EUSPA unveils integrated GNSS and secure SATCOM user technology update

EUSPA unveils integrated GNSS and secure SATCOM user technology update
by Erica Marchand
Paris, France (SPX) Feb 04, 2025

The European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) has released the very first GNSS and Secure SATCOM User Technology Report, offering a unified resource that addresses two central space-based capabilities.

This new publication builds upon earlier GNSS User Technology and Secure SATCOM Market and User Technology studies, presenting an extensive review of the most recent innovations 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.' said Rodrigo da Costa, EUSPA Executive Director."

Within the GNSS segment, the report highlights breakthroughs such as expanded use of multiple frequencies, advanced receiver designs, and enhanced security measures. These include Europe's Galileo features like the High Accuracy Service (HAS) and Open Service Navigation Message Authentication (OSNMA). The report also examines countermeasures against spoofing and jamming, including authentication methods, resilient hardware, and multi-sensor solutions.

Focusing on secure SATCOM, the report underscores a shift toward digitalization, AI integration, cloud-based environments, and 5G connectivity. It also points to the emergence of non-geostationary (NGSO) constellations, which reduce latency. Security remains a critical priority, centering on confidentiality, integrity, and maintaining service availability amid potential threats from malicious entities.

Further, the text describes how user terminals are evolving from hardware-intensive systems into software-based architectures, enabling flexible use of various constellations and frequencies while improving communication reliability.

An Editor's Special section explores potential overlaps among GNSS, secure SATCOM, and Earth Observation. Examples include relaying Earth Observation data through SATCOM, incorporating GNSS to guide mobile NGSO terminals, combining both GNSS and secure SATCOM for transport and emergency services, and supporting precision positioning in remote zones.

"'We are confident that this combined user technology report will inspire further innovation and collaboration, contributing.' added Costa."

The GNSS and Secure SATCOM User Technology Report can be downloaded here.