain. The deal will further facilitate the development and production of the solution as well as jumpstart the scaling and the expansion of the team in the EU and across the pond.

‘’I am excited to see one of the innovative start-ups of our network that leverages Galileo’s increased performances spreading its wings! These are the kind of solutions we need in Europe, especially within the EU Green Deal context. This project touches both the green and the digital transition that are set out in the pact. Way to go 10Lines’’ said Fiammetta Diani, Head of Market Development at EUSPA.

10Lines won the first prize of the EUSPA-organized MyGalileoSolution Track 2 competition that was concluded in early 2021, worth a total €100,000.

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 Galileo-enabled autonomous parking lot solution from Estonia signed a 700.000 euro deal with Terra Ventures to scale up in Europe and the US, and to expand to road, airports, and harbours markings too.

10Lines is an Estonian start-up led by Tarmo Prints and Jano Paas that uses autonomous robots to deliver high calibre surface marking for parking lots. To do so, the company’s robots use Galileo’s additional accuracy in combination with other sensors to offer a positioning down to 1-2cm.  10Lines robots can strip parking lots seven times faster than current processes, require less supervision, eliminate the time-consuming measuring and pre-marking phases while significantly reducing CO2 emissions.

Moreover, 10Lines allows users to map sites digitally and set the robot in motion, cutting out much of the measuring and pre-marking process that currently accounts for 70% of the time required to mark parking lots, while at the same time reducing errors. 

The European start-up recently raised €700,000 in a seed round led by Estonian venture capital firm Tera Ventures with co-investment from US investor Perot Jain. The deal will further facilitate the development and production of the solution as well as jumpstart the scaling and the expansion of the team in the EU and across the pond.

‘’I am excited to see one of the innovative start-ups of our network that leverages Galileo’s increased performances spreading its wings! These are the kind of solutions we need in Europe, especially within the EU Green Deal context. This project touches both the green and the digital transition that are set out in the pact. Way to go 10Lines’’ said Fiammetta Diani, Head of Market Development at EUSPA.

10Lines won the first prize of the EUSPA-organized MyGalileoSolution Track 2 competition that was concluded in early 2021, worth a total €100,000.

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 Galileo-enabled autonomous parking lot solution from Estonia signed a 700.000 euro deal with Tera Ventures to scale up in Europe and the US, and to expand to road, airports, and harbours markings too.

10Lines is an Estonian start-up led by Tarmo Prints and Jano Paas that uses autonomous robots to deliver high calibre surface marking for parking lots. To do so, the company’s robots use Galileo’s additional accuracy in combination with other sensors to offer a positioning down to 1-2cm.  10Lines robots can strip parking lots seven times faster than current processes, require less supervision, eliminate the time-consuming measuring and pre-marking phases while significantly reducing CO2 emissions.

Moreover, 10Lines allows users to map sites digitally and set the robot in motion, cutting out much of the measuring and pre-marking process that currently accounts for 70% of the time required to mark parking lots, while at the same time reducing errors. 

The European start-up recently raised €700,000 in a seed round led by Estonian venture capital firm Tera Ventures with co-investment from US investor Perot Jain. The deal will further facilitate the development and production of the solution as well as jumpstart the scaling and the expansion of the team in the EU and across the pond.

‘’I am excited to see one of the innovative start-ups of our network that leverages Galileo’s increased performances spreading its wings! These are the kind of solutions we need in Europe, especially within the EU Green Deal context. This project touches both the green and the digital transition that are set out in the pact. Way to go 10Lines’’ said Fiammetta Diani, Head of Market Development at EUSPA.

10Lines won the first prize of the EUSPA-organized MyGalileoSolution Track 2 competition that was concluded in early 2021, worth a total €100,000.

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 Galileo-enabled autonomous parking lot solution from Estonia signed a 700.000 Euro deal with Tera Ventures to scale up in Europe and the US, and to expand to road, airports, and harbours markings too.

10Lines is an Estonian start-up led by Tarmo Prints and Janno Paas that uses autonomous robots to deliver high calibre surface marking for parking lots. To do so, the company’s robots use Galileo’s additional accuracy in combination with other sensors to offer a positioning down to 1-2cm.  10Lines robots can strip parking lots seven times faster than current processes, require less supervision, eliminate the time-consuming measuring and pre-marking phases while significantly reducing CO2 emissions.

Moreover, 10Lines allows users to map sites digitally and set the robot in motion, cutting out much of the measuring and pre-marking process that currently accounts for 70% of the time required to mark parking lots, while at the same time reducing errors. 

The European start-up recently raised €700,000 in a seed round led by Estonian venture capital firm Tera Ventures with co-investment from US investor Perot Jain. The deal will further facilitate the development and production of the solution as well as jumpstart the scaling and the expansion of the team in the EU and across the pond.

‘’I am excited to see one of the innovative start-ups of our network that leverages Galileo’s increased performances spreading its wings! These are the kind of solutions we need in Europe, especially within the EU Green Deal context. This project touches both the green and the digital transition that are set out in the pact. Way to go 10Lines’’ said Fiammetta Diani, Head of Market Development at EUSPA.

10Lines won the first prize of the EUSPA-organized MyGalileoSolution Track 2 competition that was concluded in early 2021, worth a total €100,000.

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).

From helping curb CO2 emissions to fighting illegal logging, Galileo, EGNOS and Copernicus are decisive resource of the European Union in the fight against climate change. EUSPA is launching an awareness raising campaign on the contribution of the Union’s space assets and services to the European Green Deal. Will you join us?

In late 2019, the European Commission presented the European Green Deal, a pact that sets out the path for the Union to achieve climate neutrality by 2050 while ensuring sustainable economic growth and a just and inclusive transition for citizens and businesses. With a visionary outlook, and unaware of what 2020 had in store, the European Green Deal looked at climate challenges also as opportunities for growth and resilience. 

The EU Green Deal looks to strengthen certain policy areas ranging from biodiversity and sustainable agriculture to clean energy and sustainable mobility among others. Curbing greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030 is the overarching goal of this ambitious endeavour followed by minimizing the Union’s reliance on resource exploitation while still achieving growth.

EU Space and Green Deal go hand in hand

The intertwining between climate action, sustainable mobility, economic growth and space services is not new but it is gaining momentum as the Union is investing in and relying more on its EU Space Programme for the definition of green and digital its policies. 

Positioning, navigation and timing services from Galileo, and EGNOS, have been central to rolling out next-generation applications and services in a vast array of fields such as smart farming, while also contributing to the reduction of road emissions and those of aviation through route optimization. Galileo has a role to play in the energy sector, through the robust synchronization of energy networks and smart grids that help distribute energy also from renewable sources.

Copernicus, the world’s most advanced Earth Observation has been a precious tool at the fingertips of EU policy makers thanks to the data and services offered by its various climate, land, sea and air monitoring services. The system was recently upgraded with the Copernicus Sentinel 6, a state-of the-art satellite that provides vital information, for example, on ocean currents, wind speed and wave height for maritime safety. The data are also important for protecting and managing the increasingly busy coastal zones. 

The new EU Space Programme is an opportunity for pushing the boundaries and creating synergies between the space components and services to fuel the EU Green Deal. European industry, entrepreneurs, and user communities can rely on Earth observation, GNSS services and telecommunications to create smart solutions and serve new markets, fully aligned with the EU sustainability goals. 

Within the context of the "Fit for 55" package, the Von der Leyen Commission has published on 14 July its plan the EU's 2030 climate target on the way to climate neutrality. Accelerating Europe’s access to space is pivotal to enable both our green and digital transition. EUSPA is committed to linking space to users’ needs, designing services that anticipate trends and stimulate innovation and growth. 

Starting on Monday 19 July 2021, join the “#EUSpace 4 our Planet’’ campaign, and help us raise awareness on the contribution of the EU Space Programme to the EU Green Deal. The campaign will address three thematic areas of the EU Green Deal where space is a true enabler: "Building a sustainable future", "Safeguarding our ecosystems", "Green and digital transformation".

Stay tuned for the first two episodes of our campaign! 

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).

From helping curb CO2 emissions to fighting illegal logging, Galileo, EGNOS and Copernicus are a decisive resource of the European Union in the fight against climate change. EUSPA is launching an awareness raising campaign on the contribution of the Union’s space assets and services to the European Green Deal. Will you join us?

In late 2019, the European Commission presented the European Green Deal, a pact that sets out the path for the Union to achieve climate neutrality by 2050 while ensuring sustainable economic growth and a just and inclusive transition for citizens and businesses. With a visionary outlook, and unaware of what 2020 had in store, the European Green Deal looked at climate challenges also as opportunities for growth and resilience. 

The EU Green Deal looks to strengthen certain policy areas ranging from biodiversity and sustainable agriculture to clean energy and sustainable mobility among others. Curbing greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030 is the overarching goal of this ambitious endeavour followed by minimizing the Union’s reliance on resource exploitation while still achieving growth.

EU Space and Green Deal go hand in hand

The intertwining between climate action, sustainable mobility, economic growth and space services is not new but it is gaining momentum as the Union is investing in and relying more on its EU Space Programme for the definition of its green and digital policies. 

Positioning, navigation and timing services from Galileo, and EGNOS, have been central to rolling out next-generation applications and services in a vast array of fields such as smart farming, while also contributing to the reduction of road emissions and those of aviation through route optimization. Galileo has a role to play in the energy sector, through the robust synchronization of energy networks and smart grids that help distribute energy also from renewable sources.

Copernicus, the world’s most advanced Earth Observation system has been a precious tool at the fingertips of EU policy makers thanks to the data and services offered by its various climate, land, sea and air monitoring services. The system was recently upgraded with the Copernicus Sentinel 6, a state-of the-art satellite that provides vital information on ocean currents, wind speed and wave height for maritime safety. The data are also important for protecting and managing the increasingly busy coastal zones. 

The new EU Space Programme is an opportunity for pushing the boundaries and creating synergies between the space components and services to fuel the EU Green Deal. European industry, entrepreneurs, and user communities can rely on Earth observation, GNSS services and telecommunications to create smart solutions and serve new markets, fully aligned with the EU sustainability goals. 

Within the context of the "Fit for 55" package, the Von der Leyen Commission published on 14 July its plan the EU's 2030 climate target on the way to climate neutrality. Accelerating Europe’s access to space is pivotal to enable both our green and digital transition. EUSPA is committed to linking space to users’ needs, designing services that anticipate trends and stimulate innovation and growth. 

Starting on Monday 19 July 2021, join the “#EUSpace 4 our Planet’’ campaign, and help us raise awareness on the contribution of the EU Space Programme to the EU Green Deal. The campaign will address three thematic areas of the EU Green Deal where space is a true enabler: "Building a sustainable future", "Safeguarding our ecosystems", "Green and digital transformation".

Stay tuned for the first two episodes of our campaign! 

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).

From helping curb CO2 emissions to fighting illegal logging, Galileo, EGNOS and Copernicus are decisive resource of the European Union in the fight against climate change. EUSPA is launching an awareness raising campaign on the contribution of the Union’s space assets and services to the European Green Deal. Will you join us?

In late 2019, the European Commission presented the European Green Deal, a pact that sets out the path for the Union to achieve climate neutrality by 2050 while ensuring sustainable economic growth and a just and inclusive transition for citizens and businesses. With a visionary outlook, and unaware of what 2020 had in store, the European Green Deal looked at climate challenges also as opportunities for growth and resilience. 

The EU Green Deal looks to strengthen certain policy areas ranging from biodiversity and sustainable agriculture to clean energy and sustainable mobility among others. Curbing greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030 is the overarching goal of this ambitious endeavour followed by minimizing the Union’s reliance on resource exploitation while still achieving growth.

EU Space and Green Deal go hand in hand

The intertwining between climate action, sustainable mobility, economic growth and space services is not new but it is gaining momentum as the Union is investing in and relying more on its EU Space Programme for the definition of green and digital its policies. 

Positioning, navigation and timing services from Galileo, and EGNOS, have been central to rolling out next-generation applications and services in a vast array of fields from as smart farming to xxx, while also contributing to the reduction of road emissions and those of aviation through route optimization. Galileo has a role to play in the energy sector, through the robust synchronization of energy networks and smart grids that help distribute energy also from renewable sources.

Copernicus, the world’s most advanced Earth Observation has been a precious tool at the fingertips of EU policy makers thanks to the data and services offered by its various climate, land, sea and air monitoring services. The system was recently upgraded with the Copernicus Sentinel 6, a state-of the-art satellite that provides vital information, for example, on ocean currents, wind speed and wave height for maritime safety. The data are also important for protecting and managing the increasingly busy coastal zones. 

The new EU Space Programme is an opportunity for pushing the boundaries and creating synergies between the space components and services to fuel the EU Green Deal. European industry, entrepreneurs, and user communities can rely on Earth observation, GNSS services and telecommunications to create smart solutions and serve new markets, fully aligned with the EU sustainability goals. 

Within the context of the "Fit for 55" package, the Von der Leyen Commission has published on 14 July its plan the EU's 2030 climate target on the way to climate neutrality. Accelerating Europe’s access to space is pivotal to enable both our green and digital transition. EUSPA is committed to linking space to users’ needs, designing services that anticipate trends and stimulate innovation and growth. 

Starting on Monday 19 July 2021, join the “#EUSpace 4 our Planet’’ campaign, and help us raise awareness on the contribution of the EU Space Programme to the EU Green Deal. The campaign will address three thematic areas of the EU Green Deal where space is a true enabler: "Building a sustainable future", "Safeguarding our ecosystems", "Green and digital transformation".

Stay tuned for the first two episodes of our campaign! 

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 FLAMINGO project, partly funded by the European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA), developed the infrastructure, solutions, and services needed to enable the use of highly accurate and precise GNSS within the mass-market, particularly using smartphones and IoT devices. The project, which ended last May, delivered a successful solution that is now taking wings.

FLAMINGO (Fulfilling enhanced Location Accuracy in the Mass-market through Initial GalileO services) unleashed the potential of GNSS, leveraging Galileo’s dual-frequency signal for improved LBS performance in urban environments. FLAMINGO created a positioning service that  improves accuracy for smartphones and IoT devices, from approximately 5-25 metres down to 0.5-1 metre. These results enhance user experience and lay the foundation for the rollout of new and improved features in location-based apps, and the development of next-gen apps.

Read this: Galileo Masters – the EUSPA SatCom Challenge

In addition to the world’s first sub-metre accuracy positioning service for smartphones, the project also created first-generation products that the early adopters of this emerging technology are beginning to investigate. The project’s service, solution and potential were demonstrated to mass-market app developers through a series of hackathons and demonstration events. 

FLAMINGO was a collaborative venture comprising key European space and GNSS players such as  NSL, Telespazio France, University of Nottingham, Rokubun, Thales Alenia Space France, VVA, ECLEXYS, and Blue Dot Solutions. 

Leveraging the benefits

Blue Dot Solutions, one of the project’s partner, a company specialized in advanced solutions based on satellite data, such as GNSS signals or Earth observation imagery, and developing and building personalised systems and applications for different sectors, developed Ground Eye.

Targeting aviation, Ground Eye is a technology platform to monitor mobile ground infrastructure at airports. The system leverages Galileo’s added precision, fast and reliable data transmission, data analysis, collision and threat detection system and the highest level of security to locate, plan and manage airport assets.

And this: BroadGNSS to launch open market consultation

Ground Eye brings multiple benefits for both airports and passengers - it does not require any additional infrastructure, delivers smoother operations, reduced risk of accidents or missing equipment, and greater employee and passenger satisfaction. The solution was tested at Gdansk airport in 2019 and is currently ready to be used at any commercial airport.

Framework for innovation

FLAMINGO was just one of many projects funded under the Horizon 2020 Framework Programme, which supported breakthroughs, discoveries, and world-firsts by taking great ideas from the research lab to the market. Check here for an overview of innovative GNSS-driven projects funded in various market segments.

This work is now being continued under the successor programme Horizon Europe. With an overall budget of EUR 95.5 billion, Horizon Europe will facilitate collaboration and strengthen the impact of research and innovation in tackling global challenges. EUSPA will support the programme by stimulating the market and promoting the creation of commercial solutions for the downstream space sector.

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 space topic has been a key focus of the Portuguese Presidency of the European Union Council, with the EU Space Programme regulation publication. Portugal is now handing over the baton to Slovenia, which has already set the space priorities for its Presidency.

Space is playing an increasingly important role in the priorities of the European Council Presidencies, and space featured prominently on the Portuguese Presidency’s agenda. At the New Space Atlantic Summit, which took place on 8 June, the Portuguese Presidency marked the launch of the European Union’s Space Programme and looked at the impact of New Space on European productivity and competitiveness.

New Space

The summit focused on the development of New Space, including the use of space technology and applications in non-space sectors and to support public policies. At the summit opening session, European Union Agency for the Space programme (EUSPA) Executive Director Rodrigo da Costa outlined EUSPA’s role as the key actor in the European Union’s New Space approach.

Read this: EUSPA at the heart of EU’s New Space approach

EUSPA also participated in other Portuguese Presidency space-related events, like the Africa-Europe Earth Observation Forum, where EUSPA representatives gave inputs on how space can boost entrepreneurship in Africa and strengthen European-African cooperation; and the Portugal-Czech Republic Economic Forum, and Aviation Day which, inter alia, looked at the role of space in Europe’s recovery and its green and digital future.

