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Galileo, born in the Netherlands in the 1990s and developed at ESA's ESTEC in Noordwijk, stands today as a testament to European innovation and technological ambition. This satellite navigation system has evolved into the largest and most complex constellation and ground segment in Europe, playing a pivotal role in various sectors including agriculture, search and rescue, robotics, and more. by Erica Marchand
Paris, France (SPX) Apr 23, 2024
Galileo, born in the Netherlands in the 1990s and developed at ESA's ESTEC in Noordwijk, stands today as a testament to European innovation and technological ambition. This satellite navigation system has evolved into the largest and most complex constellation and ground segment in Europe, playing a pivotal role in various sectors including agriculture, search and rescue, robotics, and more.
The system's precision is unmatched globally, with its Open Service offering accuracy up to two meters, often under one meter. Galileo's High Accuracy Service, introduced in January 2023, takes this a step further by offering decimetre-scale positioning for free, marking it as the first of its kind to do so.
In addition to navigation, Galileo is a lifesaver, literally. It aids in rescue operations by being automatically activated in emergency calls made from mobile phones in most EU countries and through the eCall system in car accidents. Its satellites can detect emergency beacon signals, assisting in the rescue of around 1400 people in EU territories in 2022. Its return link feature even informs the distressed that help is on the way.
Galileo's contribution to aviation is equally noteworthy. It supports safety-of-life operations in civil aviation and, with recent upgrades, plays a crucial role alongside GPS in various flight phases. Furthermore, it's prepared to work with the upcoming version of EGNOS, enhancing support during critical flight stages.
The system's upgrade last year improved the 'time-to-first-fix' for users, vital for emergency responses. Galileo operates on ultra-precise atomic clocks, ensuring unparalleled timing accuracy essential for determining positions based on signal travel time.
Looking ahead, the Galileo Second Generation promises even greater precision, robustness, and flexibility, with advancements in technology that ensure compatibility with the First Generation and other navigation systems.
For more details about Galileo's capabilities and future, visit: https://www.usegalileo.eu/EN/
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