Critical Year For European Space Programs

 

2007 will be a key year for Europe, with major programs such as the Galileo satellite navigation system and Global Monitoring

for Environment and Security initiative scheduled to take crucial steps forward and the European Space Agency preparing to shape the continent’s space policy throughout the next few years.

Which programs are likely to have the strongest impact in Europe throughout the next couple of years? Antoine Bouvier, the CEO of EADS Astrium says there are three areas where European space policy could have a great impact on Europe’s citizens.

“The first one is sustainable development. This includes the environment, climate monitoring and GMES (Global Monitoring for Environment and Security),” he says. “We see clearly strong society needs, which will be given a high level of political focus and significant priority in terms of budget. Space is extremely well-positioned to do this. Space will be a key contributor for sustainable development. The GMES program is very clearly reflecting this long-term objective.

“The second society need, which will be addressed by space solutions is security and defense. We have developed a number of new space solutions, [research and development] programs in the field of early warning, laser link, navigation, etc., which will generate large operational programs in Europe in the medium to long term.

“The third one, which is more difficult to quantify, and where we need a vision to develop a long-term policy, is revolving around science and exploration. This addresses long-term answers for mankind. Clearly, in these fields, space is also a very critical contributor to this long-term vision,” he says.

Environmental programs could be an exciting area given concerns over climate change and increasing public awareness of these issues, says Ian Reid, president of space operations at QinetiQ, a defense and security technology company, “Clearly, weather and environmental monitoring are programs which, particularly in the context of climate change and the impact that will have on the environment, are going to be programs that have a high profile in Europe,” he says. “There are also the inspirational elements of some exploration programs. We know, for example, that in the U.K., space is one of the reasons often cited by students who go on to do science. I think programs of exploration have that inspirational quality about them and hopefully will influence the next generation of potential scientists.”

Galileo

The flagship space project undoubtedly is Galileo, Europe’s effort to develop its own global navigation satellite system to provide a highly accurate, guaranteed global positioning service under civilian control. Bouvier believes it is a vital program for Europe. “We have seen in 2006 the confirmation of the strategic importance of navigation,” he says. “China, Russia and potentially India will develop their own navigation system with different technical solutions. A navigation system is a critical and significant component of any global space policy.

The first Galileo satellite, the Galileo In Orbit Validation Elements-A (GIOVE-A) test satellite, began transmitting signals in January 2006, and the European Space Agency (ESA) has released the technical details of the signals transmitted by the first Galileo test satellite, allowing receiver manufacturers and research institutions to use a real signal for research and development. The GIOVE-A Signal-in-Space Interface Control Document will allow any user to build a receiver able to track the signals, interpret the navigation message and compute the distance between the satellite and the receiver.

In March, Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd. (SSTL), which built GIOVE-A, received a contract from ESA to manufacture a second test satellite. GIOVE-A2 will be based on GIOVE-A and will maintain the frequency filing for 27 more months and facilitate further development of ground equipment. The satellite also will carry upgrades that will allow for testing of the common L1 open service signals recommended by the European Union and the United States. These signals will provide free position and timing information to users.

“Navigation will be more and more critical in terms of commercial and institutional applications,” Bouvier says. “This should not be seen as competition between the U.S. and Europe. We think navigation is just a critical component of any long-term space policy. It makes a lot of sense for Europe. The two systems, GPS and Galileo, will be interoperable and create added value for users all over the world.”

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