Toulouse. 17 June 2018. More than 100 people are currently working within the EGNOS V3 phase B team following a sharp increase from mid 2017 linked to the award of the contract in January 2018. EGNOS consists of an extensive network of around 50 ground stations in Europe, Africa and North America, two main control centres near Rome and Madrid and a support centre for system operations in Toulouse. This expansion will continue as the program develops, and to address the various opportunities that are identified outside of Europe.
Therefore a new and modern, energy-efficient building for Ground Services is being built, equipped with the latest technology and with all the possibilities for worldwide networking. Special security areas will also enable the handling of classified data, linked to the Galileo PRS and associated security issues.
The expansion reflects the current and expected global growth in Space activities, notably in Navigation Ground Systems, and the new building will provide space for 500 employees.
By increasing its capacity in this sector, Airbus is also preparing for the future. Airbus is also participating in a follow-up tender for the European navigation system Galileo for the Ground Control System. With the capacity and know-how already available in connection with the new building, Airbus is able to react quickly to possible task extensions and is prepared for all decisions of the ESA and the EU with regard to this offer. In particular, offices and technical spaces are being deployed to receive the GCS Platform, as well as the development and test tools, in an “EU Classified” environment.
From its early days to the present, Airbus has been the prime contractor for the Galileo Ground Control Segment in the UK which provides dependable day-to-day control over all Galileo satellites in orbit. With its strong background in large ground segments for space systems, Airbus has comprehensive capability covering the complete life-cycle from development, deployment, operations, maintenance and evolution.
