GNSS

New satellite for GPS navigation network

Recently, a new GPS satellite was launched to benefit U.S. military operations and civilian society as a whole. The new satellite will be checked out and enter service in a month’s time, becoming the ninth Block 2F spacecraft in the constellation. The Boeing-built satellites feature improved accuracy, enhanced antijamming and longer design lives. GPS 2F-9 will replace the GPS 2A-22 satellite originally launched aboard Delta 222 on August 30, 1993. http://spacefiightnow.com

The Russian-produced ERAGLONASS emergency call system

“The systems operating in the EEU countries will be harmonized with the European eCall [system] and, eventually, a common road safety space will be created to cover all of Eurasia – everybody is a winner,” GLONASS Union Vice President for Strategic Development Evgeniy Belaynko told RIA Novosti. The ERA-GLONASS system provides data to emergency responders from Glonass. The system calls an emergency service number automatically if the on-board transponder signals an accident. China will train its satellite navigation experts on Russian soil as part of a broader plan to expand cooperation on satellite navigation systems http://sputniknews.com

EGNOS Set to Improve Maritime Navigation Safety

The European GNSS Agency (GSA) is looking for maritime and river authorities interested in a pilot project to test new, cost-effective ways to increase the safety of vessels without the need to invest in costly new equipment. The project’s objective is to demonstrate the added value of transmitting differential corrections and local integrity checks for satellite navigation data using the EGNOS Data Access Service (EDAS) via existing Automatic Identification System (AIS) shore stations. In the future this process will also include the VHF Data Exchange System (VDES). www.gsa.europa.eu

European spatial data research and development framework

EuroGeographics and EuroSDR have announced that they will work together to provide a framework for European spatial data research and development. As a result, members of both not-for-profit organisations will be able to take part in joint projects and hand over tasks more appropriate to the other organisation’s expertise. Both organizations are committed to supporting wide range of initiatives that will benefit people across Europe. These include the European Spatial Data Infrastructure, Copernicus, Galileo, Horizon2020, European Location Framework and the European Digital Single Market. www.eurogeographics.org

Nigel Clifford to be new the new Chief Executive of OS

Business Minister of UK, Matthew Hancock has announced the appointment of Nigel Clifford as the new Chief Executive of the Ordnance Survey (OS).

India successfully launches fourth navigation satellite

On March 27, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launched its fourth navigational satellite IRNSS-ID from Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh. The launch makes India move closer to have its own Global Positional System (GPS), on the lines of the one US has. At 5.19, the rocket — Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C27), 44 metres tall and weighing around 320 tonne — blasted off from the second launch pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre. The satellite was injected into the orbit after 21 minutes. Talking about the launch, Kiran Kumar, Chairman, ISRO said, “We have had a successful launch. I congratulate the entire Isro team for the 28th straight successful PSLV mission, which has put the IRNSS-1D, the fourth of the navigation constellation satellite successfully.

IRNSS-1D is the fourth out of seven satellites in the Indian Regional Navigational Satellite System (IRNSS) series after IRNSS-1A, IRNSS-1B and IRNSS-IC. The satellite is one among the seven IRNSS constellation of satellites slated to be launched to provide navigational services to the region.The system would provide two types of services — Standard Positioning Service, which is provided to all users and Restricted Service, which is an encrypted service provided only to authorised users. The satellite will provide navigation, tracking and mapping services.