The European Commission expects Galileo and EGNOS to help secure a bigger share of the space technology market and bring European independence in a sector that is important for its economy and for the well being of its citizens. Its new mid-term review also confirms considerable progress for the EGNOS programme, which increases the accuracy of signals from existing satellite navigation systems such as GPS.
Galileo and EGNOS remain high on the EC agenda. © Peter GutierrezEuropean Commission Vice-President Antonio Tajani, Commissioner for Industry and Entrepreneurship, says, "Galileo will allow Europe to compete in the global space technology market and to impose itself as one of the leading players in a growing sector characterised by increased internationalisation and the entry of emerging economies. We are satisfied with the progress made so far and committed to bringing this project to fruition."
The global satellite navigation applications market is expected to be worth €240 billion by 2020 and has been growing at a rate of 30% in the past few years. It is estimated that currently 6-7% of GDP of developed countries, €800 billion in Europe, depends on satellite navigation. The EU budget will include €3.4 billion for the European satellite navigation programmes, Galileo and EGNOS, over the 2007–2013 period. It is estimated that €1.9 billion will be necessary for the 2014–2020 period to complete Galileo infrastructure. The operational costs of Galileo and EGNOS together are estimated at an annual €800 million.
Achievements
EGNOS operational: EGNOS became operational on 1 October 2009. The increased accuracy of satellite navigation that EGNOS provides already benefits many users, notably in agriculture, rescue operations, geo-localisation and cartography. It will soon also be available for civil aviation.
Galileo in-orbit validation phase well underway: The two experimental satellites Giove A and Giove B are securing the frequencies and determining the reliability of the technology used. The building of the first four operational satellites, which are part of the in-orbit validation phase and will be launched in 2011–2012, is nearing completion as is the creation of the associated ground-based infrastructure, including the ground control centres in Fucino, Italy, and Oberpfaffenhofen, Germany.
Contracts allocated for the deployment of Galileo: The deployment phase began in 2008 and work has been divided into six lots, which have all been opened to public procurement markets. The first four lots, i.e. engineering support, satellites construction (with an order placed for 14), launch services and operations, were all allocated in 2010 for roughly €1.25 billion. The final two lots, which concern ground infrastructure, will be allocated in 2011.
Secure satellite navigation for emergency and security services: A special Galileo navigation service will be set up for better management of critical transport and emergency services, better law enforcement (police), improved internal security (border control) and safer peace missions. These are the core objectives of a European Commission proposal published in October 2010 on the Public Regulated Service (PRS) access rules. Using secure, encrypted signals, PRS will offer protection against threats to infrastructure dependent on satellite navigation technology.
International co-operation: Regarding the international aspect of the programme, the compatibility of the EU system and those of China, the United States, Russia, Japan and India is being discussed with each nation within a UN context. Norway is also participating and has contributed to the funding of the program, and there are on-going negotiations with Switzerland.