Galileo signal accuracy measured

Their conclusions follow simultaneous tracking and analysis of signals from two orbiting Galileo test satellites in early July and then comparing them with corresponding ranging measurements taken from twelve GPS and two geo-stationary European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service (EGNOS) satellites. The team adds that the results should pave the way for development of advanced applications for Galileo in the field of combined positioning and timing calculations.

The results were obtained in close cooperation with representatives of Septentrio Satellite Navigation of Leuven, Belgium. Meanwhile, in the US, the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is to head international efforts to track the location of more than 40 orbiting navigation satellites. It says the project, the International Global Navigation Satellite Systems Service, will ensure continued accuracy of positioning data for navigation and commerce.

The project is based on a voluntary federation of more than 200 organisations that provide continuous global satellite tracking data. Orbital data from 10 analysis centres worldwide will also be included to ensure accuracy of GPS information. NOAA’s National Geodetic Survey (NGS) will act as Analysis Centre Co-ordinator for the next four years, monitoring satellites for GPS and Galileo as well as the Russian Glonass network which is expected to become fully operational early next year.