The key areas of focus of the upcoming Slovenian Presidency of the EU Council in the area of space are space traffic management, bringing the benefits of space to everyone, and space-based secure connectivity. With its goal of linking space to user needs and expanded mandate to include the GOVSATCOM secure communications programme and Space Situational Awareness (SSA), EUSPA looks forward to working with the Slovenian Presidency on these topics.

Slovenia and space

EU Member States, including Slovenia, understand the potential of space-enabled services to address challenges, drive innovation and enhance competitiveness. Slovenian start-ups are realizing more and more the added-value EUSpace can bring to their operations. Several of them have benefitted from EUSPA support in getting their space-based applications to the market. For example, the first-prize winner in Track 1 (from idea to prototype) of this year’s MyGalileoSolution competition was the Slovenian project VisionAnchor the world's first video anchor monitoring system for boats.   

 The Slovenian Presidency of the Council has several EUSpace initiatives in its agenda, including awareness raising-events which will take place either online or physically addressing topics such as “Space for Green and Digital Recovery” and the “Secure Connectivity Initiative”. 

“Slovenia believes that also small nations and SMEs can play a very significant role in Space, working hand in hand with big Space faring nations. Our goal during the Slovenian Presidency of the Council of the EU is to bring space closer to everyone, including citizens and SMEs,” commented the Slovenian Ministry of economic development and technology, responsible for Space, Directorate for internationalisation on behalf of the Slovenian Presidency.

And this: CASSINI hackathon leverages space to digitise green spaces

What’s more, Slovenia is set to host the upcoming CASSINI hackathons initiated by the European Commission to tackle global challenges using European space technologies. In the first hackathon in the series, participants will use Copernicus Earth observation data, together with positioning technologies from Galileo and EGNOS, in an effort to digitise Europe’s green spaces.

Supporting EU priorities

The EU Space Programme is a joint effort and asset of all the European Union Member States.  EUSPA is working to ensure that the Space Programme delivers the services and applications needed to support key EU policies.

From the European Green Deal to digitisation or an economy that works for people, Galileo, EGNOS and Copernicus are driving innovation and enabling services and applications that support Europe’s economic growth and the EU’s key priorities for Europe. See here for more info on how space is supporting EU policy.

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 space topic has been a key focus of the Portuguese Presidency of the European Union Council, with the EU Space Programme regulation publication. Portugal is now handing over the baton to Slovenia, which has already set the space priorities for its Presidency.

Space is playing an increasingly important role in the priorities of the European Council Presidencies, and space featured prominently on the Portuguese Presidency’s agenda. At the New Space Atlantic Summit, which took place on 8 June, the Portuguese Presidency marked the launch of the European Union’s Space Programme and looked at the impact of New Space on European productivity and competitiveness.

New Space

The summit focused on the development of New Space, including the use of space technology and applications in non-space sectors and to support public policies. At the summit opening session, European Union Agency for the Space programme (EUSPA) Executive Director Rodrigo da Costa outlined EUSPA’s role as the key actor in the European Union’s New Space approach.

Read this: EUSPA at the heart of EU’s New Space approach

EUSPA also participated in other Portuguese Presidency space-related events, like the Africa-Europe Earth Observation Forum, where EUSPA representatives gave inputs on how space can boost entrepreneurship in Africa and strengthen European-African cooperation; and the Portugal-Czech Republic Economic Forum, and Aviation Day which, inter alia, looked at the role of space in Europe’s recovery and its green and digital future.

The key areas of focus of the upcoming Slovenian Presidency of the EU Council in the area of space are space traffic management, bringing the benefits of space to everyone, and space-based secure connectivity. With its goal of linking space to user needs and expanded mandate to include the GOVSATCOM secure communications programme and Space Situational Awareness (SSA), EUSPA looks forward to working with the Slovenian Presidency on these topics.

Slovenia and space

EU Member States, including Slovenia, understand the potential of space-enabled services to address challenges, drive innovation and enhance competitiveness. Slovenian start-ups are realizing more and more the added-value EUSpace can bring to their operations. Several of them have benefitted from EUSPA support in getting their space-based applications to the market. For example, the first-prize winner in Track 1 (from idea to prototype) of this year’s MyGalileoSolution competition was the Slovenian project VisionAnchor the world's first video anchor monitoring system for boats.   

 The Slovenian Presidency of the Council has several EUSpace initiatives in its agenda, including awareness raising-events which will take place either online or physically addressing topics such as “Space for Green and Digital Recovery” and the “Secure Connectivity Initiative”. 

“Slovenia believes that also small nations and SMEs can play a very significant role in Space, working hand in hand with big Space faring nations. Our goal during the Slovenian Presidency of the Council of the EU is to bring space closer to everyone, including citizens and SMEs,” commented Tanja Permozer from the Slovenian Ministry of economic development and technology, responsible for Space, Directorate for internationalisation on behalf of the Slovenian Presidency.

And this: CASSINI hackathon leverages space to digitise green spaces

What’s more, Slovenia is set to host the upcoming CASSINI hackathons initiated by the European Commission to tackle global challenges using European space technologies. In the first hackathon in the series, participants will use Copernicus Earth observation data, together with positioning technologies from Galileo and EGNOS, in an effort to digitise Europe’s green spaces.

Supporting EU priorities

The EU Space Programme is a joint effort and asset of all the European Union Member States.  EUSPA is working to ensure that the Space Programme delivers the services and applications needed to support key EU policies.

From the European Green Deal to digitisation or an economy that works for people, Galileo, EGNOS and Copernicus are driving innovation and enabling services and applications that support Europe’s economic growth and the EU’s key priorities for Europe. See here for more info on how space is supporting EU policy.

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).

On 28 June 2021, EU Member States representatives elected Juan Manuel del Salvador Codosero Bolaños as the new Deputy Chair of the EUSPA Administrative Board. It followed the election of the AB Chair, Václav Kobera, in mid-June.

Representatives from the European Union Member States and the European Commission gathered on 28 June 2021 to elect the new Deputy Chair of the EUSPA Administrative Board. 

The new EUSPA AB Deputy Chair, Juan Manuel del Salvador Codosero Bolaños is a Spanish national and aeronautical engineer specialized in jet engines with an extensive experience in both the public and private sector in areas related to aviation and aerospace. 

Codosero Bolaños and the newly appointed Chair, Vaclav Kobera reaffirmed their commitment to be working together with all EU Member States to equally spread the benefits of the EU Space Programme across the Union. Transparency in decision making will continue being the cornerstone of the processes of the EUSPA Administrative Board (AB).

Read this: New Chair for the EUSPA Administrative Board

“I am glad to have received the trust of my colleagues to take this role. I want to get EUSPA closer to the Member States. I will use my mandate as a lever to boost the participation of the Member States in EUSPA daily work and leverage the EUSPA activities in the Member States administration,” said Codosero Bolaños.

“I would like to congratulate Mr Codosero Bolaños on his election. There is a lot of work ahead of us and I am happy to have him on board. We need an active approach from all our AB colleagues. Their interest and commitment are essential to implement the EU Space Programme. We will try our best to increase coordination, cooperation and communication and secure openness and transparency as the main values on this EU space journey,” stated Kobera.

“I would also like to salute Mr Codosero Bolaños on his election. With the elections of Mr. Kobera as the Administrative Board Chair and Mr. Codosero as Deputy Chair, our Board’s leadership is now in place, and it will surely be instrumental in the delivery of the EU Space Programme. I look forward to seeing all AB Members participating in this journey of establishing a state-of-the-art, robust space EU Agency for the Space Programme,” concluded Rodrigo da Costa, EUSPA Executive Director.

Read the Czech version here: Tým správní rady EUSPA byl doplněn o nově zvoleného místopředsedu

Read the Spanish version here: El Consejo de Administración de la EUSPA se completa con la elección del nuevo Vicepresidente

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 14th International Conference on Marine Navigation and Safety of Sea Transportation took place from 16-18th June 2021.

The 14th edition of the International Conference on Marine Navigation and Safety of Sea Transportation (TRANSAV) took place online from 16-18 June 2021, bringing together scientists and professionals who shared their expertise and research results on all aspects of navigation at sea.  

EUSPA Market Development Technology Officer, Prof. Manuel Lopez, co-chaired the round table on GNSS, together with Prof. Cezary Specht, Head of the department of Geodesy and Oceanography of the Maritime University of Gdynia.

Maritime transportation is the backbone of the worldwide economic growth, representing 80% of the global merchant traffic, and a major domain of human and nature activity. Increased marine traffic and the need of accurate manoeuvring in ports are some challenges pilots are faced with. 

The maritime community is becoming more and more interested in using SBAS for ocean, coastal waters and harbour entrances/approaches especially where there is no DGNSS infrastructure or in poorly covered environments. EGNOS is already used to effectively complement DGNSS for the provision of enhanced accuracy (close to 1m) and integrity information.

Read this: EGNOS Safety of Life: Serving aviation for 10 years

SBAS systems like EGNOS are set to become a complementary augmentation technology for maritime users. The study of V. Anton et al. on the evolution of SBAS/EGNOS enabled devices in maritime, presented at TRANSNAV shows that currently around 90% of receivers in the market implement SBAS. However, these implementations are not certified following a maritime test standard. The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) recently approved a new work item for the preparation of this standard in the next two years. The name of the standard is: IEC 61108-7 ED1 Maritime navigation and radiocommunication equipment and systems - Global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) - Part 7: Satellite Based Augmentation Systems - Receiver Equipment - Performance requirements and method of testing. 

During the session moderated by Lopez, participants also had to opportunity to get a taste of how EGNOS performs in high latitudes and more specifically along the Finnish coasts. The study of R. Gonzalez et al. highlights EGNOS suitability in the border of its coverage area, showing an average accuracy of 0.815m in the Gulf of Finland.

The paper Low Bandwith Network-RTK correction dissemination for High Accuracy Maritime Navigation by S. Alissa et al., funded by EUSPA under H2020 project PREParE SHIPS (PREdicted Positioning based on EGNSS for Ships), was nominated as one of the best four papers of the conference. The study described a real-time kinematics network (NRTK) disseminating corrections for GNSS, including Galileo, by means of the modern maritime communication system VDES (VHF Data Exchange System).

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 14th International Conference on Marine Navigation and Safety of Sea Transportation took place from 16-18th June 2021.

The 14th edition of the International Conference on Marine Navigation and Safety of Sea Transportation (TRANSNAV) took place online from 16-18 June 2021, bringing together scientists and professionals who shared their expertise and research results on all aspects of navigation at sea.  

EUSPA Market Development Technology Officer, Prof. Manuel Lopez, co-chaired the round table on GNSS, together with Prof. Cezary Specht, Head of the department of Geodesy and Oceanography of the Maritime University of Gdynia.

Maritime transportation is the backbone of the worldwide economic growth, representing 80% of the global merchant traffic, and a major domain of human and nature activity. Increased marine traffic and the need of accurate manoeuvring in ports are some challenges pilots are faced with. 

The maritime community is becoming more and more interested in using SBAS for ocean, coastal waters and harbour entrances/approaches especially where there is no DGNSS infrastructure or in poorly covered environments. EGNOS is already used to effectively complement DGNSS for the provision of enhanced accuracy (close to 1m) and integrity information.

Read this: EGNOS Safety of Life: Serving aviation for 10 years

SBAS systems like EGNOS are set to become a complementary augmentation technology for maritime users. The study of V. Anton et al. on the evolution of SBAS/EGNOS enabled devices in maritime, presented at TRANSNAV shows that currently around 90% of receivers in the market implement SBAS. However, these implementations are not certified following a maritime test standard. The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) recently approved a new work item for the preparation of this standard in the next two years. The name of the standard is: IEC 61108-7 ED1 Maritime navigation and radiocommunication equipment and systems - Global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) - Part 7: Satellite Based Augmentation Systems - Receiver Equipment - Performance requirements and method of testing. 

During the session moderated by Lopez, participants also had to opportunity to get a taste of how EGNOS performs in high latitudes and more specifically along the Finnish coasts. The study of R. Gonzalez et al. highlights EGNOS suitability in the border of its coverage area, showing an average accuracy of 0.815m in the Gulf of Finland.

The paper Low Bandwith Network-RTK correction dissemination for High Accuracy Maritime Navigation by S. Alissa et al., funded by EUSPA under H2020 project PREParE SHIPS (PREdicted Positioning based on EGNSS for Ships), was nominated as one of the best four papers of the conference. The study described a real-time kinematics network (NRTK) disseminating corrections for GNSS, including Galileo, by means of the modern maritime communication system VDES (VHF Data Exchange System).

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).

Complementing Copernicus, Galileo, EGNOS, and the forthcoming GOVSATCOM, this new EU flagship programme, will benefit a broad range of sectors, including road and maritime transport, air traffic and control, autonomous vehicle development as well Internet of Things (IoT).  It will also open up more opportunities for synergies between the already existing components of the EU Space Programme that can benefit maritime surveillance or even space situational awareness.

“I want to position Europe as THE hub of space entrepreneurship in the world”. With this remark Commissioner for Internal Market, Thierry Breton, kicked off the Q&A session with SMEs and start-ups during the Secure Connectivity Initiative online event organized by DG-DEFIS on 14 June 2021.

The landscape of the space industry is being reshaped as we are entering a new era in the field of satellite communications. The use of new frequency bands, optical communications and quantum technology allows for the development of new innovative products and software. Europe is gifted with a satcom industry that has the capacity to make the necessary technological leap while at the same time New-Space entrepreneurs are able to think outside the box and create new services that can benefit users.

The EU is ready to harness this momentum of digitisation and make Europe fit for the digital age under its new European Connectivity Initiative. 

The Secure Connectivity Initiative, announced in early 2020 by Breton during his keynote at the 13th European Space Conference will be a multi-orbital project, combining the benefits offered by LEO, GEO and MEO constellations. It is set to provide secure communication services to the EU and its Member States as well as broadband connectivity for European citizens, private companies and governmental authorities. This new initiative aims to put an end to dead zones, giving high broadband speed to everyone in Europe and some areas of Africa through a resilient & ultra-secure space and ground based system.

Read this: European Commissioner Breton makes first official visit at EUSPA headquarters and highlights the role of the Agency in the delivery of the EU Space Programme

The EU Agency for the Space Programme, is already actively involved in building secure satellite communications infrastructures for Europe through the coordination of the first phase of GOVSATCOM on which the new secure connectivity initiative will be based. Complementing Copernicus, Galileo, EGNOS and the forthcoming GOVSATCOM, this new EU flagship programme, will benefit a broad range of sectors, including road and maritime transport, air traffic and control as well Internet of Things (IoT). Such a project will also open up more opportunities for synergies between the already existing components of the EU Space Programme. By combining GNSS data and satcom networks we can significantly improve space situational awareness.  Likewise, the synergies between EO, SatNav and SatCom can be useful for fisheries control and maritime surveillance. 

With the addition of the Secure Connectivity Initiative, the EU is ramping up the digitisation of its society and economy while looking to make space data more accessible and scalable to all interested entities. This will ensure reliance on Europe’s own space resources and infrastructure and therefore strengthen its digital sovereignty. 

EUSPA will be supporting the EU’s digital transition by giving incentives to new entrants in order to scale-up the creation of innovative start-ups. This will be done through instruments such as the CASSINI initiative, Horizon Europe calls and other innovation competitions. 

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).

Complementing Copernicus, Galileo, EGNOS, and the forthcoming GOVSATCOM, this new EU flagship programme, will benefit a broad range of sectors, including road and maritime transport, air traffic and control, autonomous vehicle development as well Internet of Things (IoT).  It will also open up more opportunities for synergies between the already existing components of the EU Space Programme that can benefit maritime surveillance or even space situational awareness.

“I want to position Europe as THE hub of space entrepreneurship in the world”. With this remark Commissioner for Internal Market, Thierry Breton, kicked off the Q&A session with SMEs and start-ups during the Secure Connectivity Initiative online event organized by DG-DEFIS on 14 June 2021.

The landscape of the space industry is being reshaped as we are entering a new era in the field of satellite communications. The use of new frequency bands, optical communications and quantum technology allows for the development of new innovative products and software. Europe is gifted with a satcom industry that has the capacity to make the necessary technological leap while at the same time New-Space entrepreneurs are able to think outside the box and create new services that can benefit users.

The EU is ready to harness this momentum of digitisation and make Europe fit for the digital age under its new European Connectivity Initiative. 

The Secure Connectivity Initiative, announced in early 2020 by Breton during his keynote at the 13th European Space Conference will be a multi-orbital project, combining the benefits offered by LEO, GEO and MEO constellations. It is set to provide secure communication services to the EU and its Member States as well as broadband connectivity for European citizens, private companies and governmental authorities. This new initiative aims to put an end to dead zones, giving high broadband speed to everyone in Europe and some areas of Africa through a resilient & ultra-secure space and ground based system.

Read this: European Commissioner Breton makes first official visit at EUSPA headquarters and highlights the role of the Agency in the delivery of the EU Space Programme

The EU Agency for the Space Programme, is already actively involved in building secure satellite communications infrastructures for Europe through the coordination of the first phase of GOVSATCOM on which the new secure connectivity initiative will be based. Complementing Copernicus, Galileo, EGNOS and the forthcoming GOVSATCOM, this new EU flagship programme, will benefit a broad range of sectors, including road and maritime transport, air traffic and control as well Internet of Things (IoT). Such a project will also open up more opportunities for synergies between the already existing components of the EU Space Programme. By combining GNSS data and satcom networks we can significantly improve space situational awareness.  Likewise, the synergies between EO, SatNav and SatCom can be useful for fisheries control and maritime surveillance. 

