An update of the Galileo OS SIS ICD has been published, introducing the new Quasi-Pilot signal component. This milestone represents a key step forward in Galileo’s evolution, bringing users faster performance and greater efficiency.
The European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA), together with the European Commission, have published an updated OS SIS ICD including the implementation of the Errata sheet.
The main scope of this update is the inclusion of the new Quasi-Pilot signal component, a new feature available free of charge to all Galileo Open Service users, representing a significant enhancement of the Galileo Open Service.
New Quasi Pilot signal component benefits
The new Quasi-Pilot signal improves the service performance, with the main objective of supporting a faster Time to First Fix. The Quasi-Pilot is designed to provide the following advantages:
Low complexity acquisition, typically reduced by a factor of 8.
Faster acquisition time, typically improved by a factor of 3.
Lower power consumption, enabling the use of low power receivers as a result of the optimized acquisition process.
Flexible exploitation of the signal features, allowing receivers to exploit the Quasi-Pilot component if desired.
The reduced complexity of the E5 Quasi-Pilot signal comes from the smaller code length and the lower chip rate. Shorter code decreases the number of hypotheses that must be assessed during acquisition, thus speeding up the process, while a lower chip rate reduces the memory needed to store the sampled input signals. The technical details about the signal are provided in the updated Galileo OS SIS ICD.
Deployment Plan on going
The Quasi-Pilot signal will be gradually introduced by reconfiguring a subset of Galileo FOC satellites. After a satellite has been reconfigured, the E5 Quasi-Pilot signal will be openly accessible to the Galileo users’ community. For more information about the reconfiguration status, please visit the dedicated Quasi-Pilot web portal.
Future developments
New and improved Quasi-Pilot signal components will be deployed in the future by Galileo (in E5 and in other bands), further improving the advantages and performance of the Galileo Open Service. More information about the future Quasi-Pilot signal components will be soon provided in a dedicated document that will be published to support Galileo users and receiver manufacturers, to provide early information on the planned G2G Quasi-Pilot signals ahead of their official release in a future update of the Galileo OS SIS ICD. It will allow receiver manufacturers to prepare their receivers with a clear understanding of the overall Galileo roadmap for the deployment of Quasi-Pilot signals, ensuring a smooth transition during their introduction and evolution.
Building on its commitment to continuous innovation, this technological advancement will enhance Galileo’s performance, providing faster, more efficient positioning and reinforcing the EU’s leadership in satellite navigation.
About Galileo
Galileo, the EU´s Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), provides improved navigation, positioning and timing information. More than 4 billion users are already benefitting from Galileo.
The Galileo Programme is owned by the EU. The European Commission, as the Programme Manager, oversees the implementation of all activities. EUSPA is responsible for the operational management of the services, ensuring that they are delivered with the defined performance and without interruption. Galileo's system design and system evolution are entrusted by EUSPA to ESA .
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