Thales Alenia Space is set to build a the European GNSS Service Demonstrator. Photo: EUSPA

Thales Alenia Space will build a central ground support platform for EU space services like EGNOS, Galileo, Copernicus, and GOVSATCOM/IRIS². The EU Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) recently signed a contract framework with Thales Alenia Space, announced Feb. 17. 

Called the European GNSS Service Demonstrator (ESD), it will serve as a modular and flexible ground and support segment. The strategic purpose is to rollout new and improved services without disrupting operations for the European Global Navigation Satellite System (EGNSS), which encompasses the Global Satellite Navigation System established under the Galileo program and the European Geostationary Overlay Service (EGNOS). 

It will emulate signals for testing to support prototyping future receivers for use cases like rail safety. Future services include high accuracy service (HAS), authentication, maritime/rail dual-frequency, multi-constellation (DFMC) safety, space weather, and emergency warning. 

“With the European GNSS Service Demonstrator, EUSPA strengthens Europe’s ability to test, evolve and deploy future EU Space services, supporting innovation, standardisation and market uptake while ensuring service continuity and resilience,” EUSPA said in a statement.