With the addition of the Secure Connectivity Initiative, the EU is ramping up the digitisation of its society and economy while looking to make space data more accessible and scalable to all interested entities. This will ensure reliance on Europe’s own space resources and infrastructure and therefore strengthen its digital sovereignty. 

EUSPA will be supporting the EU’s digital transition by giving incentives to new entrants in order to scale-up the creation of innovative start-ups. This will be done through instruments such as the CASSINI initiative, Horizon Europe calls and other innovation competitions. 

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).

With an allocated budget of EUR 95.5 billion for the period 2021-2027, Horizon Europe is the new EU research and innovation funding programme, poised to develop sustainable solutions to tackle climate change, boost competitiveness and create jobs. Targeting public authorities, universities, research institutes, companies and other organizations, the Programme also facilitates collaboration, and strengthens the impact of research and innovation in developing, supporting, and implementing EU policies.

Throughout the years, the EU research and innovation (R&I) funding programmes (FP6, FP7, H2020 to name but a few) have been fueling Europe’s future and growth.  As Europe slowly emerges from the pandemic, R&I will become even more crucial to develop much needed solutions to tackle global and societal challenges, and build a more sustainable, secure and resilient European Union. 

While the European Commission fully-fledged #NextGenerationEU recovery plan aims to support and stimulate national economies, Horizon Europe targets solutions to turn our continent greener, more digital and more resilient leveraging on  the European Union excellence in research and academia, and its innovation and creativity capital among industry, SMEs, and entrepreneurs. 

With an allocated budget of EUR 95.5 billion for the period 2021-2027, the enhanced successor of Horizon 2020, is the EU’s vehicle to tackle climate change, boost competitiveness and create jobs. Targeting public authorities, universities, research institutes, companies and other organizations, the new Programme also facilitates the collaboration and strengthens the impact of research and innovation in developing, supporting and implementing EU policies. 

EU Space data based on Galileo, Copernicus and EGNOS is enabling the development of next-generation, innovative applications or technologies especially in the downstream sectors such as mobility, smart farming, shared economy, Consumer solutions, surveying, and leisure, among others. Horizon Europe will feature a set of calls to support R&I within the context of the new EU Space Programme.

Add Info Days to your calendar!

The European Commission is organizing the Horizon Europe Info Days 2021 with the objective to inform prospective applicants and other stakeholders, about the main funding instruments and processes, and the novelties of Horizon Europe. The Info-days will address 9 themes, each featuring a programme with discussions and hands-on sessions, and dedicated to individual clusters or parts of the new Programme.

Cluster 4 Digital, Industry and Space focuses on the following six destinations matching the Strategic Plan: 

1. Climate neutral, circular and digitised production; 
2. Increased autonomy in key strategic value chains for resilient industry; 
3. World leading data and computing technologies; 
4. Digital and emerging technologies for competitiveness and fit for the Green Deal; 
5. Open strategic autonomy in developing, deploying and using global space-based infrastructures, services, applications and data; 
6. A human-centred and ethical development of digital and industrial technologies

The destination five will provide first-hand information on EU Space related calls. 

This Info-day will take place on 29 June 2021 from 09:00 until 17:00 CET and no prior registration is required. Participants will have the opportunity to first attend a “Welcome and general presentation of the 'Digital, Industry and Space' 2021 Work Programme” while under Destination 5 they will be informed about “Open strategic autonomy in developing, deploying and using global space-based infrastructures, services, applications and data”.

More information can be found here.

There is more

To complement Horizon Europe Info Days 2021, the National Contact Points (NCPs), under Bridge2HE, ID2020 and Cosmos2020, are promoting three different Brokerage events to support the forming of consortia. Interested? Sign up at the links below:

Digital: 24-25th June 2021 https://digital2021.ideal-ist.eu

Industry: 1st July 2021 https://industry2021.b2match.io

Space: 28th June 2021 https://cosmos2020plus-heu-cluster4-space-brokerage.b2match.io

The Europe-Africa Space Earth Observation High-Level Forum held earlier in June examined the evolving roadmap for enhancing EU-Africa cooperation in satellite-based Earth Observation; the European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) Executive Director, Rodrigo da Costa was there to highlight the role of the agency in unlocking the full potential of EO in Africa through EU Space synergies. 

Africa is a vast continent with a diverse geomorphology, a rapidly growing population and a home to a broad range of ecosystems. Experts have been looking into space-based solutions over the past decades, and in particular Earth Observation (EO) data, enabling solutions that help manage natural resources and better assess the impact of human activities on natural habitats. 

Africa’s EO community is blossoming, benefitting from geospatial data (EO and GNSS) deriving from regional space infrastructures but also relying on international cooperation initiatives. It was within this context that EUSPA Executive Director, Rodrigo da Costa, joined the “Europe-Africa Space Earth Observation High-Level Forum” earlier in June, to speak about the role of the Agency and how the EU Space Programme can help Africa unlock its full potential.

Read this: ASECNA provides Africa’s first early SBAS Open Service

EU Space Programme Synergies to the front

While talking about the role of the Agency in fostering applications and the use of EO and navigation data, da Costa emphasized “the need to involve users in the design of sustainable solutions,” to enhance EU-Africa cooperation from a space point of view”, adding that EO combined with satellite navigation and telecommunication offers a huge potential to develop innovative space products based on synergies between these. “Just to give you one example, Copernicus can provide soil moisture and fertility information on a given piece of land. With the accuracy provided by Galileo, farmers everywhere – and of course also in Africa - can seed precisely where the soil is the most fertile, and that contributes to a more sustainable farming”, he concluded.

The session gathered high-level space actors such as Mahama Ouedraogo from the African Union Council who set the tone by saying that Africa-Europe EO cooperation should go further and consider the new paradigm brought by New Space. The European Commission was represented by DG INTPA Director General Koen Doens, Patrick Child Deputy Director General of DG RTD and Augusto Gonzales, Advisor to the DG DEFIS Director General all of which presented the latest developments and work of their respective DGs in the field of EO. The panel was completed by EUMETSAT Director General Phil Evans who noted that EUMETSAT had been collaborating for more than 20 years with the European Commission and multiple African institutions to ensure access to satellite data and strengthen African capacities to exploit these data and provide added-value services to various socio-economic sectors.

And this: Spanish team wins Farming by Satellite Prize 2020

EUSPA successfully linking users’ needs in Africa

As regards the role of EUSPA, he said that the Agency, with the support of the European Commission, could help Africa accelerate its EO downstream industry. “EUSPA has a successful track record of working with stakeholders in Africa and more specifically with the Agency for Air Navigation Safety in Africa and Madagascar (ASECNA). Together we are developing the “SBAS for Africa and Indian Ocean” based on EGNOS technology. This was a first step to make African airports more accessible and create more commercial opportunities for airlines and new flight routes at a regional and international level, with minimum costs for ground infrastructure and its maintenance,” he said. 

EU leaders and policy makers are ready to strengthen cooperation between the European EO and Africa, and are looking forward to making use of the infinite opportunities offered by the EU Space Programme, all under the same sky.

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).

With the largest allocated budget ever  - €14.88 billion- the new EU Space Programme has now become a reality marking a new era for Europe in space. The signature of the Financial Framework Partnership Agreement (FFPA) today in Brussels anchors the European Union leadership in Space. 

Why a European Union Space Programme?

With the creation of the first-ever integrated Space Programme, the European Union is reinforcing its strategy to harness the power of space to re-ignite its post-COVID economy, address climate change, transit to digitalization, and secure its autonomy and sovereignty.  

The increase in the budget for the years 2021-2027, underlines the EU expectations for space as an economic enabler with a positive spillover effect across various industries. The new EU Space Programme will generate an even higher return-on-investment through the creation of value-adding, safe and secure space-based services for the EU citizens, business and governments alike. By 2025, space-related jobs across the Union should increase to 400,000.

Space data is an indispensable tool for policy-makers that helps inform policy makers and decision takers to tackle today and tomorrow’s challenges. In particular, Galileo, EGNOS and Copernicus support a wide range of EU policies ranging from the Common Fishery (CSP) to the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) while underpinning the ambitious EU Green Deal and Europe’s digital transition.

A robust EU Space programme, secured from cyber threats and supported by a range of state-of-the-art ground centres and infrastructure ensures the Union’s autonomy and sovereignty.

European Commission, EUSPA and ESA: pieces the same space puzzle 

Effective cooperation between the European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA), the European Commission and ESA is key to achieve a successful EU Space Programme. It will be measured by the benefits we deliver to the citizens and the growth we ignite in EU economy, innovation and society. 

Each of the partners has unique and complementary function and competence.

The European Commission, as project manager, steers the wheel towards pressing societal, economic or environmental challenges where #EUSpace makes a difference.  

EUSPA, as the EU market-oriented agency, makes sure that these challenges are addressed through the design and development of new space-based services which meet the needs of the users, while ensuring its market uptake.

ESA ensures the roll-out of new satellite technology and architecture of the systems that provide the services. 

“With the signature of the Financial Framework Partnership Agreement today we have confirmed the powerful scheme together with the EC and ESA and to keep the EU Space where it belongs: at the top,” concluded Rodrigo da Costa, EUSPA Executive Director.

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).

With the largest allocated budget ever  - €14.88 billion- the new EU Space Programme has now become a reality marking a new era for Europe in space. The signature of the Financial Framework Partnership Agreement (FFPA) today in Brussels anchors the European Union leadership in Space. 

Why a European Union Space Programme?

With the creation of the first-ever integrated Space Programme, the European Union is reinforcing its strategy to harness the power of space to re-ignite its post-COVID economy, address climate change, transit to digitalization, and secure its autonomy and sovereignty.  

The increase in the budget for the years 2021-2027, underlines the EU expectations for space as an economic enabler with a positive spillover effect across various industries. The new EU Space Programme will generate an even higher return-on-investment through the creation of value-adding, safe and secure space-based services for the EU citizens, business and governments alike. By 2025, space-related jobs across the Union should increase to 400,000.

Space data is an indispensable tool that helps inform policy makers and decision takers to tackle today's and tomorrow’s challenges. In particular, Galileo, EGNOS and Copernicus support a wide range of EU policies ranging from the Common Fishery (CSP) to the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) while underpinning the ambitious EU Green Deal and Europe’s digital transition.

A robust EU Space programme, secured from cyber threats and supported by a range of state-of-the-art ground centres and infrastructures ensures the Union’s autonomy and sovereignty.

European Commission, EUSPA and ESA: pieces the same space puzzle 

Effective cooperation between the European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA), the European Commission and ESA is key to achieve a successful EU Space Programme. It will be measured by the benefits we deliver to the citizens and the growth we ignite in EU economy, innovation and society. 

Each of the partners has unique and complementary functions and competences.

The European Commission, as project manager, steers the wheel towards pressing societal, economic or environmental challenges where EUSpace makes a difference.  

EUSPA, as the EU market-oriented agency, makes sure that these challenges are addressed through the design and development of new space-based services which meet the needs of the users, while ensuring its market uptake.

ESA ensures the roll-out of new satellite technology and architecture of the systems that provide the services. 

“With the signature of the Financial Framework Partnership Agreement today we have confirmed the powerful scheme together with the EC and ESA and to keep the EU Space where it belongs: at the top,” concluded Rodrigo da Costa, EUSPA Executive Director.

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 Member states of the European Union Agency for the Space Programme elected today Václav Kobera to chair its Administrative Board.

During the 1st meeting of EUSPA’s Administrative Board, Mr Vaclav Kobera, Director of the Department of Intelligent Transport Systems, Space Activities and Research, Development and Innovation at the Ministry of Transport was elected as its new chair by the Member States and the European Commission representatives.

Mr Kobera is a Czech national with vast experience in space-related activities and more concretely satellite navigation. He has held several managerial positions in the public sector, namely the Czech Ministry of Transport. 

“I am happy and honoured for the trust of the EU Member States and the European Commission gave me while electing me as Chair of the EUSPA Administrative Board. We need to face together the many challenges in front of us. I am ready to support the Member States and the Commission to prepare EUSPA to fulfil all its entrusted tasks and be a valuable partner for ESA, industry and other stakeholders”, stated Kobera.

Kobera thanked outgoing acting Chair Alberto Tuozzi, Head of the Telecommunications and Navigation of ASI (Italian Space Agency) for his leadership over the past few months. 

“With transition of the GSA into EUSPA officially on May 12th 2021 our agency has a pivotal role to play in the delivery of the EU Space Programme.” says Executive Director Rodrigo da Costa. “I look forward to working closely with our new Chair as EUSPA has set off to an exciting EU Space journey!” 

The EUSPA Administrative Board consists of representatives from each EU Member State, the European Commission, and the European parliament. The Board meets at least twice a year to take various decisions (budget, work programme, etc.) and ensure that the Agency performs its entrusted tasks according to the regulation.

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).

A session on the first day of the Europe-Africa Space Earth Observation High-Level Forum, which took place in Lisbon and online on 10-11 June, looked at capacity building, innovation and entrepreneurship in downstream applications. Speaking at the session, European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) Head of Market Development Fiammetta Diani talked about how synergies between the space programme components are boosting entrepreneurship in Africa by creating opportunities for entrepreneurs.

The speakers of this session agreed that cooperation was central to achieve sustainable development through capacity building, innovation and entrepreneurship. The cooperation should exist at different levels between the two continents and the countries, between the systems (Earth observation, Navigation (Galileo), communication, meteorology) and technologies (IA, big data, …) and between the organizations (private and public partnerships, network of academia, network of entrepreneurs, …).

In a keynote address ahead of the session, Veronica Cesco, Associate Programme Officer at the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) said that space assets had transformed the way we live and that space infrastructure had unlocked virtually limitless access to data and information, enabling great strides in the quest for sustainable development.

She referenced a study produced by UNOOSA in cooperation with the European Commission, which found that geolocation (via GNSS) and Earth observation (EO) support 40% of targets underpinning the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). When satellite communications are included, this share increases to over 50%. She said that capacity building was essential if we are to ensure that access to space and the benefits it enables are available to everybody.

Read this: EGNSS and Earth Observation: A promising convergence for sustainable development

The session started with an overview of current capacity building programmes, during which Meshack Ndiritu, GMES & Africa training officer at the African Union Commission (AUC) highlighted the importance of the public and private sector working together. He said that academia brings innovation and the private sector brings deployment of this innovation and that this combination is needed to sustain the services on the continent.

Space-driven entrepreneurship

Highlighting how space synergies are driving entrepreneurship, EUSPA Head of Market Development Fiammetta Diani noted that over 2 billion users are already able to access Galileo in their smartphones, which makes it possible for them to develop applications. Diani gave three examples of where space synergies are driving innovation. 

In precision farming, georeferenced maps are combined with highly accurate machine positioning in variable rate application systems that make agriculture more resource-efficient and reduce its environmental impact. In renewable energy, Copernicus imagery is used to optimise site selection and evaluate energy potential, while EGNSS supports fine-tuning of site selection, construction and maintenance, and timing and synchronisation functions in smart grids. Finally, EGNSS and Copernicus support infrastructure planning and maintenance with tracking and navigation and land monitoring and environmental impact assessments.

And this: Space synergies serving the environment

Diani stressed that these applications are providing opportunities for entrepreneurs and that EUSPA promotes this entrepreneurship, for example though the CASSINI initiative, or through initiatives like the Farming by Satellite prize, which last year had a Special Africa Prize, won by Kenyan-Italian team GeoM&E for a solution that uses European satellite technology to monitor coffee diseases.

Diani also said that EGNOS is expanding to Africa and that this would open up opportunities for entrepreneurs in many different areas. “EUSPA is working on new opportunities to support entrepreneurs, including through Horizon Europe. There will be concrete opportunities coming soon,” she said.

Success stories

Frank Salzgeber, Head of Innovation and Ventures Office at ESA noted that supporting entrepreneurship is about cooperation – start-ups don’t have to do everything by themselves. 

The session ended with the presentation of some African space entrepreneurship ecosystem success stories. The Agribora project improves decision making by different agriculture value chain actors through the use of data-driven services and digital tools. Using technology, it de-risks the smallholder agriculture ecosystem and bridges the information and access gaps that limit productivity and profitability of farmers and agribusiness ventures. 

The second success story, Manobi Africa, delivers digital solutions and services for businesses, development projects and service providers in Africa’s water and agricultural sectors. The company profiles, maps and monitors the activities of value chain actors, in real-time, across 14 African countries by combining geospatial mapping and remote-sensing technologies at scale.

Mariane Diop, from the World Meteorological Organization moderating this session, concluded on recalling that EO works in complementarity with other space technologies as GNSS and Communication. Integrating these technologies is an opportunity for entrepreneurship.

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 European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) is launching a consultation on a technology and service road map for the Galileo Public Regulated Service (PRS). This consultation will support the development of the PRS user segment and market uptake up till 2027.

