Space
European Microwave Signature Laboratory (EMSL) – JRC Ispra site (Italy)
Europe’s reliance on Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) is central to sectors such as transport, finance, and telecommunications. As space traffic increases and technological threats grow, the resilience of these services becomes ever more crucial. To safeguard its space infrastructure and foster future growth, the EU must embrace cross-border collaboration and adopt cutting-edge tools for space-based service protection.
The JRC, in close partnership with the Directorate- General for Defence Industry and Space (DG DEFIS) and the Agency for the EU Space Programme (EUSPA) and in collaboration with the European Space Agency (ESA), provides critical expertise and tools to bolster Europe’s space security. Together, they are ensuring Europe remains at the forefront of global space capabilities. The JRC tools and facilities will be brought together in the Space and Connectivity Living Lab to be launched in 2025.
foster future growth, the EU must embrace cross-border collaboration and adopt cutting-edge tools.To safeguard its space infrastructure and
The JRC has established the European Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) Testing and Demonstration Hub to advance satellite positioning, navigation, and timing technologies.
This network of state-of-the-art laboratories and testing facilities allows users to develop satellite-based equipment and navigation platforms that harness both current and future services from the Galileo and European Geostationary Navigation Overlay System (EGNOS) programmes.
An inventory of all available testing capabilities at the hub has been compiled through a cooperation agreement with DG DEFIS and EUSPA.
The Galileo Reference Antenna Pattern (GRAP) is a highly precise technical model developed by the JRC in collaboration with DG DEFIS and ESA. It provides detailed insights into the behaviour of Galileo satellite antennas.
This model helps to map and understand the signal patterns emitted by Galileo satellites, focusing on critical factors such as side lobes, which are essential for missions that rely on accurate and consistent signal reception beyond Earth’s atmosphere. Unlike broader initiatives aimed at improving satellite navigation resilience, this tool specifically targets optimising satellite operations in space.
By offering highly accurate data on antenna performance, it ensures that satellite-based missions whether for scientific research, navigation, or communications achieve superior precision in positioning and timing.
In response to increasing threats to satellite navigation services, the JRC is performing substantial work to assess Complementary Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (C-PNT) technologies. These systems act as a backup in case of disruptions, ensuring that essential infrastructure such as transport systems and communication networks remains operational. This is particularly critical for Member States looking to enhance the resilience of their national infrastructure in the face of outages or cyber threats.
By integrating these complementary technologies, Member States can safeguard vital services, protect economic stability, and ensure public safety. These innovations represent a significant step forward in securing Europe’s strategic autonomy and security in space.
The JRC is providing critical inputs to strengthen the resilience of Europe’s satellite navigation infrastructure. One of its initiatives focuses on refining the Interoperable Space Service Volume, which ensures that satellite signals are reliable for navigation in space. This is particularly important for high-demand users, such as satellites in low or highly elliptical orbits.
By addressing these unique challenges, the collaboration is not only improving the accuracy and dependability of satellite services but also preparing Europe for future space missions, including lunar exploration. The JRC’s efforts are key in enhancing the interoperability with other global systems like GPS, securing Europe’s competitive edge in space services.
To maintain leadership in space, the JRC and ESA are dedicated to training the next generation of space professionals. Initiatives such as the ESA-JRC International Summer School on GNSS equip graduate students, researchers, and young professionals with practical skills in satellite navigation. These itinerant programmes take place in different Member States, including past editions held in countries like Italy, Germany, and Czechia. In 2024, the programme was hosted in Slovenia, offering hands-on experience in cutting-edge GNSS technologies and covering both technical aspects and commercialisation strategies for space innovations.
By fostering young talents across the EU, this initiative ensures that Member States like Slovenia, Italy, and others in the GNSS community have the expertise needed to drive space innovation, keeping Europe competitive in the global space industry.
