GALILEO UPDATE

European GNSS R&D

A free app for both iOS and Android features the results of European GNSS Agency (GSA) supported research and development initiatives. The new EGNSS Research and Development (R&D) application highlights the tangible results coming out of the 7th Framework Programme (FP7) and is designed to serve as inspiration for those participating in the Horizon 2020 (H2020) period.

The FP7 and H2020 programs, supported by the GSA, aim to support the development of EGNSS applications in key market segments. Both are geared towards accelerating the development of a European market for satellite navigation applications and creating new opportunities for European industry.

In addition to the search function, des Dorides notes that the demographics included with each project can help users identify opportunities for partnerships across segments and regions, and create virtual R&D networks.

The FP7 programmes had a considerably positive impact on the GNSS market. Within the frame of the projects, 45 products were developed, and 80 prototypes were tested and validated during the 115 demonstrations that took place. Horizon 2020 is bringing new opportunities for GNSS applications development. Information on the 25 projects granted in the first H2020 Galileo call is already included in the application, and early next year it will be updated to include the 2nd call portfolio of projects.

Four Galileo Satellites Now at ESTEC

Europe’s latest Galileo was unboxed at ESA’s technical centre in the Netherlands in May, bringing the total number of satellites at the site to four. ESTEC in Noordwijk is the largest satellite test facility in Europe, with all the equipment needed to simulate every aspect of the launch and space environment under a single roof. It is an essential stop on the way to space for Europe’s Galileo satellites, built by OHB in Bremen, Germany, with navigation payloads from Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd. in Guildford, UK.

The satellite will begin with a thermal vacuum test in a 4.5-meter-diameter stainless steel chamber, subjected to about five weeks of hard vacuum and the temperature extremes of space.

Galileo-11 recently completed the same trial before moving on to final system testing, including a compatibility run with the ground network.

Meanwhile, the ninth and tenth satellites are in storage at ESTEC, having passed their own checks. They will be flown to Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana in late July for launch by Soyuz in September, which will bring the total in orbit into double figures.