The Agency invites Competent PRS Authorities (CPAs) from each European Member State, and European industry, to share their views and ideas on which user segment technologies are important to enhance adoption from the first generation of Galileo (G1G) and address the evolution towards the second generation of the Galileo space programme (G2G). The Agency encourages industries with potential interests and capabilities to support the development of such technologies to contact their relevant CPA to join the discussion.

The Galileo PRS is restricted to governmental authorised users. It is meant for sensitive applications that need a high-level of service continuity. The PRS uses encrypted signals with increased resistance towards interference and spoofing. Authorised users include:

• Member States
• The European Council
• The European Commission
• The European External Action Service
• EU agencies
• Third countries and international organisations (subject to security agreements with the EU).

The role of industry input

The Agency’s goal is to make sure the PRS is affordable and secure for all interested and authorised users. It balances this with making sure that European industry maintains its competitive edge in the global marketplace. In the past, the Agency did this through previous research and development programmes. It has already run several studies and projects to identify, develop and sustain technology to support market uptake. The Agency will launch more initiatives within the Horizon Europe Framework Programme (2021-2027) for technology to keep evolving.

The Agency is responsible for maintenance and execution of the PRS technological road map to support market uptake. This consultation will reflect industry needs in the roadmap. Industry will provide inputs and ideas that the Agency may explore through Horizon Europe and other financial opportunities. The Agency will use this information to plan long-term activities to support adoption of the Public Regulated Service.

Consultations will focus on the following topics: 

• The necessary steps to transform technology and services into competitive products in terms of cost, power, dimension etc. The Agency wants to support market uptake in preparation for the Full Operational Capability (FOC) milestone of the PRS and the second generation of Galileo.
• Information on current European capability and capacity within the manufacturing sector. The Agency wants to understand how to better support it, including preparation necessary for FOC and Galileo’s 2nd generation.
• Ideas to upgrade relevant manufacturing lines to make them more efficient ahead of FOC and Galileo’s 2nd generation.

Notes: 

The PRS decision 1104/2011/EU governs PRS technology manufacturing. This limits consultations to entities established in the territory of a PRS participant which has designated a Competent PRS Authority (CPA). The Agency will inform interested CPAs.

The Agency will consider all information received during consultations as ‘confidential in commerce’. It will not disclose any information unless authorised. Nondisclosure agreements are being considered; templates for which are available upon request. Due to the sensitivity of the topic and time limitations, the Agency cannot ensure that it will grant all requests.

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For more information please contact your relevant PRS Competent Authority.

The Agency reserves the right to only contact industries duly authorised by their relevant PRS Competent Authority.

For any organisational questions, please contact: prs-consultations@euspa.europa.eu 

PRS consultations

Security Department

European Union Agency for the Space Programme

Janovského 438/2 

170 00 Prague 7 – Holesovice 

Czech Republic 

The deadline for requests is 19 July 2021. All consultations will be organised between 23 August 2021 and 13 September 2021.

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).

On 30 June from 15:00 to 17:00 CEST, the European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) together with the European Commission Directorate-General for the Defence Industry and Space (DG DEFIS) and the European Innovation Council (EIC) are organising an informative online workshop on EIC opportunities for space SMEs. To register to attend click here.

The European Commission launched the EIC to support the commercialisation of high-impact technologies in the European Union. Its goal is to aid researchers, start-ups and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in bringing their innovations to market by providing funding, networking and partnership opportunities, and business acceleration services. 

Read this: Galileo Masters – the EUSPA SatCom Challenge

With a budget of EUR 10.1 billion, the EIC will support game changing innovations throughout the lifecycle from early stage research, to proof of concept, technology transfer, and the financing and scale up of start-ups and SMEs. The EIC provides considerable funding opportunities through various programmes, such as the EIC Pathfinder, the EIC Transition, the EIC Accelerator and the EIC Fund. 

The upcoming workshop held on 30 June from 15:00 to 17:00 CEST is open to all SMEs interested in EIC funding opportunities and will focus on the added value of the EIC instrument and the benefits, challenges and lessons learned by previous EIC winners. It will also provide an opportunity to discuss administrative details, participation rules and other issues. To register to the workshop click here.

EIC Accelerator cut-off  

Are you a start-up or SME developing a disruptive product, service or idea? Do you have a video pitch, a slide deck, and are you ready to respond to a short set of questions about your innovation and your team? If this is you, then you can now apply for EIC Accelerator funding!

The EIC Accelerator supports individual SMEs, in particular start-ups and spinout companies, to develop and scale-up game-changing innovations in any field of technology or application. The EIC Accelerator provides substantial financial support with grant funding of up to EUR 2.5 million for innovation development costs, and investments of up to EUR 15 million, managed by the EIC Fund, for scale up and other relevant costs.

And this: Welcome to the Space Crossroads, where space and great ideas meet

In addition, EIC selected companies receive coaching, mentoring, access to investors and corporates, and many other opportunities as part of the EIC community. The EIC welcomes applications from innovators in all EU Member States and countries associated to Horizon Europe. The cut-off dates for 2021 are 16 June and 6 October.

There is still some time left before the June 16 cut-off date, so don’t miss out on this excellent opportunity to access funding and support! Follow the links for more information on the EIC Accelerator and on other EIC funding opportunities.

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).

At the fourth edition of the New Space Atlantic Summit, key players from Europe and the Atlantic region gathered in Coimbra, Portugal and online to discuss the role of New Space for people. European Union Agency for the Space programme (EUSPA) Executive Director Rodrigo da Costa gave a keynote address at the opening session, outlining EUSPA’s role as the key actor in the European Union’s New Space approach.

Introducing the opening session, Ricardo Conde, President of the Portuguese Space Agency noted that innovative solutions were needed to address user needs and to link space to non-space sectors. This was something that EUSPA Executive Director Rodrigo da Costa also picked up on in his address. 

Da Costa noted that EUSPA was at the heart of New Space and that its mission was to take advantage of the opportunities that come from the development of innovative space products based on satellite navigation, Earth observation and telecoms to maximize synergies between EU Space Programme components at user level.

Fostering collaboration

“We will do this by fostering collaboration between space and non-space actors, allowing greater cross-fertilisation. For example, space and non-space companies are already teaming up on several of our Horizon-financed projects to bring innovative solutions to diverse markets, such as agriculture, transport, or resource management, just to cite a few,” he said.

Read this: CASSINI hackathon leverages space to digitise green spaces

Da Costa said that EUSPA was encouraging all the EU Member States to benefit from the innovation brought by space technologies, stressing that it was particularly important to build capacity in the Member States, including those with emerging capabilities.

“In the provision of Galileo and EGNOS services, we involve large, small and medium actors from several Member States, and with them we ensure the 24/7 operations of these key EU infrastructures. In GovSatCom also, we are now looking for innovative approaches to build the GovSatCom Hub,” he said.

Speaking at the session, Elodie Viau, Director of Telecommunications and Integrated Application at the European Space Agency (ESA) said that space had entered the digital economy and society. “Data generated in space and on Earth are improving our daily lives,” she said, adding that ESA was supporting European industry, start-ups and SMEs and was looking at new concepts of innovation, for technology. “We are going to work with all the institutional players and the private sector to create even more innovation. This is key for Europe to maintain its competitiveness,” she said.

Role of private sector

The EUSPA Executive Director also highlighted the key role of the private sector. He said that EUSPA would create opportunities for EU companies to explore new markets, through dedicated procurements, grants and prizes to create new business opportunities and connect them with private investors and venture capitalists for the necessary financing capability to jump-start their business cases.

And this: Going green? Look to EU Space!

“For example, one of our winners in the MyGalileo Solution competition, 10 lines, an Estonian company, is developing an automated robot to design parking places. They already have contracts in the EU and have recently won a large contract in the US,” he said.

Da Costa stressed that the recently approved conclusion of the EU Council on “New Space for people” calls upon EUSPA, with the Commission, to foster the uptake of space services by stimulating the adoption of space-based solutions and by increasing the competitiveness of the EU industry. “We are ready to play our fundamental role on this,” he said, adding that this New Space development was essential for European economies and for European integration.

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).

At the fourth edition of the New Space Atlantic Summit, key players from Europe and the Atlantic region gathered in Coimbra, Portugal and online to discuss the role of New Space for people. European Union Agency for the Space programme (EUSPA) Executive Director Rodrigo da Costa gave a keynote address at the opening session, outlining EUSPA’s role as the key actor in the European Union’s New Space approach.

Introducing the opening session, Ricardo Conde, President of the Portuguese Space Agency noted that innovative solutions were needed to address user needs and to link space to non-space sectors. This was something that EUSPA Executive Director Rodrigo da Costa also picked up on in his address. 

Da Costa noted that EUSPA was at the heart of New Space and that its mission was to take advantage of the opportunities that come from the development of innovative space products based on satellite navigation, Earth observation and telecoms to maximize synergies between EU Space Programme components at user level.

Fostering collaboration

“We will do this by fostering collaboration between space and non-space actors, allowing greater cross-fertilisation. For example, space and non-space companies are already teaming up on several of our Horizon-financed projects to bring innovative solutions to diverse markets, such as agriculture, transport, or resource management, just to cite a few,” he said.

Read this: CASSINI hackathon leverages space to digitise green spaces

Da Costa said that EUSPA was encouraging all the EU Member States to benefit from the innovation brought by space technologies, stressing that it was particularly important to build capacity in the Member States, including those with emerging capabilities.

“In the provision of Galileo and EGNOS services, we involve large, small and medium actors from several Member States, and with them we ensure the 24/7 operations of these key EU infrastructures. In GovSatCom also, we are now looking for innovative approaches to build the GovSatCom Hub,” he said.

Speaking at the session, Elodie Viau, Director of Telecommunications and Integrated Application at the European Space Agency (ESA) said that space had entered the digital economy and society. “Data generated in space and on Earth are improving our daily lives,” she said, adding that ESA was supporting European industry, start-ups and SMEs and was looking at new concepts of innovation, for technology. “We are going to work with all the institutional players and the private sector to create even more innovation. This is key for Europe to maintain its competitiveness,” she said.

Role of private sector

The EUSPA Executive Director also highlighted the key role of the private sector. He said that EUSPA would create opportunities for EU companies to explore new markets, through dedicated procurements, grants and prizes to create new business opportunities and connect them with private investors and venture capitalists for the necessary financing capability to jump-start their business cases.

And this: Going green? Look to EU Space!

“For example, one of our winners in the MyGalileo Solution competition, 10 lines, an Estonian company, is developing an automated robot to design parking places. They already have contracts in the EU and have recently won a large contract in the US,” he said.

Da Costa stressed that the recently approved conclusion of the EU Council on “New Space for people” calls upon EUSPA, with the Commission, to foster the uptake of space services by stimulating the adoption of space-based solutions and by increasing the competitiveness of the EU industry. “We are ready to play our fundamental role on this,” he said, adding that this New Space development was essential for European economies and for European integration.

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 launch of the European Union Space Programme and its entry into force will be celebrated at a special online event to be held on June 22. The event will focus on how the Space programme marks a fresh start to an ambitious Space Agenda for Europe and showcase the contribution of the EU Space Programme to Europe’s digital and green transitions and the EU’s priority policies. For more information and to register, click here.

The event, which takes place from 09:30 to 13:00 on June 22, features high-level decision-makers and round table sessions discussing pressing issues such as cooperation amongst the space actors, entrepreneurship opportunities, and how the EU Space Programme contributes to various EU policies. 

The event will open with statements from European Commissioner for the Internal Market Thierry Breton, Portuguese Minister for Science, Technology and Higher Education Manuel Heitor and MEP Cristian Busoi on the entry into force of the new Regulation. This will be followed by the formal signing of the Financial Framework Partnership Agreement.

Meeting with the press

A press event will start with Commissioner Breton statement.  European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) Executive Director Rodrigo da Costa, European Commission Director-General for Industry and Space Timo Pesonen and ESA Director General will give the media an opportunity to have their questions answered. 

The EUSPA Executive Director and the DG DEFIS Director General will then participate in a session on successful cooperation within the EU Space Programme, along with MEP Massimiliano Salini  and European Space Agency Director General Josef Aschbacher. 

Read this: CASSINI hackathon leverages space to digitise green spaces

The event will end with a session on how the EU Space Programme is enabling EU policies and supporting EU entrepreneurship, with participation by Ekaterini Kavvada from DG DEFIS, EUSPA Head of Market Development Fiammetta Diani and European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) Director General Florence Rabier. 

The conference is co-hosted by the European Commission/DG DEFIS, the European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) and the European Space Agency (ESA).

Some background

On 6 June 2018, the European Commission presented the new Space Programme for the period 2021-2027. The aim of the Programme is to ensure investment continuity in EU space activities, encourage scientific and technical progress and support the competitiveness and innovation capacity of the European space industry. 

And this: Going green? Look to EU Space!

On April 28 this year, the European Parliament confirmed the political agreement on the Space Regulation reached in December 2020, officially creating the European Union Agency for the Space Programme. The EU Space Programme has the largest budget ever for space - €14.88 billion. The Space Programme brings all EU space activities under one roof and will enable space to contribute effectively to the priorities of the European agenda.

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 launch of the European Union Space Programme and its entry into force will be celebrated at a special online event to be held on June 22. The event will focus on how the Space programme marks a fresh start to an ambitious Space Agenda for Europe and showcases the contribution of the EU Space Programme to Europe’s digital and green transitions and the EU’s priority policies. For more information and to register, click here.

The event, which takes place from 09:30 to 13:00 on June 22, features high-level decision-makers and round table sessions discussing pressing issues such as cooperation amongst the space actors, entrepreneurship opportunities, and how the EU Space Programme contributes to various EU policies. 

The event will open with statements from European Commissioner for the Internal Market Thierry Breton, Portuguese Minister for Science, Technology and Higher Education Manuel Heitor and MEP Cristian Busoi on the entry into force of the new Regulation. This will be followed by the formal signing of the Financial Framework Partnership Agreement.

Meeting with the press

A press event will start with Commissioner Breton statement.  European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) Executive Director Rodrigo da Costa, European Commission Director-General for Industry and Space Timo Pesonen and ESA Director General will give the media an opportunity to have their questions answered. 

The EUSPA Executive Director and the DG DEFIS Director General will then participate in a session on successful cooperation within the EU Space Programme, along with MEP Massimiliano Salini  and European Space Agency Director General Josef Aschbacher. 

Read this: CASSINI hackathon leverages space to digitise green spaces

The event will end with a session on how the EU Space Programme is enabling EU policies and supporting EU entrepreneurship, with participation by Ekaterini Kavvada from DG DEFIS, EUSPA Head of Market Development Fiammetta Diani and European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) Director General Florence Rabier. 

The conference is co-hosted by the European Commission/DG DEFIS, the European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) and the European Space Agency (ESA).

Some background

On 6 June 2018, the European Commission presented the new Space Programme for the period 2021-2027. The aim of the Programme is to ensure investment continuity in EU space activities, encourage scientific and technical progress and support the competitiveness and innovation capacity of the European space industry. 

And this: Going green? Look to EU Space!

On April 28 this year, the European Parliament confirmed the political agreement on the Space Regulation reached in December 2020, officially creating the European Union Agency for the Space Programme. The EU Space Programme has the largest budget ever for space - €14.88 billion. The Space Programme brings all EU space activities under one roof and will enable space to contribute effectively to the priorities of the European agenda.

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).

On World Ocean Day, which takes place every year on 8 June, people around the world celebrate our shared ocean and take action to protect and restore it for future generations. Today we take a look at how EU Space contributes to these efforts by providing data that improves our understanding of the ocean ecosystem and enables applications and services that help to minimise the impact of human activity on ocean health.

The 2020 EU Blue Economy Report tells us that a sustainable Blue Economy allows society to obtain value from the oceans and coastal regions, while respecting the long-term capacity of the oceans to regenerate and endure these activities. This sustainable approach is at the heart of the European Green Deal. However, implementation of the sustainable practices implicit in the Green Deal will require reliable, accurate and centralised data. This is where EU Space has an invaluable role to play.

EU’s eyes on the ocean

The Earth observation programme Copernicus supports EU policies and international commitments related to ocean governance. However, Copernicus is more than just a data provider. It also offers a large range of services that empower all users, from scientists and policy managers to private companies who want to drive the blue economy and scientific innovation.  

Watch this: Monitoring Ocean Currents

The mission of the Copernicus Marine Service is to monitor the oceans. The service provides 4D regular, authoritative, quality-assured information about the ocean. This information is available for free and is accessible from anywhere in the world, allowing us to know more about the past, current and future state of the Blue, White and Green ocean. This data can be used to create applications for both the public and private sectors. 

What’s more, EO data from Copernicus can be combined with highly accurate positioning and navigation information from Galileo and EGNOS to enable monitoring and tracking solutions and targeted action to tackle environmental and legal issues at sea – detecting and monitoring oil spills and the vessels involved.

GNSS and the oceans

In synergy with EO, and on its own, EGNSS (Galileo and EGNOS) has been enabling applications that address challenges in the marine environment. This time last year, we looked at specific projects that leverage space tech to monitor and protect the oceans. Since then, the European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) has been tapping into the innovative spirit of Europe’s start-ups to deliver new space-based environmental solutions.

