The European Commission has confirmed a significant upgrade to EGNOS, Europe’s satellite-based flight and positioning augmentation system. On August 25th, the GEO-3 satellite Eutelsat 5 West B moved from test to operational status, broadcasting the EGNOS Signal-in-Space.
EGNOS, which stands for the European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service, is Europe’s regional Satellite-based Augmentation System (SBAS). SBASs are used to augment the existing signals of Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) so that they can be used for applications such as Precision Approaches in Aviation.
On September 5th, GEO-2 which is hosted by ASTRA 5-B (PRN 123) will enter test status, following the activation of GEO-3. After this “GEO swap”, the operational EGNOS space segment will comprise GEO-1 and GEO-3, with GEO-2 continuing in a test role, and service continuity remaining unaffected.
These new releases ensure reliable and uninterrupted services while preparing for future developments, including the next-generation EGNOS V3. This new, more powerful system, EGNOS V3, is currently under preparation. It will strengthen both Galileo satellite and GPS signals, resulting in an even better user experience.
EGNOS is essential for applications where accuracy and integrity are critical, such as aviation. In fact, since its certification for use in civil aviation in 2011, EGNOS has become an important aid in the European aviation sector, increasing both the safety and accessibility of airports in general and, in particular, small and regional airports and airfields. Thanks to the accurate and safe guidance offered by the system everywhere and anytime in Europe, pilots are better positioned to land in challenging weather conditions, including poor visibility and storms, and avoid aborted landings (go-arounds).
