EC Details Key Applications for Space Industry

April 27, 2007 // Published as a news service by IHS

Navigation, timing, broadcasting, communication by satellite, earth observation for monitoring in case of natural disasters and humanitarian aid - these are only a few examples of the important benefits we owe to space applications. They are essential for the functioning and future development of a sustainable European economy as well as for the daily life of its citizens. Also, the European space industry plays a leading role in the worldwide commercial market of satellite manufacturing, launch services, and satellite operators.

European space industry
The space industry plays a crucial role in maintaining Europe's industrial and technological capability for transportation, communication, observation, security and defence. Satellite information provides critical information for the environment, weather forecasts, defence forces and synchronising financial markets. Therefore, many governments have invested heavily in space technologies and space systems.

World government expenditures for civil space programmes in 2006
European public sector investment in civil space amounts to about €6 billion, of which half is invested through the ESA; the balance is invested through national programmes.

Space and its applications comprise a €90 billion worldwide market that is growing at 7% per annum. In 2005, European space manufacturing industry turnover was €4,4 billion, with a workforce of 28,000.

Despite the relative low European investment in space, today's European space industry is highly competitive and secures 40% of world markets for manufacturing satellites, for launching them and for providing services by operating them.

Examples of satellite applications
The key to securing the maximum political, economic and social return from investment in space technologies lies in the development and exploitation of space applications.

1. Global monitoring for environment and security (GMES)
Natural and man-made catastrophes, climate change effects, coupled with increased security needs, have further reinforced the case for improved monitoring systems based on Earth observation.

Earth observation data are provided by satellites flying around our planet in combination with measuring instruments on the ground, floating on top of the sea, deep in the oceans or in the air.

GMES services will use Earth observation data to provide relevant information - for example, data concerning environmental pollution, floods, forest fires or earthquakes - and supply it in support of the needs of public policy makers and European Union (EU) citizens.

The GMES initiative will optimize the collection, exchange and use of data resulting from already existing Earth observation infrastructures and services, plus provide new solutions where gaps are identified.

GMES is an EU-led initiative, in which the EC is charged with identifying user needs and facilitating the development of services, while the ESA will manage the implementation of the space segment.

With GMES, fishermen will have information services at their disposal to guide them to where the catch is optimal. Such advanced systems for the monitoring vessels will also help fight illegal fishing and help with marine resource preservation. Similarly, farmers will have information services at their disposal to optimise the use of their land (precision farming). In addition, advanced systems for crop monitoring will help the agriculture industry and the environment join forces to control agro-environmental measures. Finally, rapid mapping and other specific services will help civil protection services in Europe and elsewhere to be better prepared for, and respond more effectively to, major crises, as well as to handle reconstruction needs.

For more information, see the GMES web site.

2. Satellite communications systems
Europe is home to three of the five largest satellite system operators in the world, providing telecommunications, television broadcasting, data and mobile services worldwide. The applications include:

• Distribution of television programmes, with some 3,000 channels now available from satellites run by European operators.
• Satellite-based private data networks, with satellite communications systems providing an essential complement to the basic microwave and cable public telephony and data network.
• Emergency situation communications, such as in floods and earthquakes, when the terrestrial network has been put out of action.
• Europe's armed forces and forces deployed on humanitarian or peace-keeping missions.

Satellite communications systems stimulate a range of industries, including:

• The manufacture of satellites and their associated launcher rockets, where European constructors are competitive in the world market.
• Major satellite operators as well as other smaller European operators.
• Manufacturers of small ground terminals, small home terminals and set-top boxes to link the satellite signal to television sets - many of these manufacturers are small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
• Television broadcasters and suppliers of television programmes and, through them, suppliers of studio, media and outside broadcast facilities.

European technical capabilities in satellite communications need to keep pace with global competition. Thus, the European space policy foresees continued development, both via EU mechanisms, such as the Seventh Programme of Research and Technology Development, and ESA telecommunications and technology programmes.

For more information, see the EU's Satellite Communications web site.

3. European satellite navigation system: GALILEO
Finding your way around a large building; monitoring animal transport; landing an aircraft with an accuracy of within two metres of the centre line of the runway; guiding blind people; driving at an appropriate speed for existing the road conditions; allowing near real-time reception of distress messages from anywhere on earth - these are only few examples of benefits to be brought by GALILEO.

GALILEO is a global navigation infrastructure that consists of a constellation of 30 satellites and associated ground infrastructure. It will broadcast a set of very high-quality timing signals used by a receiver to determine precisely its position, velocity and time.

The development and validation phase of this major European programme is jointly financed by the European Community and the ESA. A private consortium should then deploy the full constellation through a public-private partnership contract, and full service availability should be provided as of 2011 or 2012.

Applications span a large range of sectors - not only transport and communication, but also other markets such as land survey, agriculture, scientific research, tourism, energy distribution and banking systems. Individuals, companies and administrations will all be able to benefit, whether on the roads, on railways, in the skies or at sea.

For more information, see the GALILEO web site.

Source: European Commission.