And this: EGNOS for Waterborne Transport

Through its various prizes, such as MyGalileoSolution, MyGalileoDrone and Farming by Satellite, EUSPA has been challenging young entrepreneurs and start-ups to deliver solutions to pressing societal challenges, and the ocean has benefited from this innovative drive. The first-prize winner in Track 1 (from idea to prototype) of this year’s MyGalileoSolution competition was VisionAnchor the world's first video anchor monitoring system for boats. By providing eyes on ships’ anchors around the clock, this solution helps to increase safety and reduce the damage caused by anchors to the marine environment. smartSAR, one of the MyGalileoDrone finalists, focused on the development of a drone-based solution to faster locate survivors in maritime disasters, while at the same time reducing the workload of search and rescue (SAR) ship crews.

While the ocean indirectly benefits from all space-based applications that increase the efficiency of agriculture, thanks to reduced run-off of pesticides and fertilizer, this year a winning project in the Farming by Satellite competition directly addressed the ocean environment. Third prize in the competition went to AI4OceanFarming, a solution that uses satellite data to identify ocean farming threats such as harmful algal blooms, ocean acidification, and invasive species. 

Are you up for a Challenge?

The drive to leverage space to serve the environment does not stop there. The Space for our Planet Challenge is one of four challenges in this year’s Galileo Masters competition, targeting solutions that lead to more environmentally friendly living and decision-making, resulting in a healthier planet.

In this challenge, participants are encouraged to submit solutions using Galileo, EGNOS and Copernicus as key enablers to support sustainable and smart mobility and the EU’s Farm to Fork strategy, contributing to Europe’s climate change agenda, protecting the environment and preserving biodiversity. Participants are also encouraged to support Europe’s zero-pollution ambition and to propose solutions that will enable us to build and renovate in an energy and resource efficient way.

If you have an idea about how to use space to serve the planet, and in particular – to protect and restore the oceans, why not let us know about it! The deadline for submissions in this year’s Galileo Masters competition is July 19, so you still have time to develop your ideas. Click here for more information. 

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 CASSINI Space Entrepreneurship Initiative is a European Commission entrepreneurial support mechanism that cuts across all components of EU Space Programme. It offers actions targeted at the full entrepreneurial lifecycle - from idea generation to market entry and growth – and covers both the upstream and downstream sectors. As part of the initiative, the first CASSINI Hackathon, on 18-20 June 2021, will challenge participants to leverage space synergies to digitise Europe’s green spaces. To register, click here.

European space technologies have many capabilities that allow us to access, understand and protect nature. From monitoring vegetation changes and developing ‘green’ indicators and optimal access routes to forecasting air pollutants, UV indexes and park congestion, the possibilities are truly limitless. 

The upcoming hackathon is the first in a series of six CASSINI hackathons initiated by the European Union and its space programme to tackle global challenges using European space technologies. The first hackathon in the series will task participants with leveraging geospatial information from Copernicus Earth observation data and its services, together with positioning technologies from Galileo and EGNOS, to digitise Europe’s green spaces.

Read this: Space synergies serving the environment

Each of the six hackathons will take place in ten different locations simultaneously. Winners will be awarded at both local and EU level, with the three overall winners gaining access to a six-month mentoring programme that includes 100 hours of expert advisory. The coaching programme will support the winning teams in building sustainable and successful businesses.

What’s in store?

Participants from across Europe will choose from ten different locations hosted by an affiliated organisation in Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, France, Greece, Ireland, Netherlands, Portugal, Slovenia and Switzerland. Each location features its own unique set of experts, prizes, and technology and application focuses. Once they select a location, it’s time for registration, team formation and ideation! Teams should choose one of three challenges under the theme of digitising green spaces:

1. Discover your city: design products, devices, services or environments that enable urban citizens to understand better their city and its green spaces. Concepts should support urban planning and real estate development and valuations, index green factors contributing to residential life, and promote ecological sustainability.
2. Staying fit and healthy: develop products, devices or services that enable city dwellers to stay active and keep their minds and bodies healthy. Concepts should map green spaces for outdoor activity, forecast air pollutants such as pollen, nitrogen oxide, or particulate matter, and understand and monitor UV exposure.
3. Protecting our rural areas: create products, devices, services or environments that promote the digitalisation of rural green spaces. Concepts should promote wildlife and ecosystem conservation, ensure healthy and resilient forests, and support the development of new green spaces and underdeveloped areas.

Register now

Determined innovators with a passion for developing sustainable solutions can register here today. Not a rocket scientist? No problem! This is every innovator’s chance to engage in the sector, even if it’s for the first time. The application process is easy: first, register, second choose a challenge, and finally log- in on 18-20 June to work on your project and leverage EU Space technologies to digitise our green spaces. Technical and business experts from EUSPA will be available all weekend to support and guide the teams in all 10 locations. On 20 June, Dafni Dimoudi, EUSPA’s Market Development Innovation Officer, will also present how EU Space technology can be applied to digitise our green spaces. 

And this: Time to roll up your sleeves: Galileo Masters 2021 now open!

Participating teams are not the only ones who can take advantage of the CASSINI Hackathons & Mentoring. Both organisers and mentors are needed! Interested individuals, organisations, companies and institutions are invited to apply to support the next generation of space-based entrepreneurs. Click on the links for information on how to get involved for mentors and organisers.

Become part of this exciting European initiative to promote EU Space technology and its many applications. Hack with a purpose and leverage EU Space data, services and signals to access, understand and protect our natural spaces. For more information, visit hackathons.cassini.eu.

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).

From the air we breathe to the water we drink and the land we grow our food on, our ecological footprint and means to minimise it are more in the focus than ever. Innovative technological solutions, including space-based applications, can help to prevent pollution and reduce its negative impacts: from agriculture to transport. To mark the European Green Week 2021, which runs from 31 May to 4 June, we look at some of the contributions that space is making to a greener future.

This year, the European Green Week is dedicated to the ‘zero pollution ambition’ and looks at relevant European Green Deal initiatives, such as the climate initiatives, the upcoming Chemicals Strategy and #FitFor55 as well as initiatives in the fields of energy, industry, mobility, agriculture, fisheries, health and biodiversity. In all of these areas, EU Space is making a positive contribution.

Synergies are key

While both Copernicus and EGNSS (Galileo and EGNOS) are making a major contribution to reducing pollution individually, it is by tapping into synergies between these components of the EU Space Programme that we can make the most significant impact on the green transition. 

Read this: Space synergies serving the environment

In agriculture, for example, farmers can combine information on crop health and soil moisture provided by Copernicus with positioning services from Galileo and EGNOS in precision agriculture applications to use water, fertilizers and other resources where they are needed most. It is estimated that until 2025, the combination of EGNSS and Earth Observation services can help save 1.5 million tonnes of fertiliser (up to 20% in savings for users) and 4,500 tonnes of pesticides (up to 25% in savings for users) in Europe. 

An example of where EO and EGNSS are delivering environmental benefits is the FaST digital service platform, promoting the generation and re-use of solutions for sustainable and competitive agriculture. Meanwhile, the EGNSS4CAP app digitises the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) reporting procedures. For example, automatic monitoring procedures employ services from both, Copernicus and Galileo and thus reduce the number of On the Spot Checks (OTSC). 

Space and the Green Deal

The EU is tackling the environmental challenges that Europe faces with the implementation of the Green Deal, a guiding document that paves the way towards a sustainable European economy. The EU Green Deal sets concrete targets not only to protect the environment but also to build a greener economy that manages the Earth’s resources in a sustainable way. Space is a key element of this initiative, providing services that help Europe reduce and adapt to climate change and mitigate its effects.

Watch this: EUSPA Space for our Planet Challenge 

Real-time and forecast information provided by Copernicus and precise positioning and navigation powered by Galileo and EGNOS, make it possible to predict and optimize traffic, enable efficient placement and maintenance of renewable energy infrastructure, support smart electricity grids, improve urban planning, and support the sharing economy. In sectors like transportation, until 2025, the EU Space Programme will help to save 15 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions (equal to 3 Kg of CO₂ per year saved by every EU citizen) and 3.5 billion litres of fuel (equal to 4.5 years’ worth of total EU demand for refined petroleum) in Europe.

The EU Space Programme directly supports over 20 Green Deal actions and has already helped to drastically bring down CO2 emissions and greatly reduce the EU’s carbon footprint. By supporting solutions and applications in the sectors mentioned above, along with countless other services and applications, space will play an increasingly important role in helping the EU to achieve its sustainability goals, building a green and prosperous future for Europe.

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).

Over 20 European Union Ambassadors and Deputy Heads of Mission visited the headquarters of the European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) in Prague on May 26 to hear how the EU Space Programme is supporting European priority policies – from the Green deal to digital transition – and to learn about the Agency’s plans for the future.

Welcoming the distinguished guests, EUSPA Executive Director Rodrigo da Costa said that the creation of the new European Union Agency for the Space Programme marked a new era for the EU in space. “Created by the recent publication of the Space Regulation, EUSPA is a user-driven operational agency for the implementation of the Space Programme. By working with the EU27 and with our institutional partners, EUSPA ensures that industry, SMEs, entrepreneurs and citizens know that EU Space is there to server their needs, enabling innovation, competitiveness and sustainability,” he said.

Common European determination

Addressing the guests, Jan Sechter, Deputy Minister of Transport of the Czech Republic, noted the challenges ahead for the new Agency. “The upcoming period will be very demanding for the Agency, because it will have to manage the full transformation from GSA to EUSPA, which also means absorbing new tasks and responsibilities related to Earth observation, satellite telecommunication, space security, innovation and many others,” he said. Mr Sechter gave assurances that the Czech Republic, as the hosting state, stands ready to support the agency in the future.

Watch this: EUSPA welcomes EU Heads of Mission in the Czech Republic

That the EU Space Programme is a European cooperation success story was something that was noted by the guests. “The recently adopted European Space Programme legislation that expands the Agency’s tasks and responsibilities illustrates well a common European determination to work together on increasingly important global themes with such a strong strategic and security dimension,” said Dana Kovaříková, Head of the EC Representation in the Czech Republic.

During the visit, Bruno Vermeire, Chair of the EU Space Programme Security Accreditation Board, noted that “It is the ambition of the SAB to be the Security Accreditation Centre of Excellence for ALL the Space Components of the Union. Mitigating the cyberthreats and vulnerabilities and the security risks stemming from the supply chain has to a collective effort for all the stakeholders involved in the Union Space Programme. The close collaboration with the EU Member States is therefore essential.”.

Practical applications of space

The guests also received a presentation of some of the services and applications through which space is benefiting the lives of Europeans. EUSPA Head of Market Development Fiammetta Diani noted that, from navigation, mapping and geo-marketing, to sports, mHealth and social networking Galileo is enhancing our daily lives and making us safer.

Diani also noted that synergies between the space programme components, particularly EGNSS (Galileo and EGNOS) and Copernicus Earth observation, are enabling a more sustainable agriculture, supporting applications from environmental management and variable rate application to livestock tracking and the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).

Read this: EU Space on a new trajectory with launch of EUSPA

Looking to the future, the Head of Market Development outlined some key objectives within EUSPA, which include positioning EGNSS as a leader thanks to its differentiators, increasing Copernicus uptake by ‘other users’ including industry, SMEs and start-ups, building the GOVSATCOM connectivity user base and supporting the EU downstream industry, with a focus on SMEs and start-ups. 

The visit was well received by the guests. “The high point of the Portuguese Presidency (PPEU) in Prague and integral part of our Green and Digital Transition objectives, the visit to EUSPA was a great moment. Thank you Rodrigo da Costa, EUSPA Executive Director, and Dana Kovariková, Head of EC Representation in the Czech Republic,” said H.E Luís de Almeida Sampaio, Ambassador of Portugal to the Czech Republic.

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).

In one of its challenges in this year’s Galileo Masters, the European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) is tasking all you bright minds with devising with an application that leverages satellite communications along with GNSS positioning and/or Earth observation (EO) to deliver solutions that meet societal needs. The deadline for submissions is 19 July – so you still have time to fine-tune your ideas. Join the EUSPA for Future Generations Challenges Webinar on 1 June for more information.

Secure connectivity is a new rapidly developing area. What’s more, combining positioning information and/or Earth observation data with reliable satellite communication services offers significant potential for the development of new market-oriented applications. It is precisely this potential that EUSPA wants to tap into with the SatCom Challenge in this year’s Competition. 

Satellite communication can provide essential telecommunication services, broadcasting services and data communications to users anywhere on the Earth, even when terrestrial means are unavailable. In the SatCom Challenge, participants are tasked with using SatCom along with high quality EO data from Copernicus and/or highly accurate GNSS positioning data from Galileo and/or EGNOS to deliver innovative solutions in a range of domains.

Watch this: The Galileo Masters 2021

Target domains could include transport, for example drones, maritime, autonomous driving, fleet and traffic management and so on, or low data-rate applications and the Internet of Things. Other possible areas include, but are not limited to, critical infrastructure monitoring, maritime and border surveillance and crisis management.

Information webinar

The SatCom Challenge is just one of the challenges that will be covered at a EUSPA webinar to be hosted at 11:00-12:00 on 1 June. Across its four challenges in this year’s Competition, EUSPA is looking for services, applications and business cases that use EGNSS (Galileo and EGNOS), either alone or in synergy with other space components, including Copernicus, to tackle important challenges faced by business and society. 

Read this: Welcome to the Space Crossroads, where space and great ideas meet

Join the Galileo Masters ‘EUSPA for future generations’ webinar and find out more about the four EUSPA Challenges: Space for Being Safe & Healthy, Space for Fun, Space for our Planet and the SatCom Challenge. Participants will have the opportunity to get insights on the challenges, learn about possible areas of application and put their questions to the experts. For a direct link to the webinar, click here.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to have all your questions answered and find the inspiration and encouragement you need to get your Galileo Masters ideas ready to submit by the July 19 deadline. 

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).

BroadGNSS, a Pre-Commercial Procurement (PCP) action funded by the European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) under Horizon 2020, is inviting potentially interested bidders to participate in an open market consultation for its upcoming PCP to improve the services that public safety and disaster relief organisations offer to Europe's citizens. BroadGNSS will present the PCP challenge and process at an open market consultation webinar on 2 June 2021. Register here.

The BroadGNSS project started in December 2020 with the aim of procuring R&D services to develop deployable applications for synchronisation and monitoring of critical mobile broadband communication infrastructure and information assets for Public Protection and Disaster Relief (PPDR) based on EGNOS and Galileo. 

EGNSS-based solutions

In particular, the project is targeting solutions that will enable a European GNSS-based (Galileo and EGNOS) solution for time-synchronisation in public safety organisations’ mission-critical wireless broadband networks, in addition to secure and highly accurate location and navigation information for mission-critical wireless communications equipment. 

Read this: EUSPA launches High Accuracy Service call

Other solutions could address secure and highly accurate time synchronisation of mission-critical “Internet-of-Public-Safety-Things” and location and navigation information for drone fleet management by public safety organisations, or improve the quality of time synchronisation in their communications networks..

Market Consultation webinar

BroadGNSS is organising an Open Market Consultation (OMC) with potential tenderers and end-users to get feedback from the market about the project’s scope. The OMC will canvass wide stakeholder opinion on the suitability of the BroadGNSS PCP and provide an insight into the market, the state of the art and future developments, enabling the project to prepare an adequate procurement with the right scope.

And this: EU Space on a new trajectory with launch of EUSPA

The BroadGNSS PCP challenge and process will be presented at an open market consultation webinar on 2 June 2021. You can register to attend here. In addition, EU companies will be invited to fill in an online questionnaire on the BroadGNSS PCP Challenge. The questionnaire will be published on the BroadGNSS website from 2 June 2021 until the end of June 2021. Finally, on 3 November 2021, a Partnering Event will be held to assist companies search for a consortium – stay tuned for more details.

For more information, see the Prior Information Notice here, and a Corrigendum 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).

Commissioner for Internal Market, Thierry Breton visited the headquarters of the European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) in Prague on May 24, to speak about the future of the European Space Programme and the role of the newly formed Agency in delivering it.

Commissioner Breton was welcomed by the Executive Director Rodrigo da Costa to the EUSPA headquarters where he delivered a speech before EUSPA staff, the Administrative Board members and Security Accreditation Board members emphasizing on the evolution of the EU Space Programme and the crucial role the Agency is set to play.

The Commissioner noted that a visit to the EUSPA headquarters in Prague had been high on his agenda since he took up office but, unfortunately, this had not been possible due to Coronavirus travel restrictions. However, he said that the present moment was an excellent time for his visit, as the Agency had just entered a new era, by becoming the EU Agency for the Space Programme.

A new era for the EU in space

Read this: EU Space on a new trajectory with launch of EUSPA

“This is the moment we have all been waiting for. Finally, the Space Programme Regulation has entered into force, and we have now the framework that we need for our great ambitions in space. I know that the Agency has been ready in the starting blocks for quite a while to kick off with its new profile and extended tasks. This shows the professionalism with which you have prepared for this new time,” the Commissioner said.

Breton noted that the new Agency would be able to build on the excellent work it had carried out in the past as the GSA. “In the past, you have done a great job on Galileo and EGNOS, with your activities on market development, security and operations. The fact that the Agency is now tasked to extend such activities to other components of the Space Programme, like Copernicus, GOVSATCOM, SST etc. shows the appreciation of the Agency’s work until now,” he said.

A balanced deal

The Commissioner also spoke about governance of the programme. “We have had constructive negotiations on the Framework Financial Partnership Agreement (FFPA). This was very important, because when several players – the Commission, EUSPA, ESA – work together in a programme, it is crucial to define well the division of tasks and how the collaboration is organised,” he said.

