Galileo Open Service Navigation Message Authentication: Preparation Phase and Drivers for Future Service Provision

Abstract

While Galileo approaches Full Operational Capability and is close to completion of the deployed satellite constellation, a portfolio of new Galileo service features is under development and validation. The Galileo Open Service (OS) is planned to be enhanced with the provision of Navigation Message Authentication (NMA). In November 2020, the Galileo satellites started broadcasting OSNMA test data for an internal preparation phase of seven months duration. The objective of this test period was to determine and select the OSNMA test signal configuration for a subsequent ‘Public Observation phase.’ The paper presents the main outcomes of the preparation phase for a set of defined OSNMA performance parameters. Airbus is supporting the Galileo service provider, the European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA), both in Galileo service definition and in planning and execution of OSNMA test activities, which have been performed during this preparation phase.