The European Global Navigation Satellite System (EGNSS) encompasses the satellite navigation system established under the Galileo programme and the European Geostationary Overlay System (EGNOS).

Galileo is providing improved positioning and timing information with significant positive implications for many European services and users. EGNOS is Europe's regional satellite-based augmentation system (SBAS) that is used to improve the performance and provides information on the reliability of GPS and in the future for Galileo.

The use of satellite navigation has helped drive world economic growth, particularly in high-tech industries. The additional resiliency provided by Galileo is expected to enable a range of new applications and services that will benefit from increased positioning reliability, thus further driving economic growth in Europe and beyond.

For the EGNSS market uptake the development of downstream applications is key. It will enable not only to maximise the adoption of Galileo and EGNOS but also to stimulate the EU GNSS downstream industry competitiveness, while capturing public benefits.

EGNOS is already fully operational and Galileo Initial Services (Open Service, Search and Rescue service and Public Regulated Service) are available. Both systems are providing differentiators that should be leveraged in the solution proposed by the applicant. As examples, EGNOS provides integrity information which is key for safety critical applications. Galileo enables higher accuracy and better multipath mitigation, thanks to dual (or triple) frequency, wide bandwidth signals (AltBOC), data-less (pilot) channels, better accuracy for single-frequency users (NeQuick model). What is also differentiating Galileo from other GNSS is that it is the first constellation to contribute to Cospas Sarsat MEOSAR.

Currently most of the EGNSS innovative applications are integrating different technologies. Further developments in the frame of integration of EGNSS with Earth Observation (EO) systems and other technologies are encouraged in order to deliver added value services fully tailored on end user needs. Optimised system architectures have to be defined to fully exploit the potential of synergies/complementary characteristics of the different systems, providing significant benefits in a number of key market segments and operational scenarios.

Overall, the scope of this call is wider than standalone usage of EGNOS and/or Galileo, it is encouraging innovative use of GNSS and fusion with other sensors and positioning technologies, (e.g. Bluetooth beacons, localisation through Wi-Fi base stations, Inertial measurement units, Digital Video Broadcasting etc.).

This priority will focus on two main activities: development of innovative Galileo and EGNOS enabled applications in different market segments and European GNSS awareness raising and capacity building.

The aim of the first activity under this call is to support the market uptake of European GNSS in Europe and beyond. The innovative applications should leverage the differentiators of EGNOS and Galileo systems: e.g. multi- frequencies, high accuracy, authentication services, better accuracy for single-frequency users. Areas of innovation will include EGNOS and Galileo enabled applications with commercial impact, that will foster green, safe and smart mobility, digitisation, and will also support societal resilience and contribute to the protection of the environment.

The second activity is dedicated to the development of EGNSS competences. The actions will focus on raising awareness and providing opportunities for the creation of networks of industrial relationships. International cooperation is welcome as part of the action, when adding value and increasing the impact.

In accordance with the Commission decision C(2014)4995 this call will be implemented by the European GNSS Agency in indirect management.

Proposals are invited against the following topic(s):

• DT-SPACE-EGNSS-2-2019-2020: EGNSS applications fostering digitization (IA);
• LC-SPACE-EGNSS-1-2019-2020: EGNSS applications fostering green, safe and smart mobility (IA);
• SPACE-EGNSS-5-2020: EGNSS applications for public authorities' pilot (PCP);
• SU-SPACE-EGNSS-3-2019-2020: EGNSS applications fostering societal resilience and protecting the environment (IA).

More information about this call can be found here.