Watch this: From GSA to #EUSPA: the evolution

In turn, the EUSPA Executive Director highlighted that EUSPA was ready to achieve Space Programme priorities and to deliver on the promise of space for the European Union. “Exploitation and 24/7 operations; security, downstream; innovation: these are key areas for the EU Space Programme today, and for its evolution. Moreover, these are our EUSPA key competencies. In a nutshell, we are ready to play a central role in achieving the ambitions of the Union for Space,” he said.

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 European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) is launching a call for expression of interest to invite external stakeholders to participate in a testing campaign of the Galileo High Accuracy Service (HAS) Signal in Space (SiS) broadcasting. The deadline for submissions is 11 June 2021.

The call targets in particular the participation of receiver manufacturers developing Galileo E6-B/C receivers that will implement Precise Point Positioning (PPP) corrections based on the Galileo HAS in their devices. The campaign is an essential step towards the development of the HAS operational service phase.

Goal of the campaign

By providing access to the HAS SiS Interface Control Document (ICD) to interested parties, through this call EUSPA aims to enable the participation of relevant stakeholders to the incoming HAS SiS testing. Through this participation EUSPA will collect relevant feedback on the HAS SiS ICD structure and implementation at Receiver level. It is also interested in the participants’ results received during the HAS SiS testing and any relevant implementation aspects, and on receiving their inputs and suggestions concerning the HAS service-related aspects and specifications.

Read this: EU Space on a new trajectory with launch of EUSPA

Access to the HAS SiS ICD will only be granted subject to the signature of a Non-Disclosure Undertaking by the interested parties complying with the conditions indicated in the call. The HAS SiS ICD will be published during 2021, after the conclusion of this testing campaign.

The tests carried out by the participants may cover tracking and processing of GPS and Galileo signals relevant for HAS, as well as decoding and processing of the HAS broadcast corrections, in addition to user positioning performance evaluation.

HAS SiS ICD Call at a Glance

• Launch of call – 18 May 2021
• Deadline for request of clarifications from EUSPA – 28 May 2021 
• Last date on which clarifications are issued by EUSPA - 4 June 2021
• Deadline for submission of expression of interests - 11 June 2021
• End of evaluation process - end of June
• Signature of NDU - end of June

For more information on the call and its terms and conditions, click here.

Galileo High Accuracy Service

The Galileo HAS will be an open access and free of charge service based on the provision of precise corrections (orbit, clock, biases, atmospheric) transmitted in the Galileo E6 signal (E6-B, data component) from a subset of the Galileo satellites, allowing the user to achieve improved positioning performance.

The precise corrections provided by the Galileo High Accuracy Service will allow users of the service to reduce the error associated with the orbit and clocks provided through the Galileo Open Service broadcast navigation messages and the GPS Standard Positioning Service navigation data. These corrections, together with the biases provided by the service, will enable users to perform decimetre-level precise positioning accuracy. Future evolutions of the service will include regional atmospheric corrections to improve convergence times.

For more information on the Galileo HAS, click here.

Media note: This feature can be republished without charge provided the European Union Agency for 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 European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) is launching a call for expression of interest to invite external stakeholders to participate in a testing campaign of the Galileo High Accuracy Service (HAS) Signal in Space (SiS) broadcasting. The deadline for submissions is 11 June 2021.

The call targets in particular the participation of receiver manufacturers developing Galileo E6-B/C receivers that will implement Precise Point Positioning (PPP) corrections based on the Galileo HAS in their devices. The campaign is an essential step towards the development of the HAS operational service phase.

Goal of the campaign

By providing access to the HAS SiS Interface Control Document (ICD) to interested parties, through this call EUSPA aims to enable the participation of relevant stakeholders to the incoming HAS SiS testing. Through this participation EUSPA will collect relevant feedback on the HAS SiS ICD structure and implementation at Receiver level. It is also interested in the participants’ results received during the HAS SiS testing and any relevant implementation aspects, and on receiving their inputs and suggestions concerning the HAS service-related aspects and specifications.

Read this: EU Space on a new trajectory with launch of EUSPA

Access to the HAS SiS ICD will only be granted subject to the signature of a Non-Disclosure Undertaking by the interested parties complying with the conditions indicated in the call. The HAS SiS ICD will be published during 2021, after the conclusion of this testing campaign.

The tests carried out by the participants may cover tracking and processing of GPS and Galileo signals relevant for HAS, as well as decoding and processing of the HAS broadcast corrections, in addition to user positioning performance evaluation.

HAS SiS ICD Call at a Glance

• Launch of call – 18 May 2021
• Deadline for request of clarifications from EUSPA – 28 May 2021 
• Last date on which clarifications are issued by EUSPA - 4 June 2021
• Deadline for submission of expression of interests - 11 June 2021
• End of evaluation process - end of June
• Signature of NDU - end of June

For more information on the call and its terms and conditions, click here.

Galileo High Accuracy Service

The Galileo HAS will be an open access and free of charge service based on the provision of precise corrections (orbit, clock, biases, atmospheric) transmitted in the Galileo E6 signal (E6-B, data component) from a subset of the Galileo satellites, allowing the user to achieve improved positioning performance.

The precise corrections provided by the Galileo High Accuracy Service will allow users of the service to reduce the error associated with the orbit and clocks provided through the Galileo Open Service broadcast navigation messages and the GPS Standard Positioning Service navigation data. These corrections, together with the biases provided by the service, will enable users to perform decimetre-level precise positioning accuracy. Future evolutions of the service will include regional atmospheric corrections to improve convergence times.

For more information on the Galileo HAS, click here.

Media note: This feature can be republished without charge provided the European Union Agency for 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 European Commission’s Directorate-General for Defence Industry and Space (DG-DEFIS) has awarded two new H2020 mission evolution studies to assess how the future evolution of European GNSS (EGNSS) could be beneficial for innovative and demanding autonomous applications. The new service contract shall assess the feasibility of an integrity service complementing EGNSS High Accuracy in the 2030+ timeframe on top of the current baseline of EGNSS services to feed the evolving needs in autonomous transport.

The advent of autonomous transport has the potential to reduce human-based errors, to improve the efficiency of some operations, and to be the enabler of new uses and new applications. However, this will require their operations to be at least as safe as the existing ones.

The European Commission’s Directorate-General for Defence Industry and Space (DG-DEFIS) has awarded two new H2020 mission evolution studies, ICHASE and ITHACA:

• ICHASE project is led by Thales Alenia Space with the support of FDC, Université Gustave Eiffel, GEA Space, know.space;
• ITHACA project is led by GMV with the support of TNO, VVA and GMV-NSL. 

The activities to be carried out shall analyse the feasibility of an integrity service complementing European GNSS (EGNSS) High Accuracy in the 2030+ timeframe to feed the evolving needs in demanding new applications without disrupting the current business models of established service providers. A panel of experts will be consulted to validate the integrity concepts and the main outcomes of the project. The studies will assess the respective merits of various directions for the Galileo and EGNOS services to evolve and to build the steps needed before the operational introduction of such new services. 

Read more: New call for proposal to accelerate EGNOS adoption in transport

New emerging applications will require more demanding positioning solutions to be able to offer innovative services in the future. What could be the role of EGNOS and Galileo in the 2030+ timeframe for demanding and innovative applications?

The European Commission is currently specifying the long-term evolution of the EGNSS programme, including new services based on Galileo and EGNOS. The use of an integrity service complementing EGNSS High Accuracy in the 2030+ could result in the provision of an accurate and reliable positioning solution, which would translate into the overall improvement of future innovative and demanding services in autonomous transport. 

Galileo is the European Union’s Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) providing an accurate, guaranteed global positioning service under civilian control. Galileo is operational since the Initial Service declaration at the end of 2016. As part of the main services provided by Galileo, the Galileo High-Accuracy Service (HAS) shall provide in the near future a high-accuracy positioning and synchronisation information.

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, will in the near future 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. New EGNOS services could be implemented in further releases of EGNOS as an option for the integrity service complementing EGNSS High Accuracy.

Media note: This feature can be republished without charge provided the European Union Agency for 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 European Commission’s Directorate-General for Defence Industry and Space (DG-DEFIS) has awarded two new H2020 mission evolution studies to assess how the future evolution of European GNSS (EGNSS) could be beneficial for innovative and demanding autonomous applications. The new service contract shall assess the feasibility of an integrity service complementing EGNSS High Accuracy in the 2030+ timeframe on top of the current baseline of EGNSS services to feed the evolving needs in autonomous transport.

The advent of autonomous transport has the potential to reduce human-based errors, to improve the efficiency of some operations, and to be the enabler of new uses and new applications. However, this will require their operations to be at least as safe as the existing ones.

The European Commission’s Directorate-General for Defence Industry and Space (DG-DEFIS) has awarded two new H2020 mission evolution studies, ICHASE and ITHACA:

• ICHASE project is led by Thales Alenia Space with the support of FDC, Université Gustave Eiffel, GEA Space, know.space;
• ITHACA project is led by GMV with the support of TNO, VVA and GMV-NSL. 

The activities to be carried out shall analyse the feasibility of an integrity service complementing European GNSS (EGNSS) High Accuracy in the 2030+ timeframe to feed the evolving needs in demanding new applications without disrupting the current business models of established service providers. A panel of experts will be consulted to validate the integrity concepts and the main outcomes of the project. The studies will assess the respective merits of various directions for the Galileo and EGNOS services to evolve and to build the steps needed before the operational introduction of such new services. 

Read more: New call for proposal to accelerate EGNOS adoption in transport

New emerging applications will require more demanding positioning solutions to be able to offer innovative services in the future. What could be the role of EGNOS and Galileo in the 2030+ timeframe for demanding and innovative applications?

The European Commission is currently specifying the long-term evolution of the EGNSS programme, including new services based on Galileo and EGNOS. The use of an integrity service complementing EGNSS High Accuracy in the 2030+ could result in the provision of an accurate and reliable positioning solution, which would translate into the overall improvement of future innovative and demanding services in autonomous transport. 

Galileo is the European Union’s Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) providing an accurate, guaranteed global positioning service under civilian control. Galileo is operational since the Initial Service declaration at the end of 2016. As part of the main services provided by Galileo, the Galileo High-Accuracy Service (HAS) shall provide in the near future a high-accuracy positioning and synchronisation information.

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, will in the near future 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. New EGNOS services could be implemented in further releases of EGNOS as an option for the integrity service complementing EGNSS High Accuracy.

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 European Commission’s Directorate-General for Defence Industry and Space (DG-DEFIS) has awarded two new H2020 mission evolution studies to assess how the future evolution of European GNSS (EGNSS) could be beneficial for innovative and demanding autonomous applications. The new service contract shall assess the feasibility of an integrity service complementing EGNSS High Accuracy in the 2030+ timeframe on top of the current baseline of EGNSS services to feed the evolving needs in autonomous transport.

The advent of autonomous transport has the potential to reduce human-based errors, to improve the efficiency of some operations, and to be the enabler of new uses and new applications. However, this will require their operations to be at least as safe as the existing ones.

The European Commission’s Directorate-General for Defence Industry and Space (DG-DEFIS) has awarded two new H2020 mission evolution studies, ICHASE and ITHACA:

• ICHASE project is led by Thales Alenia Space with the support of FDC, Université Gustave Eiffel, GEA Space, know.space;
• ITHACA project is led by GMV with the support of TNO, VVA and GMV-NSL. 

The activities to be carried out shall analyse the feasibility of an integrity service complementing European GNSS (EGNSS) High Accuracy in the 2030+ timeframe to feed the evolving needs in demanding new applications without disrupting the current business models of established service providers. A panel of experts will be consulted to validate the integrity concepts and the main outcomes of the project. The studies will assess the respective merits of various directions for the Galileo and EGNOS services to evolve and to build the steps needed before the operational introduction of such new services. 

Read more: New call for proposal to accelerate EGNOS adoption in transport

New emerging applications will require more demanding positioning solutions to be able to offer innovative services in the future. What could be the role of EGNOS and Galileo in the 2030+ timeframe for demanding and innovative applications?

The European Commission is currently specifying the long-term evolution of the EGNSS programme, including new services based on Galileo and EGNOS. The use of an integrity service complementing EGNSS High Accuracy in the 2030+ could result in the provision of an accurate and reliable positioning solution, which would translate into the overall improvement of future innovative and demanding services in autonomous transport. 

Galileo is the European Union’s Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) providing an accurate, guaranteed global positioning service under civilian control. Galileo is operational since the Initial Service declaration at the end of 2016. As part of the main services provided by Galileo, the Galileo High-Accuracy Service (HAS) shall provide in the near future a high-accuracy positioning and synchronisation information.

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, will in the near future 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. New EGNOS services could be implemented in further releases of EGNOS as an option for the integrity service complementing EGNSS High Accuracy.

Media note: This feature can be republished without charge provided the European Union Agency for 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 creation of EUSPA will create opportunities for a stronger EU role in space

The European Union Agency for the Space Programme, EUSPA, is launched today marking the start of a new era for EU Space. Building on the legacy of the European GNSS Agency, EUSPA will take on more responsibilities to create even more opportunities from Space for EU citizens and its economy.

The adoption of the Regulation establishing the new EU Space Programme on April 27 marks a new beginning for the EU Space Programme and for the European GNSS Agency (GSA), which has now officially evolved into EUSPA, with an expanded mandate and new responsibilities.

What has changed?

Under the new Space Regulation, EUSPA’s mandate will now include increased responsibilities in managing the exploitation of Galileo and EGNOS, including their service provision and operational security. Furthermore, the Agency’s new remit includes coordinating the user-related aspects of GOVSATCOM in close collaboration with the Member States and other involved entities. 

EUSPA is also responsible for the development of downstream markets and fostering of innovation based on Galileo, EGNOS, and now also for the commercial users of Copernicus, leveraging funding mechanisms such as Fundamental Elements and Horizon Europe. The Agency is also responsible for the security accreditation of all the components of the EU Space Programme. The European Commission may also decide to entrust the Agency with other tasks in the future.

“More and more, our economies, our society and our safety depend on Space. Europe has incredible opportunities ahead that cannot be missed. By creating EUSPA, the European Union will further increase the return on investment made by the EU citizen in the EU Space Programme by strengthening its contribution to the priorities of the Union. We will achieve this primarily by leveraging synergies between the various Programme components, particularly navigation, Earth observation and secure communications, to drive innovation across a broad range of sectors,” said EUSPA Executive Director Rodrigo da Costa.

In particular, bringing management of downstream and combined applications based on Galileo, EGNOS and Copernicus under the umbrella of one agency will make it possible increasingly to leverage synergies its synergies. On their own, these technologies can play a key role supporting a digital and green transformation, but leveraging their synergetic and combined use will facilitate the generation of innovative solutions that bring a higher societal impact.

Focus on security

The teams of committed professionals we have in place at our sites in Europe, from the EGNOS centre in Toulouse to the European GNSS Service Centre in Spain and the Galileo Reference Centre in the Netherlands, will continue to ensure the high quality, robustness and reliability of EUSPA’s service provision. This will be backed up Galileo Security Monitoring Centres in France and in Spain, and the industrial teams managed by EUSPA in the Galileo Control Centres in Germany and Italy, along with facilities around the world. In addition, the Security Accreditation Board will continue its work to initiate and monitor the implementation of security requirements to ensure a robust and uniform level of security for the entire EU Space Programme.

“The new Agency has a core role in the security accreditation of all the components of the EU Space Programme. Ensuring an acceptable risk appetite for the different components is critical for the security, safety and autonomy of the Union and its Member States. The Member States, gathering in their capacity as Security Accreditation Authority of the EU Space Programme collectively exercise this responsibility to meet the security requirements for all the space components,” declared Bruno Vermeire, Security Accreditation Board Chair of EUSPA.

Looking to the future

Watch this: We are #EUSPA, EU Agency for the Space Programme

While EUSPA’s mission has expanded, its core aim remains the same – to link EU investment in space to the needs of users in the European Union and around the world. The Agency remains committed to its traditional users and will continue to deliver the high level of GNSS services that users have come to rely on. In addition, the new user communities for Copernicus and GOVSATCOM will be able to benefit from the Agency’s user-oriented focus and the experience it has gained in developing markets for Galileo and EGNOS.

The creation of EUSPA also opens up the possibility for a renewed cooperation with its partners at the European Commission and in the European Space Agency. This will ensure that the EU Space Programme is fully aligned with EU priorities and supports the achievement of key EU policy goals – from the European Green Deal to the digitalisation of the European economy and the promotion of a stronger Europe in the world.

With the key contribution of EUSPA, the new EU Space Programme provides for a streamlined approach towards the development and utilisation of EU space assets. This will guarantee continuity of service and security of infrastructure and systems while ensuring the means to develop the EU´s role in space.

Media note: This feature can be republished without charge provided the European Union Agency for 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 European Union Agency for the Space Programme, EUSPA, is launched today marking the start of a new era for EU Space. Building on the legacy of the European GNSS Agency, EUSPA will take on more responsibilities to create even more opportunities from Space for EU citizens and its economy.

The adoption of the Regulation establishing the new EU Space Programme on April 27 marks a new beginning for the EU Space Programme and for the European GNSS Agency (GSA), which has now officially evolved into EUSPA, with an expanded mandate and new responsibilities.

