Aviation and Drones

Accuracy is essential in aviation, thus GNSS is used extensively, with Satellite-Based Augmentation Systems (SBAS). EGNOS, the European SBAS provides access to small and medium airports through Performance Based Navigation procedures, increasing safety and enabling business growth across Europe. Currently, over 400 airports across Europe rely on EGNOS for fuel-efficient and less noisy approaches.

Earth Observation data by Copernicus enables the monitoring of volcanic ash clouds, emissions, terrain (supporting optimised routing), flight procedure development and flight planning.

Similar to Air Traffic Control (ATC), U-space is a drone ecosystem designed to control, manage and integrate all UAS flying within the Very Low Level (VLL) airspace. Complementing ATC, it will ensure the safety, security and efficiency of drone operations. GNSS positioning by Galileo, further enhanced by EGNOS will allow airspace regulators to create and enforce geofences around events, critical infrastructure or densely populated areas where flight is either regulated, restricted or prohibited.

Earth Observation is also set to play a role in UAS (Unmanned Aircraft Systems) operations, particularly as to supporting safe route planning. For instance, maps that integrate Earth Observation data can provide operators with insights on population density, allowing them to plan routes that avoid crowded areas.

Aviation and Drones In Action

EGNOS workshop 1-2 October Berlin, Germany

Spotlight on EGNOS

As this week’s EGNOS Workshop approaches, we recap where EGNOS is and preview where it is set to go in the not-so-distant future.

Copernicus and aviation

Copernicus data supporting Flight Procedure Design

EUSPA, in cooperation with ESSP, releases high-level material to support the use of Global Digital Elevation Model DEM GLO-30 produced by the Copernicus Programme, as a terrain/surface input, to be used for Flight Procedure Design purposes.

A collage of four circular images showing a tram, highway traffic, boat, and bus, representing EU transportation with #EUSpace and a map of Europe in the background.

Connecting the transportation dots with EU Space

European GNSS and Copernicus Earth Observation data not only play a key role in individual modes of mobility, they are also essential to creating a truly intermodal transport system.

Detailed map showing diverse land uses, enhanced by Copernicus dataset for better U-space risk mitigation.

Copernicus data for U-space airspace design

Integrating the Copernicus Global Human Settlement Layer dataset into its ground risk computation tool means better risk assessment and mitigation these risks in U-space airspace design.

EUSPA signature with TAS

EUSPA Secures Continuity of EGNOS Services

EUSPA signed with Thales Alenia Space a contract named LIFEX 1 (Life Extension Phase 1), to ensure that EGNOS V2 continues to provide reliable, secure, and high-performance navigation services for Europe’s aviation, maritime, land transport, mapping and agricultural sectors beyond 2028.

The winning team from Slovenia, SpaceGuardian, presenting their innovative approach to satellite collision prevention.

Meet the 8th CASSINI Hackathon Winners

The 8th CASSINI Hackathon: EU Space for Defence & Security took place earlier in 10 European countries. This edition’s winning teams from Slovenia, the Netherlands, Ukraine, and Spain demonstrated creativity, technical expertise, and a shared vision for a more secure space environment.

Fast Facts

1000
EGNOS based procedures at 367 airports & helipads
158
drone receiver models with EGNOS/Galileo capabilities available, representing 30% of receiver models used for drone navigation.
5000
In civil aviation, EGNOS is estimated to help reduce almost 5000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually.

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Aviation and Drones R&D projects