GPS World, December 2014

GALILEO DIRECTIONS 2015 Commission and ESA continue to analyze the best options for recovering the initial mission to the best possible extent A new launch sequence will be confirmed in the near future That being said the deployment plan for the Galileo constellation is secured with 26 satellites ordered four IOV and 22 FOC and launcher service contracts for the full constellation signed with Arianespace As to the new satellite design production proceeds at a good pace with full operational capability FOC satellites being built by OHB Systems and navigation payloads provided by Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd In terms of services the Search and Rescue Forward Link Alert Service successfully tested the networked ground segment last April and positioning accuracy exceeds expectations As to the Commercial Services Demonstrator the main objective of the demonstrator was to test and characterize the high accuracy and authentication performance obtainable with the Galileo Commercial Service The first results are extremely promising with high accuracy already demonstrated through PPP information transmitted via E6B and used to enhance both Galileo and GPS Siebert noted that the ongoing Receiver Test Campaign supports manufacturers to ensure that Galileo is well implemented in chipsets and receivers To accomplish this the program continues to develop dialogs with the user receiver segment to understand the market situation and follow up adoption of Galileo Looking Ahead With this secure foundation looking towards 2015 and beyond Galileo is set to deliver a reliable highquality service to the world according to EC and ESA spokespersons presenting at the ICG With its substantial budget and exploitation focused governance scheme it will continue to evolve and introduce innovative features Siebert affirmed Next steps for the program include a gradual introduction of the early phase of service delivery which will rely heavily on interaction with users Early services will be run with continued infrastructure deployments The program will soon conduct a service validation campaign along with finalizing the Commercial Service definition and developing a longterm service plan This service plan will be aligned with the trend of most user communities moving towards service levels based on a multi constellation approach concluded Siebert Knowing this it is crucial to continue to improve signal compatibility and interoperability of the Galileo service with other providers and cooperate on building multiconstellation programs www gpsworld com December 2014 GPS World 33 photos Julien Gungui Ramses_ Photo 2014