The Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) is of major importance not only for ESA, who has pioneered its introduction in Europe since the 90s, but for all European citizens and industry in all areas since it plays an essential role in our economy and daily lives. Using indoor or outdoor navigation, applications related to GNSS mainly focus on determining the global reference system position at any time around the globe in a fast, simple, and cost-effective way. Developing GNSS is fundamental since it has a sensitive and strategic nature. Its development is subjected to technological changes, political decisions, and market expectations. Satellite navigation has also evolved into the largest downstream market of space applications.

Galileo is currently the world’s most precise satellite navigation system, serving four billion users around the globe. It is a flagship programme of the EU Space Programme, managed and funded by the European Union, and since its inception, ESA has led the design and development of the space and ground systems, as well as the launch procurements. EUSPA (the EU Agency for the Space Programme) acts as the service provider of Galileo, overseeing the market and application needs and closing the loop with users.

ESA’s Directorate of Navigation oversees the system design and development of Galileo and EGNOS, Europe’s two satellite navigation systems, as well as its future development via the EU’s R&D Horizon Europe programme. In addition, ESA’s Directorate of Navigation is working to reinforce the future of satellite navigation via its programmes FutureNAV (GENESIS and LEO-PNT) and NAVISP (Navigation Innovation and Support programme).