EGNOS Services Ensured Long Term, Thanks to SES-5 GEO Satellite
After extensive ground and space testing, the SES-5 GEO satellite has entered into the European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service (EGNOS) operational platform, broadcasting EGNOS Signal-In-Space (SIS), according to the European GNSS Agency (GSA).
SES-5 — which replaces Inmarsat-4F2 — will ensure reliable EGNOS services until 2026. It has been introduced through EGNOS System Release V241M, which will enable a range of performance improvements. In particular, EGNOS will offer even greater stability during periods of high ionospheric activity.
“SES-5 is the first step of the complete renewal of the EGNOS Space Segment, securing the EGNOS services for the next decade and the future transition to the dual-frequency multi-constellation services,” said Carlo des Dorides, GSA Executive Director. “It will be completed by the introduction of the ASTRA-5B signals and the procurement of a new EGNOS payload which are both planned for 2016.”
SES-5, carrying EGNOS L1 and L5 band payloads, was launched in July 2012. The integration of a second EGNOS SBAS L1/L5 band payload on SES ASTRA-5B GEO satellite is currently ongoing. The introduction of this second SES GEO satellite for EGNOS is planned at the end of 2016. SES won the contract following an open-tender procedure.
“SES is looking forward to many years of successful operation in delivering EGNOS services to the European citizens and beyond,” said Ferdinand Kayser, chief commercial officer at SES.
EGNOS is operated by the European Satellite Services Provider (ESSP), under contract by the GSA on behalf of the European Commission.
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