The 15 years of EGNOS Open Service (OS) highlights Europe’s leadership in building a robust satellite navigation system that has also become a worldwide reference to other SBAS (Satellite-Based Augmentation System) systems around the world.
Europe’s pioneering development with the European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service (EGNOS)—a key component of the European Space Programme—reflects Europe’s commitment to innovation and excellence in providing free precise satellite navigation for its citizens and industries.
EGNOS was developed by the European Space Agency (ESA), the European Commission, and the European Organization for the Safety of Air Navigation (EUROCONTROL). The European Union, through its governing bodies, managed the formal launch and operational oversight of EGNOS to provide free access to upgraded satellite-based navigation accuracy across Europe.
EGNOS Open Service: The Early Years and Initial Impact
The EGNOS Open Service (OS) was the very first EGNOS service after EGNOS becoming operational in 2009.
This opened a new era in European satellite navigation, providing a reliable, accurate and accessible navigation solution that benefited a wide range of industries and supported millions of users. Unlike standard GPS, which provides a general accuracy range of about 10 to 20 meters, EGNOS OS was designed to refine this by using satellite-based augmentation. EGNOS OS achieves this improved accuracy, reducing it to within 1 to 3 meters by correcting the GPS signals through additional information from its geostationary satellites and a network of ground stations across Europe.
The Open Service was developed for mass-market applications, meaning it’s accessible on standard GPS devices with SBAS capabilities, allowing anyone with compatible equipment to experience enhanced accuracy in positioning. This feature has had a profound impact on many everyday applications, from smartphone navigation to public transportation and logistics.
In addition to improving accuracy, EGNOS boosts signal integrity. It provides a fast warning if a GPS signal becomes unreliable and provides an upper bound (Protection Level) to the position errors. This level of reliability without cost to users has been key to establishing EGNOS as a reliable navigation solution for all European citizens and serves as the foundation for the development of EGNOS’s other services, including the Safety of Life service used in aviation.
During the initial years, the Open Service gained attention for its straightforward accessibility and notable improvements in navigation accuracy. With the capability to enhance GPS data for mass-market applications, EGNOS OS quickly became an invaluable tool in a wide range of sectors.
The European GNSS Agency (GSA), now named EUSPA (European Union Agency for the Space Programme), was the agency entrusted with the operational management of EGNOS followed by its launch, ensuring the service’s ongoing development, maintenance, and promotion for European citizens and industries.
The European Satellite Services Provider (ESSP) has also been playing a critical role as the EGNOS Service Provider since the operational launch of the EGNOS Open Service in 2009.
ESSP, a pan-European company founded by seven key European ANSPs (Air Navigation Service Providers) has been the operator and service provider of EGNOS since 2009, being responsible for overseeing and managing the delivery of EGNOS operations and services to ensure they meet the high standards of performance, accuracy and reliability expected across Europe.
Environmental and Economic Impact: Pioneering Sustainable Solutions
Through precision navigation, EGNOS OS has helped reduce fuel consumption, emissions, and resource waste across multiple sectors, contributing to Europe’s environmental sustainability goals.
The economic benefits of EGNOS OS go beyond cost savings; by promoting efficiency and accuracy. EGNOS supports economic growth, strengthens European industry and improves global competitiveness.
Celebrating 15 Years of Progress
These 15 years of EGNOS OS exemplify Europe’s commitment to maintaining leadership in satellite navigation, benefiting citizens and industries with high-quality, reliable, and accessible services. The anniversary not only celebrates this legacy but also highlights Europe’s ongoing dedication to innovation, environmental sustainability, and technological excellence in satellite navigation.
This continuous progress is supported by the publication of the new Open Service Definition Document v3.0 (OS SDD) on the 12th of November 2024”. This new version will provide the following updates:
New OS commitment maps
EGNOS Architecture Updated: Space and Ground Segments
Update of the EGNOS service provision scheme
Stay tuned and enjoy reading!