SES and the European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) have announced an extension of the European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service (EGNOS) GEO-1 satellite service agreement through 2030, with an option to continue until 2032.
The agreement ensures that the maritime sector and other critical infrastructure will maintain access to positioning services from EGNOS, which functions as a Satellite-Based Augmentation System (SBAS) to improve the accuracy and reliability of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signals, such as GPS.
By correcting signal errors, the system provides accuracy within one to two metres. This improved precision can support better route planning and vessel navigation.
The service also recently integrated the EGNOS Safety of Life Assisted Service for Maritime Users (ESMAS), specifically designed to provide integrity alerts for vessels that comply with Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) standards.
The programme is currently transitioning toward EGNOS V3, which will augment both GPS and Galileo signals and feature enhanced protection against cyber threats.
Under the extended contract, SES will continue to operate an EGNOS hosted payload on its SES-5 satellite and manage the ground segment from its European facilities.
“This extension ensures a robust EGNOS space segment, ready for the transition towards its next version and the development of new services, while safeguarding high-precision navigation for aviation and other critical users across Europe,” said Rodrigo da Costa, EUSPA Executive Director.