What has changed?

Under the new Space Regulation, EUSPA’s mandate will now include increased responsibilities in managing the exploitation of Galileo and EGNOS, including their service provision and operational security. Furthermore, the Agency’s new remit includes coordinating the user-related aspects of GOVSATCOM in close collaboration with the Member States and other involved entities. 

EUSPA is also responsible for the development of downstream markets and fostering of innovation based on Galileo, EGNOS, and now also for the commercial users of Copernicus, leveraging funding mechanisms such as Fundamental Elements and Horizon Europe. The Agency is also responsible for the security accreditation of all the components of the EU Space Programme. The European Commission may also decide to entrust the Agency with other tasks in the future.

“More and more, our economies, our society and our safety depend on Space. Europe has incredible opportunities ahead that cannot be missed. By creating EUSPA, the European Union will further increase the return on investment made by the EU citizen in the EU Space Programme by strengthening its contribution to the priorities of the Union. We will achieve this primarily by leveraging synergies between the various Programme components, particularly navigation, Earth observation and secure communications, to drive innovation across a broad range of sectors,” said EUSPA Executive Director Rodrigo da Costa.

In particular, bringing management of downstream and combined applications based on Galileo, EGNOS and Copernicus under the umbrella of one agency will make it possible increasingly to leverage synergies its synergies. On their own, these technologies can play a key role supporting a digital and green transformation, but leveraging their synergetic and combined use will facilitate the generation of innovative solutions that bring a higher societal impact.

Focus on security

The teams of committed professionals we have in place at our sites in Europe, from the EGNOS centre in Toulouse to the European GNSS Service Centre in Spain and the Galileo Reference Centre in the Netherlands, will continue to ensure the high quality, robustness and reliability of EUSPA’s service provision. This will be backed up Galileo Security Monitoring Centres in France and in Spain, and the industrial teams managed by EUSPA in the Galileo Control Centres in Germany and Italy, along with facilities around the world. In addition, the Security Accreditation Board will continue its work to initiate and monitor the implementation of security requirements to ensure a robust and uniform level of security for the entire EU Space Programme.

“The new Agency has a core role in the security accreditation of all the components of the EU Space Programme. Ensuring an acceptable risk appetite for the different components is critical for the security, safety and autonomy of the Union and its Member States. The Member States, gathering in their capacity as Security Accreditation Authority of the EU Space Programme collectively exercise this responsibility to meet the security requirements for all the space components,” declared Bruno Vermeire, Security Accreditation Board Chair of EUSPA.

Looking to the future

While EUSPA’s mission has expanded, its core aim remains the same – to link EU investment in space to the needs of users in the European Union and around the world. The Agency remains committed to its traditional users and will continue to deliver the high level of GNSS services that users have come to rely on. In addition, the new user communities for Copernicus and GOVSATCOM will be able to benefit from the Agency’s user-oriented focus and the experience it has gained in developing markets for Galileo and EGNOS.

The creation of EUSPA also opens up the possibility for a renewed cooperation with its partners at the European Commission and in the European Space Agency. This will ensure that the EU Space Programme is fully aligned with EU priorities and supports the achievement of key EU policy goals – from the European Green Deal to the digitalisation of the European economy and the promotion of a stronger Europe in the world.

With the key contribution of EUSPA, the new EU Space Programme provides for a streamlined approach towards the development and utilisation of EU space assets. This will guarantee continuity of service and security of infrastructure and systems while ensuring the means to develop the EU´s role in space.

Media note: This feature can be republished without charge provided the European Union Agency for 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 European Union Agency for the Space Programme, EUSPA, is launched today marking the start of a new era for EU Space. Building on the legacy of the European GNSS Agency, EUSPA will take on more responsibilities to create even more opportunities from Space for EU citizens and its economy.

The adoption of the Regulation establishing the new EU Space Programme on April 27 marks a new beginning for the EU Space Programme and for the European GNSS Agency (GSA), which has now officially evolved into EUSPA, with an expanded mandate and new responsibilities.

What has changed?

Under the new Space Regulation, EUSPA’s mandate will now include increased responsibilities in managing the exploitation of Galileo and EGNOS, including their service provision and operational security. Furthermore, the Agency’s new remit includes coordinating the user-related aspects of GOVSATCOM in close collaboration with the Member States and other involved entities. 

EUSPA is also responsible for the development of downstream markets and fostering of innovation based on Galileo, EGNOS, and now also for the commercial users of Copernicus, leveraging funding mechanisms such as Fundamental Elements and Horizon Europe. The Agency is also responsible for the security accreditation of all the components of the EU Space Programme. The European Commission may also decide to entrust the Agency with other tasks in the future.

“More and more, our economies, our society and our safety depend on Space. Europe has incredible opportunities ahead that cannot be missed. By creating EUSPA, the European Union will further increase the return on investment made by the EU citizen in the EU Space Programme by strengthening its contribution to the priorities of the Union. We will achieve this primarily by leveraging synergies between the various Programme components, particularly navigation, Earth observation and secure communications, to drive innovation across a broad range of sectors,” said EUSPA Executive Director Rodrigo da Costa.

In particular, bringing management of downstream and combined applications based on Galileo, EGNOS and Copernicus under the umbrella of one agency will make it possible increasingly to leverage synergies its synergies. On their own, these technologies can play a key role supporting a digital and green transformation, but leveraging their synergetic and combined use will facilitate the generation of innovative solutions that bring a higher societal impact.

Focus on security

The teams of committed professionals we have in place at our sites in Europe, from the EGNOS centre in Toulouse to the European GNSS Service Centre in Spain and the Galileo Reference Centre in the Netherlands, will continue to ensure the high quality, robustness and reliability of EUSPA’s service provision. This will be backed up Galileo Security Monitoring Centres in France and in Spain, and the industrial teams managed by EUSPA in the Galileo Control Centres in Germany and Italy, along with facilities around the world. In addition, the Security Accreditation Board will continue its work to initiate and monitor the implementation of security requirements to ensure a robust and uniform level of security for the entire EU Space Programme.

“The new Agency has a core role in the security accreditation of all the components of the EU Space Programme. Ensuring an acceptable risk appetite for the different components is critical for the security, safety and autonomy of the Union and its Member States. The Member States, gathering in their capacity as Security Accreditation Authority of the EU Space Programme collectively exercise this responsibility to meet the security requirements for all the space components,” declared Bruno Vermeire, Security Accreditation Board Chair of EUSPA.

Looking to the future

While EUSPA’s mission has expanded, its core aim remains the same – to link EU investment in space to the needs of users in the European Union and around the world. The Agency remains committed to its traditional users and will continue to deliver the high level of GNSS services that users have come to rely on. In addition, the new user communities for Copernicus and GOVSATCOM will be able to benefit from the Agency’s user-oriented focus and the experience it has gained in developing markets for Galileo and EGNOS.

The creation of EUSPA also opens up the possibility for a renewed cooperation with its partners at the European Commission and in the European Space Agency. This will ensure that the EU Space Programme is fully aligned with EU priorities and supports the achievement of key EU policy goals – from the European Green Deal to the digitalisation of the European economy and the promotion of a stronger Europe in the world.

With the key contribution of EUSPA, the new EU Space Programme provides for a streamlined approach towards the development and utilisation of EU space assets. This will guarantee continuity of service and security of infrastructure and systems while ensuring the means to develop the EU´s role in space.

Media note: This feature can be republished without charge provided the European Union Agency for 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 European Union Agency for the Space Programme, EUSPA, is launched today marking the start of a new era for EU Space. Building on the legacy of the European GNSS Agency, EUSPA will take on more responsibilities to create even more opportunities from Space for EU citizens and its economy.

The adoption of the Regulation establishing the new EU Space Programme on April 27 marks a new beginning for the EU Space Programme and for the European GNSS Agency (GSA), which has now officially evolved into EUSPA, with an expanded mandate and new responsibilities.

What has changed?

Under the new Space Regulation, EUSPA’s mandate will now include increased responsibilities in managing the exploitation of Galileo and EGNOS, including their service provision and operational security. Furthermore, the Agency’s new remit includes coordinating the user-related aspects of GOVSATCOM in close collaboration with the Member States and other involved entities. 

EUSPA is also responsible for the development of downstream markets and fostering of innovation based on Galileo, EGNOS, and now also for the commercial users of Copernicus, leveraging funding mechanisms such as Fundamental Elements and Horizon Europe. The Agency is also responsible for the security accreditation of all the components of the EU Space Programme. The European Commission may also decide to entrust the Agency with other tasks in the future.

“More and more, our economies, our society and our safety depend on Space. Europe has incredible opportunities ahead that cannot be missed. By creating EUSPA, the European Union will further increase the return on investment made by the EU citizen in the EU Space Programme by strengthening its contribution to the priorities of the Union. We will achieve this primarily by leveraging synergies between the various Programme components, particularly navigation, Earth observation and secure communications, to drive innovation across a broad range of sectors,” said EUSPA Executive Director Rodrigo da Costa.

In particular, bringing management of downstream and combined applications based on Galileo, EGNOS and Copernicus under the umbrella of one agency will make it possible increasingly to leverage synergies. On their own, these technologies can play a key role supporting a digital and green transformation, but leveraging their synergetic and combined use will facilitate the generation of innovative solutions that bring a higher societal impact.

Focus on security

The teams of committed professionals we have in place at our sites in Europe, from the EGNOS centre in Toulouse to the European GNSS Service Centre in Spain and the Galileo Reference Centre in the Netherlands, will continue to ensure the high quality, robustness and reliability of EUSPA’s service provision. This will be backed up Galileo Security Monitoring Centres in France and in Spain, and the industrial teams managed by EUSPA in the Galileo Control Centres in Germany and Italy, along with facilities around the world. In addition, the Security Accreditation Board will continue its work to initiate and monitor the implementation of security requirements to ensure a robust and uniform level of security for the entire EU Space Programme.

“The new Agency has a core role in the security accreditation of all the components of the EU Space Programme. Ensuring an acceptable risk appetite for the different components is critical for the security, safety and autonomy of the Union and its Member States. The Member States, gathering in their capacity as Security Accreditation Authority of the EU Space Programme collectively exercise this responsibility to meet the security requirements for all the space components,” declared Bruno Vermeire, Security Accreditation Board Chair of EUSPA.

Looking to the future

While EUSPA’s mission has expanded, its core aim remains the same – to link EU investment in space to the needs of users in the European Union and around the world. The Agency remains committed to its traditional users and will continue to deliver the high level of GNSS services that users have come to rely on. In addition, the new user communities for Copernicus and GOVSATCOM will be able to benefit from the Agency’s user-oriented focus and the experience it has gained in developing markets for Galileo and EGNOS.

The creation of EUSPA also opens up the possibility for a renewed cooperation with its partners at the European Commission and in the European Space Agency. This will ensure that the EU Space Programme is fully aligned with EU priorities and supports the achievement of key EU policy goals – from the European Green Deal to the digitalisation of the European economy and the promotion of a stronger Europe in the world.

With the key contribution of EUSPA, the new EU Space Programme provides for a streamlined approach towards the development and utilisation of EU space assets. This will guarantee continuity of service and security of infrastructure and systems while ensuring the means to develop the EU´s role in space.

Media note: This feature can be republished without charge provided the European Union Agency for 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).

With the new Agency coming soon, the European Union Agency for the Space Programme will have a new logo thanks to the creativity of thousands of graphic designers. Find out how it looks like. 

In 2020, the European GNSS Agency (GSA), launched the EUSPA Logo Design Contest for the conception and development of the new European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) logo. The contest stimulated fresh thinking and innovation in order to develop a visually striking, aesthetically appealing logo that will capture the new agency’s quintessence.  

Today, with the EU Space Programme Regulation voted by the EU legislators, we are ready to disclose the EUSPA logo which will become the visual point of reference for the EU Space user community.

Everything has its place: the story behind the logo

The elements that make up the new EUSPA logo consist of symbols of the new agency’s enlarged scope but also a reminiscent of its legacy. 

Inspired by the shape of the Earth, the logo represents both, the agency’s connection with space and its mission to provide satellite-based services. More specifically, the blue and yellow circular shapes symbolize EUSPA’s values of integrity and professionalism, but also the unity of the European Union, and the cooperation with multiple actors for the delivery of EU Space synergies. 

The opening on the right side of the circle is ‘/embracing the EUSPA acronym to showcase how the agency will be interfacing with user communities and European partners alike. 

“Thousands of graphic designers answered to the competition and the choice has been really difficult to make. But we are extremely happy with the result and we are confident that EUSPA will be clearly noticeable thanks to this new logo.” noted one member of the jury. 

Media note: This feature can be republished without charge provided the European Union Agency for 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).

With the new Agency coming soon, the European Union Agency for the Space Programme will have a new logo thanks to the creativity of thousands of graphic designers. Find out how it looks like.

In 2020, the European GNSS Agency (GSA), launched the EUSPA Logo Design Contest for the conception and development of the new European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) logo. The contest stimulated fresh thinking and innovation in order to develop a visually striking, aesthetically appealing logo that will capture the new agency’s quintessence.

Today, with the EU Space Programme Regulation voted by the EU legislators, we are ready to disclose the EUSPA logo which will become the visual point of reference for the EU Space user community.

Everything has its place: the story behind the logo

The elements that make up the new EUSPA logo consist of symbols of the new agency’s enlarged scope but also a reminiscent of its legacy.

Inspired by the shape of the Earth, the logo represents both, the agency’s connection with space and its mission to provide satellite-based services. More specifically, the blue and yellow circular shapes symbolize EUSPA’s values of integrity and professionalism, but also the unity of the European Union, and the cooperation with multiple actors for the delivery of EU Space synergies.

The opening on the right side of the circle is embracing the EUSPA acronym to showcase how the agency will be interfacing with user communities and European partners alike.

"Thousands of graphic designers answered to the competition and the choice has been really difficult to make. But we are extremely happy with the result and we are confident that EUSPA will be clearly noticeable thanks to this new logo.” noted one member of the jury.

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 Year of Rail brings attention to a number of topics important for improving the role of rail within the EU transport ecosystem. The recently published Policy paper “Challenges for European rail – getting solutions on track” by Jacques Delors Institute, highlights the main challenges and opportunities for the railway system evolution in Europe, focusing on increasing the rail attractiveness and make it the transport of choice for the decades to come.

EGNOS and Galileo are an integral part of the Digital Rail agenda, both freight and passenger transport rely on the European satellite navigation system, improving service provision with more than 150 000 freight wagons in Europe equipped with GNSS-based localization to provide accurate information about the wagon position. Precise location is used for asset and fleet management purposes, becoming a crucial element for efficient supply chain operations, and service to customers with estimated time of goods arrival.

The European GNSS Agency (GSA) continues to support projects and initiatives leading towards potential adoption of EGNOS and Galileo within European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS), aiming to decrease the costs linked to the ERTMS deployment and its carbon footprint by reducing the dependency on physical trackside elements that need to be manufactured, installed and maintained for proper train localization. 

Read this: Now open: new call for proposal to accelerate EGNOS adoption in transport

A joint effort

The GSA is not alone in the effort to bring the benefits of satellite-based localization from space to the railway track. The European Space Agency (ESA) and Shift2Rail are supporting within a dedicated R&D programme the necessary evolution of the main technological building blocks or pilot projects. Meanwhile the EU Railway industry, managers and operators, supported by the sectorial associations - UNIFE, CER and EUG - contribute by launching pilot lines and participating to projects and expert groups with the aim to close the technological gaps towards safe use of GNSS within ERTMS.

Last year, the GSA and ESA supported the ERTMS Users Group´s Change Request 1368, aiming to introduce EGNOS as the first step towards future safe use of GNSS for train signaling within ERTMS. Nowadays, additional projects are focusing on the development of a dedicated EGNOS service for Rail in-line with the railway requirements for fail-safe train positioning. This year, the GSA will launch two additional research projects focused on the development of GNSS receiver prototypes that aim at simplifying the adoption also for the EU Rail system integrators interested to deploy GNSS within their product offering for railway signaling in Europe.

GNSS has the potential to enable a cheaper, more flexible and greener ERTMS, possibly offering also its faster deployment beyond the EU mainline corridors. Outside of Europe, GNSS is already used for fail-safe train localization (e.g. within the Positive Train Control (PTC) in the USA). The role and priorities of the sectorial associations, and especially the EU rail system integrators, will be a key factor for GNSS success within the ambitious Digital Rail agenda, allowing a faster progress towards closing technological gaps and agreeing on the final and best approach towards GNSS inclusion in ERTMS.  

Media note: This feature can be republished without charge provided the European Union Agency for 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 European Year of Rail brings attention to a number of topics important for improving the role of rail within the EU transport ecosystem. The recently published Policy paper “Challenges for European rail – getting solutions on track” by Jacques Delors Institute, highlights the main challenges and opportunities for the railway system evolution in Europe, focusing on increasing the rail attractiveness and make it the transport of choice for the decades to come.

EGNOS and Galileo are an integral part of the Digital Rail agenda, both freight and passenger transport rely on the European satellite navigation system, improving service provision with more than 150 000 freight wagons in Europe equipped with GNSS-based localization to provide accurate information about the wagon position. Precise location is used for asset and fleet management purposes, becoming a crucial element for efficient supply chain operations, and service to customers with estimated time of goods arrival.

