Since its creation, the EU Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) has been increasing access to EU space data and services, not only in Europe, but also around the world. With a new Galileo satellite in orbit, several satnav services in place and plenty of new ones underway, EUSPA’s first year exemplifies its mission of linking space to user needs.
Through the adoption of the EU Space Regulation by the EU Council and Parliament, the European Union set itself on a new space trajectory. With two state-of-the-art satellite navigation systems, Galileo and EGNOS, the world’s top Earth Observation (EO) system, Copernicus and the forthcoming GOVSATCOM, the European Union is able to address climate change and drive the digital economy while ensuring EU sovereignty.
EUSPA operates Europe’s satellite navigation systems Galileo and EGNOS. It is also the gatekeeper to a secure EU Space Programme, providing end users with the confidence of knowing that the space-derived data they depend on is safe and secure. The agency plays a central role in the market uptake of the data and services offered by the EU Space Programme components. EUSPA also manages the development of GOVSATCOM Hubs, which will provide secure, costefficient communication capabilities to security and safety-critical governmental missions, operations and infrastructure.
To mark its first anniversary, EUSPA reflects on its accomplishments thus far:
Two new trailblazing services underway: High Accuracy Service and Galileo OSNMA
The entry into service of a new Galileo satellite for additional accuracy to end-users
Publishing the EO and GNSS Market report, a comprehensive market intelligence study providing trends for the entrepreneurs and investors.
3.1 billion Galileo-enabled smartphones sold globally since 2016
“I am more than proud of what EUSPA has achieved in a year. I am also proud to be at the helm of an organisation staffed with dedicated professionals, with a service-oriented mindset who work to make EU Space accessible to citizens,’’ says Rodrigo da Costa, EUSPA Executive Director. “EUSPA remains committed to helping the Union and its citizens maximise the socio-economic benefits of space.”