The Report, the first to cover both GNSS and secure satellite communications, looks at the latest developments and trends in user technologies, along with potential and existing synergies.

Today, the EU Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) published the first edition of its GNSS and Secure SATCOM User Technology Report.

An evolution of the previous GNSS User Technology and Secure SATCOM Market and User Technology reports, this new publication provides a comprehensive overview of the latest developments and trends in Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) and secure Satellite Communications (SATCOM).

‘With these two pivotal technologies, having tangible user technology – terminals and receivers, we decided to combine our GNSS and secure SATCOM technology reports and present them in a single publication that also includes insights into their synergies.’

Rodrigo da Costa, EUSPA Executive Director

Recent developments and future trends in GNSS technology

The report highlights recent advancements and future trends in GNSS technology, including the adoption of new frequencies, multi-frequency capabilities, and innovations in receiver design to enhance performance and security. European Union GNSS leads the way with services or features like Galileo’s High Accuracy Service (HAS) and Open Service Navigation Message Authentication (OSNMA). Additionally, the report addresses growing concerns about spoofing and jamming threats, showcasing solutions such as authentication, resilient receivers, and hybridization with multiple sensors.

Developments in secure SATCOM systems

The secure SATCOM section of the Report outlines key trends in secure SATCOM, including improved performance through digitalization, AI, cloud environments, and integration with 5G networks, alongside the deployment of NGSO constellations for reduced latency. It underscores the growing demand for enhanced security in SATCOM transmissions, driven by risks from malicious actors, with a focus on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Additionally, the shift from hardware-centric to software-oriented designs enables user terminals to leverage multiple constellations and frequencies, improving communication links availability.

A focus on synergies

The Report closes with an Editor’s Special that explores potential and existing synergies between GNSS, secure SATCOM and, where relevant, Earth Observation. Examples of such synergies include relaying Earth Observation data through SATCOM, using GNSS for operating mobile NGSO terminals, combining GNSS and secure SATCOM in transport and emergency management, supporting Copernicus remote sensors, and enabling high-accuracy GNSS positioning in remote areas via SATCOM.

‘We are confident that this combined user technology report will inspire further innovation and collaboration, contributing.’

Rodrigo da Costa, EUSPA Executive Director

About the European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA)

The European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) provides safe and secure European satellite navigation services, promotes the commercialization of Galileo, EGNOS, and Copernicus data and services, coordinates the EU’s forthcoming governmental satellite communications programme GOVSATCOM and the EU SST Front Desk. EUSPA is responsible for the security accreditation of all the EU Space Programme components. By fostering the development of an innovative and competitive space sector and engaging with the entire EU Space community, EUSPA contributes to the European Green Deal and digital transition, the safety and security of the Union and its citizens, while reinforcing its autonomy and resilience.