How the Galileo Satellite Technology Will Impact The EU’s Future Space Sector Successes?

The recent expansion of the EU Space Agency’s Galileo Satellite system, which has been further expanded by the successful launch of two new satellites within the current constellation setup, is great news for the EU’s wider space sector. The payload delivery of new satellites will further enhance the EU’s global navigation technology. According to the ESA, this expansion is not merely a technical update, but in reality a coherent strategic expansion that will fundamentally shift the European space sector from co-partner with US/Russian agencies to instead becoming a central power within the international space community. In this article, we will ruminate on how these developments will impact the wider EU space sector.

Technological Enhancements

The EU Space Agency¹ has announced that two new satellites will introduce new advanced payload technologies and stronger signal processing capabilities, a three-fold improvement on past signal processing abilities, all of which will help bolster signal accuracy and processing capabilities. This will, in turn, reduce structural susceptibilities to signal interference in the current system all of which will improve reliable data access for users worldwide. And finally, the inclusion of new atomic clock technologies will further enhance the satellite’s base data accuracy parameters. All of these technological improvements have also positively impacted the wider EU space sector with an increase in human capital, patented technological advancements, and intergovernmental capital investment matched by private capital.

Implications for the Space Industry in Europe

There has been a burgeoning growth in satellite payload and space-related technology companies being founded in the EU, Switzerland, and the UK. This expansion is partly due to the European Space Agency, and its partners, investing in new satellite technology platforms. However, there are new business opportunities available to the sector-at-large, and particularly a need for a real talent injection into the sector in terms of human capital resources. However, the Galileo system does require a definitive focus on geospatial investment in the region which will enhance capabilities within the Galileo constellation of the future – with the broader application of autonomous vehicular technologies, broader Internet of Things integration, and smart tech solutions that will help construct Europe’s technological future.

Policy Challenges and Technological Solutions

The road to launch was problematic, from both a policy and technological perspective. This was, in part, due to EU budgetary constraints – the post-Coronavirus EU-wide budget² that was passed in 2019, saw a 2.8 billion Euro cut to the overall budget. However, collaborating with the private sector in a more defined way has managed to offset the overarching budgetary cut – and in essence increase project spend by incorporating private capital. This policy shift also provided a utilitarian divergence in terms of technology utilised in the original plan – private sector collaboration allowed for a greater diffusion of technological cooperation and to help improve Galileo’s future within the international space sector.

Conclusion

The expeditious launch of Galileo’s two new satellites is a monumental moment in the global navigation system’s history and its wider utility. The improvements in service reliability and data accuracy will be enjoyed by hundreds of millions of people worldwide. But the greater success of this endeavour will be the public-private collaboration between the ESA and private sector organisations that will drive future success of the Galileo constellation. As the EU explores the future of its space enterprises from a political perspective with discussions around future project budgets, the success of current collaborative frameworks will help herald a new era of space technology success in Europe.