GNSS

Galileo is prepared for the upcoming operational declaration of OSNMA

The European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) has successfully completed testing of the Galileo Open Service Navigation Message Authentication (OSNMA) and is preparing for its operational launch.

Galileo, like other Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), plays a crucial role in various sectors, including transportation, finance, telecommunications, etc. However, the increase in spoofing attacks that can disrupt these services has led to the development of OSNMA. Implemented by EUSPA in collaboration with the European Commission (EC) and the European Space Agency (ESA), it aims to enhance the security of GNSS signals.

The OSNMA Public Observation phase began in November 2021, marked by the release of the Signal in Space Interface Control Document (SIS ICD) and Receiver Guidelines, which enabled early testing of OSNMA receivers globally. Since then, users have reported high stability and performance of the OSNMA signal transmitted by Galileo satellites.

In December 2022, EUSPA and the EC published the OSNMA SIS ICD and Receiver Guidelines for the service phase, with further updates provided between October 2023 and January 2024. Additionally, the OSNMA Internet Data Distribution (IDD) ICD was released in July 2023 and updated in January 2024, alongside the operational cryptographic material. The OSNMA signal has been transmitted in accordance with these specifications since August 2023. EUSPA reports that testing by industry and public entities has confirmed the service’s readiness, with the latest cryptographic material published in January 2024. This material and the necessary certificates are accessible through the EUSPA and GSC websites for the Initial Service provision phase.

Testing activities wrapped up in early June 2024, which included the execution of cryptographic keychain renewal and revocation processes. The program is now poised to declare the OSNMA Initial Service, which will involve an EC communication, the release of the OSNMA Service Definition Document (SDD), and the transition of the OSNMA Status Flag from “test” to “operational.” This process mirrors the approach used for the Galileo High Accuracy Service (HAS) Declaration in 2023. www.euspa.europa.eu

Beidou navigation service platform begins trial operations

China’s national Beidou high-precision navigation and positioning service platform has entered trial operation, marking a significant advancement in the country’s satellite navigation capabilities. This initiative brings together over 3,300 base stations into a unified network, enabling centralized management of resources. The network provides seamless, high-precision positioning services nationwide, delivering real-time, accurate, and reliable navigation for various sectors. The service operates both online and offline. regional.chinadaily.com.cn

New Galileo satellites operational

The two new Galileo satellites launched in April have entered service, completing the second of three constellation planes. Three months after their launch from Cape Canaveral, Galileo satellites 29 and 30 have reached their target positions at an altitude of 23 222 km, where they have been fully tested and declared operational.

Both satellites have been deployed on the same orbital plane, one of the three that make up the Galileo constellation. Now two of the three Galileo orbital planes are fully populated, bringing the constellation one launch away from completion. The two new satellites are active and providing navigation signals to users. Their addition to the constellation slightly increases the accuracy of the system and further guarantees the availability and robustness of Galileo signals. www.esa.int