Session P5: GNSS Systems Timing Architectures and Capabilities

With Galileo TSM and OSNMA, EUSPA Allows a Leap Forward for Timing and Sync Applications for GNSS
Valeria Catalano, Riccardo Nicole, EUSPA
Location: Seaview A/B

EUSPA, the EU Agency for the Space Programme, provides safe and secure European satellite navigation services, advances the commercialization of Galileo, EGNOS, and Copernicus data and services, engages in secure SATCOM, and operates the EU SST Front Desk. EUSPA is also responsible for accrediting the security of all EU Space Programme components. Being in in charge of the operations of Galileo, it provides state-of-the-art, safe and secure positioning, navigation and timing services based on the European satellite positioning system.
As of June 2024, the Galileo System Time (GST) offset data have been included by BIPM in their Circular-T GNSS section, thus marking a significant step forward for Galileo as an established and global source of access to accurate and trustworthy UTC.
In April 2024, EUSPA has made available the first operational status document (OSD) of the Time Service Message. The TSM will be transmitted within the navigation messages through the signal in space, and it will deliver to the user specific parameters for timing applications, generated by a dedicated service from Galileo, the Time Service Level Monitoring. Users will be able to retrieve through this service key parameters and indicators to get the best performances for their time relying applications and solutions. The TSM OSD has the main purpose to support the ongoing standardisation process of Timing receivers.
Furthermore, after the completion of early testing phase, EUSPA will soon declare operational the Galileo Open Service Navigation Message Authentication (OSNMA). OSNMA is an addition to Galileo Open Services which allow every user to authenticate the Galileo navigation message, making sure no false or modified message is degrading or nullifying the performances. This feature, unique to Galileo as far as an open positioning service is concerned, will assure to users of timing solutions relying on GNSS the highest robustness and reliability, allowing their safe use for critical applications.
This presentation will detail the concept and features of the above services and describe what Galileo is going to offer for timing and synchronisation applications.