QUSPID - Quasi-Pilot Development

The growing use of Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) in both critical and mass-market applications is increasing the demand for positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) solutions that are fast, energy-efficient, and resilient. Growing sectors such as the Internet of Things, autonomous and connected vehicles, unmanned aerial systems, smart mobility, digital health, and critical infrastructure push for improved latency, power consumption, and operational robustness. Although existing GNSS signals provide high accuracy, they can be challenging to use in low-power devices and in environments affected by interference or signal blockage. In this context, the Quasi-Pilot (QP) signal is introduced as a strategic evolution of the Galileo system. QP signals are designed to simplify signal acquisition, reduce time-to-first-fix (TTFF), lower receiver power consumption, and enhance performance in difficult environments, while remaining compatible with existing Galileo services. These characteristics make QP signals particularly relevant for resource-constrained receivers and emerging applications requiring rapid and reliable positioning and timing information.

The QUSPID (QuaSi Pilot Development) project addresses the exploitation of Galileo QP signals in the Automotive and IoT sectors through a structured approach. Through the development of prototypes QUSPID will validate with final Users the expected benefits of GALILEO QP in terms of acquisition time, power efficiency, and robustness. In parallel, QUSPID aims to foster awareness and understanding of QP signals across a broad range of stakeholders, including European institutions, industry, research organisations, and end users. Through targeted communication, dissemination, and engagement activities, the project supports knowledge transfer, collects feedback from potential adopters, and explores future exploitation pathways in sectors such as IoT, automotive, healthcare, and smart mobility. Overall, QUSPID contributes to strengthening the Galileo ecosystem by supporting the transition of innovative signal capabilities towards practical use, helping ensure that future Galileo services respond effectively to evolving market needs and societal challenges.

Challenge & technical solution

Many GNSS applications would benefit reduced time-to-first-fix, lower power consumption, and improved robustness in difficult signal environments, which are not always supported by traditional GNSS signals. QUSPID addresses this challenge by implementing and validating a proof of concept concerning Automotive and Iot applications that will benefit from the Galileo QP signals. The solution demonstrates simplified signal acquisition and performance gains while maintaining compatibility with existing Galileo services. "