Plans to harness Galileo and other satellite navigation systems for next generation satellite augmentation systems for aviation and other high performance uses took a significant step forward at the latest gathering of worldwide operators and experts, reported by the European Space Agency in mid-February.

Working group participants

Opening of the Working Group, New Delhi

Satellite augmentation systems combine additional ground stations and satellite transponders to sharpen navigation accuracy and reliability across given geographical regions – based on the US GPS for now, but with plans to move to a multi-constellation design additionally employing Europe’s Galileo, China’s Compass and Russia’s Glonass systems in the post-2020 era.

EGNOS sharpens GPS accuracy over Europe

GAGAN service coverage, India