The European GNSS Agency (GSA) continues to support projects and initiatives leading towards potential adoption of EGNOS and Galileo within European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS), aiming to decrease the costs linked to the ERTMS deployment and its carbon footprint by reducing the dependency on physical trackside elements that need to be manufactured, installed and maintained for proper train localization. 

Read this: Now open: new call for proposal to accelerate EGNOS adoption in transport

A joint effort

The GSA is not alone in the effort to bring the benefits of satellite-based localization from space to the railway track. The European Space Agency (ESA) and Shift2Rail are supporting within a dedicated R&D programme the necessary evolution of the main technological building blocks or pilot projects. Meanwhile the EU Railway industry, managers and operators, supported by the sectorial associations - UNIFE, CER and EUG - contribute by launching pilot lines and participating to projects and expert groups with the aim to close the technological gaps towards safe use of GNSS within ERTMS.

Last year, the GSA and ESA supported the ERTMS Users Group´s Change Request 1368, aiming to introduce EGNOS as the first step towards future safe use of GNSS for train signaling within ERTMS. Nowadays, additional projects are focusing on the development of a dedicated EGNOS service for Rail in-line with the railway requirements for fail-safe train positioning. This year, the GSA will launch two additional research projects focused on the development of GNSS receiver prototypes that aim at simplifying the adoption also for the EU Rail system integrators interested to deploy GNSS within their product offering for railway signaling in Europe.

GNSS has the potential to enable a cheaper, more flexible and greener ERTMS, possibly offering also its faster deployment beyond the EU mainline corridors. Outside of Europe, GNSS is already used for fail-safe train localization (e.g. within the Positive Train Control (PTC) in the USA). The role and priorities of the sectorial associations, and especially the EU rail system integrators, will be a key factor for GNSS success within the ambitious Digital Rail agenda, allowing a faster progress towards closing technological gaps and agreeing on the final and best approach towards GNSS inclusion in ERTMS.  

Media note: This feature can be republished without charge provided the European Union Agency for 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 European Year of Rail brings attention to a number of topics important for improving the role of rail within the EU transport ecosystem. The recently published Policy paper “Challenges for European rail – getting solutions on track” by Jacques Delors Institute, highlights the main challenges and opportunities for the railway system evolution in Europe, focusing on increasing the rail attractiveness and make it the transport of choice for the decades to come.

EGNOS and Galileo are an integral part of the Digital Rail agenda, both freight and passenger transport rely on the European satellite navigation system, improving service provision with more than 150 000 freight wagons in Europe equipped with GNSS-based localization to provide accurate information about the wagon position. Precise location is used for asset and fleet management purposes, becoming a crucial element for efficient supply chain operations, and service to customers with estimated time of goods arrival.

The European GNSS Agency (GSA) continues to support projects and initiatives leading towards potential adoption of EGNOS and Galileo within European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS), aiming to decrease the costs linked to the ERTMS deployment and its carbon footprint by reducing the dependency on physical trackside elements that need to be manufactured, installed and maintained for proper train localization. 

Read this: Now open: new call for proposal to accelerate EGNOS adoption in transport

A joint effort

The GSA is not alone in the effort to bring the benefits of satellite-based localization from space to the railway track. The European Space Agency (ESA) and Shift2Rail are supporting within a dedicated R&D programme the necessary evolution of the main technological building blocks or pilot projects. Meanwhile the EU Railway industry, managers and operators, supported by the sectorial associations - UNIFE, CER and EUG - contribute by launching pilot lines and participating to projects and expert groups with the aim to close the technological gaps towards safe use of GNSS within ERTMS.

Last year, the GSA and ESA supported the ERTMS Users Group´s Change Request 1368, aiming to introduce EGNOS as the first step towards future safe use of GNSS for train signaling within ERTMS. Nowadays, additional projects are focusing on the development of a dedicated EGNOS service for Rail in-line with the railway requirements for fail-safe train positioning. This year, the GSA will launch two additional research projects focused on the development of GNSS receiver prototypes that aim at simplifying the adoption also for the EU Rail system integrators interested to deploy GNSS within their product offering for railway signaling in Europe.

GNSS has the potential to enable a cheaper, more flexible and greener ERTMS, possibly offering also its faster deployment beyond the EU mainline corridors. Outside of Europe, GNSS is already used for fail-safe train localization (e.g. within the Positive Train Control (PTC) in the USA). The role and priorities of the sectorial associations, and especially the EU rail system integrators, will be a key factor for GNSS success within the ambitious Digital Rail agenda, allowing a faster progress towards closing technological gaps and agreeing on the final and best approach towards GNSS inclusion in 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).

Copernicus

Copernicus is the European Union's Earth observation programme, looking at our planet and its environment to benefit all European citizens. The programme consists of a complex set of systems that collect data from multiple sources: Earth observation satellites and in-situ sensors such as ground stations, and airborne and sea-borne sensors. Users have full, free and open access to this data, which is also processed to provide a set of services based on reliable and near-real time information.

Copernicus services address six thematic areas: land, marine, atmosphere, climate change, emergency, and security. They support a wide range of applications, including environment protection, management of urban areas, regional and local planning, agriculture, forestry, fisheries, health, transport, climate change, sustainable development, civil protection, and tourism.

For more information, visit the Copernicus website.

At a recent interactive workshop, the European GNSS Agency (GSA) and the European Investment Bank (EIB) gave a new impetus to the Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, between the two organisations to set common operational principles for scaling up investments in downstream commercial applications related to Global Navigation Satellite Services (GNSS). Under their MoU, signed in 2019, the GSA and EIB are exploring the investment potential for the so-called New Space Economy, with a view to supporting a higher private sector involvement in  GNSS innovation-based pilots and projects, thereby contributing to high-skilled jobs and European value-added, while implementing the EU Space Programme.

Expanded EUSPA Mandate

GSA will soon be transformed into EUSPA, the European Union Agency for the Space Programme, with an expanded mandate and a number of key objectives. In addition to building the GovSatCom user base, the Agency will also focus on promoting Galileo and Copernicus as market leaders, increasing the competitiveness of European downstream space companies and broadening the involvement of private enterprises from all EU Member States in the EU space-based economy.

At the experts’ workshop with the EIB, which took place on 12 March 2021, the GSA presented case studies in the downstream market segments. A key sector for investment is transport, where GNSS technology and market trends are opening up new opportunities, from emissions monitoring and intelligent routes in aviation, the digitalisation of the rail sector, to automation of operations and optimised traffic management at ports and airports, new urban mobility schemes and autonomous vehicles. However, new opportunities are also developing fast in the governmental sector, linked to synchronisation capabilities linked to GNSS, which pave the ways to new applications in energy, finance and telecom infrastructure. Consumer solutions are also rapidly expanding, enabling personalised location-based services in sport and social-media. 

Disruptive potential

“GNSS technologies have the potential today to be as disruptive as the internet was 30 years ago. The business models of manufacturers in the automobile, aviation, rail, maritime, agriculture, consumer and telecoms sectors will change to increasingly focus on fusion with new technologies, including Artificial Intelligence, the Internet of Things and satellite data,” was a key message of the EIB experts. “European market leaders are already strong players in some sectors, but they need to keep investing and scaling up rapidly their applications to retain their competitive edge, amid fast changing market dynamics, driven by more affordable prices of location-based technologies."

New financial instruments

By working together under the MoU, the GSA and EIB will promote R&D investments and pilots in the GNSS market and encourage companies and public authorities to mobilise GNSS funds, so that the next decade can see new European GNSS winners. To facilitate this, the GSA and the EIB will cooperate to design new financial instruments and set up a targeted financial envelope to support the development of EU New Space.

Media note: This feature can be republished without charge provided the European Union Agency for 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).

At a recent interactive workshop, the European GNSS Agency (GSA) and the European Investment Bank (EIB) gave a new impetus to the Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, between the two organisations to set common operational principles for scaling up investments in downstream commercial applications related to Global Navigation Satellite Services (GNSS). Under their MoU, signed in 2019, the GSA and EIB are exploring the investment potential for the so-called New Space Economy, with a view to supporting a higher private sector involvement in  GNSS innovation-based pilots and projects, thereby contributing to high-skilled jobs and European value-added, while implementing the EU Space Programme.

Expanded EUSPA Mandate

GSA will soon be transformed into EUSPA, the European Union Agency for the Space Programme, with an expanded mandate and a number of key objectives. In addition to building the GovSatCom user base, the Agency will also focus on promoting Galileo and Copernicus as market leaders, increasing the competitiveness of European downstream space companies and broadening the involvement of private enterprises from all EU Member States in the EU space-based economy.

At the experts’ workshop with the EIB, which took place on 12 March 2021, the GSA presented case studies in the downstream market segments. A key sector for investment is transport, where GNSS technology and market trends are opening up new opportunities, from emissions monitoring and intelligent routes in aviation, the digitalisation of the rail sector, to automation of operations and optimised traffic management at ports and airports, new urban mobility schemes and autonomous vehicles. However, new opportunities are also developing fast in the governmental sector, linked to synchronisation capabilities linked to GNSS, which pave the ways to new applications in energy, finance and telecom infrastructure. Consumer solutions are also rapidly expanding, enabling personalised location-based services in sport and social-media. 

Disruptive potential

“GNSS technologies have the potential today to be as disruptive as the internet was 30 years ago. The business models of manufacturers in the automobile, aviation, rail, maritime, agriculture, consumer and telecoms sectors will change to increasingly focus on fusion with new technologies, including Artificial Intelligence, the Internet of Things and satellite data,” was a key message of the EIB experts. “European market leaders are already strong players in some sectors, but they need to keep investing and scaling up rapidly their applications to retain their competitive edge, amid fast changing market dynamics, driven by more affordable prices of location-based technologies."

New financial instruments

By working together under the MoU, the GSA and EIB will promote R&D investments and pilots in the GNSS market and encourage companies and public authorities to mobilise GNSS funds, so that the next decade can see new European GNSS winners. To facilitate this, the GSA and the EIB will cooperate to design new financial instruments and set up a targeted financial envelope to support the development of EU New Space.

Media note: This feature can be republished without charge provided the European Union Agency for 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).

At a recent interactive workshop, the European GNSS Agency (GSA) and the European Investment Bank (EIB) gave a new impetus to the Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, between the two organisations to set common operational principles for scaling up investments in downstream commercial applications related to Global Navigation Satellite Services (GNSS). Under their MoU, signed in 2019, the GSA and EIB are exploring the investment potential for the so-called New Space Economy, with a view to supporting a higher private sector involvement in  GNSS innovation-based pilots and projects, thereby contributing to high-skilled jobs and European value-added, while implementing the EU Space Programme.

Expanded EUSPA Mandate

GSA will soon be transformed into EUSPA, the European Union Agency for the Space Programme, with an expanded mandate and a number of key objectives. In addition to building the GovSatCom user base, the Agency will also focus on promoting Galileo and Copernicus as market leaders, increasing the competitiveness of European downstream space companies and broadening the involvement of private enterprises from all EU Member States in the EU space-based economy.

At the experts’ workshop with the EIB, which took place on 12 March 2021, the GSA presented case studies in the downstream market segments. A key sector for investment is transport, where GNSS technology and market trends are opening up new opportunities, from emissions monitoring and intelligent routes in aviation, the digitalisation of the rail sector, to automation of operations and optimised traffic management at ports and airports, new urban mobility schemes and autonomous vehicles. However, new opportunities are also developing fast in the governmental sector, linked to synchronisation capabilities linked to GNSS, which pave the ways to new applications in energy, finance and telecom infrastructure. Consumer solutions are also rapidly expanding, enabling personalised location-based services in sport and social-media. 

Disruptive potential

“GNSS technologies have the potential today to be as disruptive as the internet was 30 years ago. The business models of manufacturers in the automobile, aviation, rail, maritime, agriculture, consumer and telecoms sectors will change to increasingly focus on fusion with new technologies, including Artificial Intelligence, the Internet of Things and satellite data,” was a key message of the EIB experts. “European market leaders are already strong players in some sectors, but they need to keep investing and scaling up rapidly their applications to retain their competitive edge, amid fast changing market dynamics, driven by more affordable prices of location-based technologies."

New financial instruments

By working together under the MoU, the GSA and EIB will promote R&D investments and pilots in the GNSS market and encourage companies and public authorities to mobilise GNSS funds, so that the next decade can see new European GNSS winners. To facilitate this, the GSA and the EIB will cooperate to design new financial instruments and set up a targeted financial envelope to support the development of EU New Space.

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).

At a recent interactive workshop, the European GNSS Agency (GSA) and the European Investment Bank (EIB) gave a new impetus to the Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, between the two organisations to set common operational principles for scaling up investments in downstream commercial applications related to Global Navigation Satellite Services (GNSS). Under their MoU, signed in 2019, the GSA and EIB are exploring the investment potential for the so-called New Space Economy, with a view to supporting a higher private sector involvement in  GNSS innovation-based pilots and projects, thereby contributing to high-skilled jobs and European value-added, while implementing the EU Space Programme.

Expanded EUSPA Mandate

GSA will soon be transformed into EUSPA, the European Union Agency for the Space Programme, with an expanded mandate and a number of key objectives. In addition to building the GovSatCom user base, the Agency will also focus on promoting Galileo and Copernicus as market leaders, increasing the competitiveness of European downstream space companies and broadening the involvement of private enterprises from all EU Member States in the EU space-based economy.

At the experts’ workshop with the EIB, which took place on 12 March 2021, the GSA presented case studies in the downstream market segments. A key sector for investment is transport, where GNSS technology and market trends are opening up new opportunities, from emissions monitoring and intelligent routes in aviation, the digitalisation of the rail sector, to automation of operations and optimised traffic management at ports and airports, new urban mobility schemes and autonomous vehicles. However, new opportunities are also developing fast in the governmental sector, linked to synchronisation capabilities linked to GNSS, which pave the ways to new applications in energy, finance and telecom infrastructure. Consumer solutions are also rapidly expanding, enabling personalised location-based services in sport and social-media. 

Disruptive potential

“GNSS technologies have the potential today to be as disruptive as the internet was 30 years ago. The business models of manufacturers in the automobile, aviation, rail, maritime, agriculture, consumer and telecoms sectors will change to increasingly focus on fusion with new technologies, including Artificial Intelligence, the Internet of Things and satellite data,” was a key message of the EIB experts. “European market leaders are already strong players in some sectors, but they need to keep investing and scaling up rapidly their applications to retain their competitive edge, amid fast changing market dynamics, driven by more affordable prices of location-based technologies."

New financial instruments

By working together under the MoU, the GSA and EIB will promote R&D investments and pilots in the GNSS market and encourage companies and public authorities to mobilise GNSS funds, so that the next decade can see new European GNSS winners. To facilitate this, the GSA and the EIB will cooperate to design new financial instruments and set up a targeted financial envelope to support the development of EU New Space.

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).

Following the challenges of 2020, this year will be a key year for the EU Space Programme, European GNSS Agency (GSA) Executive Director Rodrigo da Costa said at a panel discussion at the Munich Satellite Navigation Conference, which was held online on March 16-17. The GSA executive director went on to outline some of the upcoming events to look forward to in the year ahead.

The decision to expand the GSA into the European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) was motivated, among others, by a desire to support Europe’s investment in space, da Costa told the Munich conference participants, adding that this was yet another confirmation that space is an economic enabler with a positive spill-over effect in many sectors of the economy. 

“With EUSPA, new horizons are opening up and the generation of synergies between the different components of the space programme is very much in focus,” he said. Da Costa added that, by combining navigation and Earth observation it would be possible to create value-adding solutions, for example, that mitigate the risk of disasters like oil spills, illegal fishing, or support new precision agriculture practices.

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).

Following the challenges of 2020, this year will be a key year for the EU Space Programme, European GNSS Agency (GSA) Executive Director Rodrigo da Costa said at a panel discussion at the Munich Satellite Navigation Conference, which was held online on March 16-17. The GSA executive director went on to outline some of the upcoming events to look forward to in the year ahead.

The decision to expand the GSA into the European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) was motivated, among others, by a desire to support Europe’s investment in space, da Costa told the Munich conference participants, adding that this was yet another confirmation that space is an economic enabler with a positive spill-over effect in many sectors of the economy. 

“With EUSPA, new horizons are opening up and the generation of synergies between the different components of the space programme is very much in focus,” he said. Da Costa added that, by combining navigation and Earth observation it would be possible to create value-adding solutions, for example, that mitigate the risk of disasters like oil spills, illegal fishing, or support new precision agriculture practices.

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).

Following the challenges of 2020, this year will be a key year for the EU Space Programme, European GNSS Agency (GSA) Executive Director Rodrigo da Costa said at a panel discussion at the Munich Satellite Navigation Conference, which was held online on March 16-17. The GSA executive director went on to outline some of the upcoming events to look forward to in the year ahead.

The decision to expand the GSA into the European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) was motivated, among others, by a desire to support Europe’s investment in space, da Costa told the Munich conference participants, adding that this was yet another confirmation that space is an economic enabler with a positive spill-over effect in many sectors of the economy. 

“With EUSPA, new horizons are opening up and the generation of synergies between the different components of the space programme is very much in focus,” he said. Da Costa added that, by combining navigation and Earth observation it would be possible to create value-adding solutions, for example, that mitigate the risk of disasters like oil spills, illegal fishing, or support new precision agriculture practices.

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).